Receiving Corps

Yesterday was National Receptionist Day.  Many see this as just another "Hallmark" occasion as the card maker grasps at straws to find any reason to get you to buy another card from them.  However it does represent a chance to argue in favor of a strong receptionist.  While it's a job that often is just filled by the nearest person who can answer a phone and jot down a message, companies should think twice before treating it so flippantly. There are many very good receptionists and many folks might not think too much about what kind of qualities that person needs to have but, that's part of the problem.  Some folks would be quick to judge and think that anyone can do that job.  So you answer the phone and take messages, what's so hard about that.  They actually have a point, there's nothing difficult about it, but the true skill is how you handle that job.  The receptionist is the company's first chance to make an impression on a potential client.  That first impression can carry great weight and a bad receptionist or miserable one can have you in a hole before you even talk to a potential client for the first time.  A nice voice, a sunny disposition, a calm and understanding tone can all add a great dimension to a company.  That client may never even come back if their call is dropped or their message misplaced or messed up in some other fashion.  It all sounds so small and petty but if you look after the small stuff, the big stuff does take care of itself.  A well paid and well rested receptionist, happy in their job and treated with the respect they deserve can pay off in huge dividends.  I recently called a doctor's office and was greeted by the friendliest and kindest voice.  I set up my appointment with that person and got off the phone and already felt more comfortable going to that doctor.  I had not even met the doctor and I'm pretty sure the receptionist wouldn't be working on me but, that first impression made me feel better and more at ease.  That is huge.  We've all run into the receptionist from hell, the one who sounds like your phone call to their company has somehow disturbed her afternoon slumber.  Right away you're put off and it's hard for the company to overcome that.  It's a thankless job and likely a job that leaves some feeling unfulfilled but, that's because no one is reminding them and remarking to them that they are the companies voice when people call.  A corporation can spend tons of money on logo's and advertising and reaching out and then they go minimum wage on the nearest kid who can work a headset and have literally thrown all of that effort away.  The amount of money spent having a professional "voice" reading their commercials and then they cheap out and when those commercials work, the potential client calls the company and gets bummed by a receptionist that could care less that they called.  The receptionist is the unsung hero of the office.  They're our representative when the public calls and we'd all do well to remember that.  Forget National Receptionist Day, because a day is not enough.  These folks should be treated with the respect their deserve.  They're our voice on the front line, so let's keep them smiling. Until We Type Again, Take It Ease !