Every day that you’re in business, whether you are conscious of doing it or not, you are putting your company’s image out into the marketplace.

At Office Without Walls, we always ask our clients, “How do your customers see you?” Sometimes it’s easy to overlook important details in each of our businesses—not because we don’t care—but because we are so close to our own organization that we tend to see things differently than our customers might.

Take 20 minutes out of your day—today—and step out of your regular role in your organization. Try to “see” your company as if you have never been a part of it before. What does your company look like to someone who doesn’t already know you or know about you? How do new customers really “see” you? Take these few important minutes and look at your company from your customer’s perspective.

What does a new customer hear when he/she calls your office? What words are used? Do the words sound inviting and confident (or condescending and rushed)? What does your calling card look like? Can a new contact actually reach you on the first try with it? When was the last time your most important client got something in the mail from you, other than a bill? Is your telephone number prominent on your Web site’s home page? Why not? How do your customers see you?

Even more in today’s marketplace, companies are having to set themselves apart by looking the part of a successful customer-focused organization. Your image tells your story. The best part of all is that you get to decide how your customers see you.

If you did my little 20-minute image exercise and found some concerns, give me a call and I will be happy to share some proven ideas with you. I promise your secrets are safe with me. You can also reach me by sending an e-mail to francie@officewithoutwalls.com.

I invite you to read our latest issue of The Writing on the Wall, a regular publication of Office Without Walls. In this issue we explore many image- related topics, including “Image: Bringing It All Together.” We are proud of what we do, because each day we help our clients with their successes by helping them look the part. If you have missed any of our previous issues, be sure to check them out at www.officewithoutwalls.com.

Sincerely,
Francie Carney

Your company’s image is what makes people think of you. Consistency is key. When someone sees your logo and your special way of presenting your company’s colors, it says something to them. The more consistent the impressions you put out there, the more solid your image becomes. When it comes to image, attention to detail is important. The little things do matter.

By making a conscience effort to bring all of your puzzle pieces together, you give your company the greatest advantage—familiarity. When a customer receives something from you, they should immediately know it is from you—just from the look of it. Familiarity brings acceptance rather than reluctance, and acceptance brings business.

The bottom line is that your image is important and it doesn’t take any more effort to make sure it is consistent. Call us today to touch up your image pieces and bring them all together.