A true professional without a professional office?

When you think about it, if somebody told you they were a professional and then they let you into a scruffy, disorganised office, it is highly likely that you would start to doubt their level of professionalism.  In order to make sure that people understand and believe that you are a professional, then it is important to ensure that your office holds this image up as well.

For instance, cramming tiny office desks into a little room so there’s barely enough room to swing a cat does not give a good impression.  Make sure office desks are large enough to hold both a computer and necessary paperwork without it looking too untidy.  If your staff has no choice but to leave stacks of paperwork in between their office desks, this leaves a bad impression.  Invest in a few filing cabinets, cupboards or shelves and the office will suddenly look a lot neater. Ensure you use them properly so that you can lay your hands on paperwork when you need it.  There is nothing worse than hearing a company say that they cannot find what they need.

The reception area can be small but must be welcoming and comfortable.  It only takes a low table and a couple of chairs to complete the image.  Sometimes there is no need to refurbish the whole office but simply to tidy it up with a few filing cabinets and perhaps purchase one or two choice pieces of office furniture.  The cost will soon be covered by the increase in business and productivity.