Businesses are constantly growing and constantly changing in a myriad of different directions.  In today’s fast paced world, it is not uncommon to see a business change its entire image and focus overnight in an attempt to recreate itself (or its brand) so as to attract new and different customers.  The fact is, if you and your growing business are to succeed in this ultra competitive world, dominated by power conglomerates and established, household brand names, you are going to need to be willing to abandon everything you thought you knew one day – reevaluate your entire business platform, goals and objectives – and be able to reformat your company to serve whatever niche may need serving.

Such a process can be long and arduous.  Consequently, your flexibility and ability to think on your feet are important, but realistically, you cannot be expected to create and manage – and then, just as likely, reinvent and re-manage – all by your lonesome.  Having a trustworthy, supportive and responsible staff behind you is undoubtedly one of the most important things to ensure that your business remains healthy and alive.  Consider the burden of having to do everything yourself as your business grows and your responsibilities double.  No matter how intelligent, motivated and efficient you may be it is unrealistic to assume that you will be able to take care of everything that comes up without the help of at least a handful of employees.  Even the most protective of business men and women need to be willing to loosen their grip and let go, even just a little, and allow other, qualified professionals to provide routine assistance in a number of areas.

One of these areas, although often overlooked by some managers and business owners, is a receptionist.  Whether you like it or not, first impressions are extremely powerful and influencing.  The initial feelings a prospective client gets about you and your company will stay with him or her all throughout your negotiations, and could truly be the deciding factor when it comes down to whether or not you work together in the future.  Consequently, it is important that you find and hire a professional, world-class receptionist to act as an ambassador to your company.  No matter how smart you might be, and no matter how smoothly your business might run, if the first person to greet a potential client is not professional and polite you automatically have a strike against you before you have even opened up business negotiations.  Therefore, finding a receptionist who works to promote your business rather than detract from it is extremely important in the grand scheme of things.

First and foremost, when screening applicants for your open receptionist position, you must consider background and experience.  While many may assume that anybody off the street can answer phones and make coffee in the morning, there is a lot more to a receptionist’s job than those stereotypical tasks.  Essentially, a receptionist is your first line of defense and has his or her hands on almost everything that comes in and goes out of your office doors.  You need to make sure that you have an organized person who you can count on to be on top of all his or her tasks each and every day.  While you are running around trying to close deals and sign clients, you need to be able to rely on your receptionist to have your materials prepared when you need them, your schedule and calendar updated when you need them, manage your business phone equipment,  your voice mail messages laid out in an easy to understand way when you need them, and more.  The key takeaway here is that your receptionist needs to be organized to the point where you can count on him or her at any time during the day to assist you in any way you may see fit. With your job taking you in a dozen different directions all at the same time, it is vital that you equip yourself with somebody who can remain steady and stable while multi-tasking and keeping the office running smoothly.  Somebody with experience handling this type of fast paced workload would be far more prepared for the responsibilities they would be burdened with on day one of the job than somebody who has never before organized and help run an office.

After experience, a second trait that you should look for in a potential receptionist is the one detailed above: professionalism.  With many offices, the receptionist is often the first person that people talk to and see when they call or enter an office.  With potential clients calling and inquiring about your business, it would seem obvious that the person who answers the phone and speak with them needs to be a well informed, professionally mannered person.  However, there are a number of businesses that employ receptionists who keep the phone lines tied up with personal calls, and treat your clients as if they were unwanted soliciting salesmen.  You need to make sure that you have a receptionist who values your company, your product, and, maybe most importantly, you.  Do not make the fatal mistake of overlooking this trait when interviewing potential receptionists: having a respectful and professional receptionist will undoubtedly impress your clients and leave them with a better taste in their mouths, which can allow you to rest at ease knowing your receptionist is assisting you in the courting process, which will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the number of new clients you are able to sign and secure and consequently be a big boost in the overall growth and success of your business.

Experience and a professional attitude go a long way in business, no matter what position you are applying for.  Consequently, as the owner or manager of a business, they are qualities and characteristics that you should hold in high regard whenever trying to fill a position.  As receptionists are often the first people that new clients meet or speak to when they are inquiring about potential business deals, it is vital that you fill your vacant front desk seat with somebody who can carry your company as it if were his or her own.  Believe it or not, a quality receptionist can make all the difference in today’s business world.