The state of the office

I walked into a lawyers office last week......and walked right out. The lawyer came recommended but being in the first impression business I made an executive decision not to give them any. Why - because of the state of the office. The reception looked like hurricanes Katrina, Charlie and Hugo had passed through. Piles of dusty files, stools balancing on magazines, walls that looked like a squash court, beaten up furniture...you get the picture. Whether you are in a gleaming new building on Upper Hill or in Shankardass House in downtown Nairobi - all companies should make some effort in presenting an appealing visual image of the office especially the reception area. Make sure that this area portrays a professional environment i.e. is not cluttered with papers or files. Scuffed walls, battered tables, worn out seats do not give a good impression and visitors are likely to think sloppy look, sloppy work. Here's another tip for the lawyer who may or may not be reading this...invest in a quality tea set and cups rather than proffering a chipped mug with Christmas Santa’s all over it.