How to Make the Best First Impression


It's amazing how small changes can make huge differences to how people perceive you, at home or your place of business. Maybe it's worthwhile standing back and taking a hard, critical look at your premises or even asking someone else to point out what could be changed. Sometimes shabby is chic - sometimes its just shabby!

Photo by Steffen B. on Unsplash

Sometimes it's silly things like the location of your bins. We recently moved ours so they couldn't easily be seen by people coming to our front door but today I noticed that they are the first thing to catch my eye when I pull onto my driveway in the car! The search for the perfect location continues.

Paintwork is another thing that can let down the overall look of a place. Whether it just needs a good wash down or a fresh coat of paint, fixing dusty, dirty painted areas can make a place look much smarter. Clean windows also help!

This is especially important if you have a business. Next time you walk past your local small stores take a proper look. I've certainly been put off using takeout restaurants which look grubby and unloved outside - it makes you think that maybe the kitchen might not be clean. If you want your business to look professional it's no good having a smart receptionist if the front door is crumbling and grubby.

When I was house hunting many years ago I always made sure to look up and down as well as all around. How about if visitors to your home or business are doing the same? It's worth keeping hard floors clean and polished, rugs vacuumed and finding the right decorative ceiling tiles will benefit your business or home.  Flooring and ceilings can make a huge impact on your home so make sure both are clean and well maintained.

While you are looking up, make sure all your light bulbs work properly - missing or flickering lights are really off-putting. Clean or replace dusty shades and maintain any plants- a dead plant is incredibly off-putting at home or in an office. If you don't have green fingers but like the look of plants, invest in some good quality artificial plants - these are particularly suitable for areas without much natural light or are draughty. Check out Pinterest for some great inspiration.

I am paranoid about odour and regularly open windows and used odour-killing products to make sure my home smells fresh, especially since we have pets. Take the trash out regularly and make sure any soft accessories like throws and cushion covers are regularly washed. Sweep regularly outside your door, pick up any litter which might have blown there and consider adding a cute planter or pretty seasonal wreath.

It might feel awkward asking someone else to rate your home or business but better to know and fix issues then have friends or customers talking behind your back.