7 Surprising Things That Can Create a Bad Impression of Your Business

No matter how much passion you have to succeed or how much promise your products have, there are some pesky things you might not have given much thought about, that can create a bad first impression and put your business on the backfoot. Let’s take a look at some of them right now.

1. That Bermuda Triangle of an Office Building

First impressions are everything, right? Well, consider your office building the handshake of your business. If it looks like it’s been through a few too many storms or could double as a set for a post-apocalyptic movie, you might have a problem. Peeling paint, a jungle of unkempt shrubbery, and windows so dirty they’d make a great mystery novel are definite no-gos. Remember, charm is one thing; looking like you’re one strong wind from becoming debris is another. Get in touch with painting services, clear out the clutter and smart things up sharpish!

2. The Website from the Dial-Up Era

Nothing screams “I don’t care about my business” quite like a website that looks like it was built when the internet was still a toddler. If your site takes eons to load, navigates like a maze, and features graphics that are all pixel and no chic, it’s time for a makeover. Keep it sleek, fast, and functional. Oh, and make sure it doesn’t look like you’ve asked a preschooler for design tips—unless, of course, that’s your target demographic.

3. The Email Abyss

Ever sent an email only to have it disappear into the void, never to be seen or heard from again? That’s your potential clients when they try to contact your business only to get radio silence in return. Unanswered emails can make it seem like you’re either incredibly disorganized, or you’ve moved to a remote desert island. Set up an auto-responder if you need to, but let people know you exist and care!

4. Social Media Ghost Town

Here’s the scenario: a potential client finds your social media page, and their excitement builds. They click… and it’s a post from 2011 about an “exciting upcoming event.” Social media is your business’s ongoing conversation with the world. If you’re not keeping it updated, you’re telling the world you’ve checked out. Keep the content fresh and engaging—if not, you might as well hang a “Gone Fishin'” sign on your profile.

5. The Office Bermuda Shorts

Dress codes can be a delicate balance. Sure, you want to keep it professional, but if your employees look like they’re perpetually heading to a beach bar, you might be sending the wrong message. Encourage attire that says, “I’m here to work,” not “I’m here to work on my tan.”

6. Hold Music That Drives People Away

Ever been trapped on hold, forced to listen to what can only be described as a symphony of despair? Your hold music or message can say a lot about your business. If it’s overly long, excessively annoying, or just plain creepy, it might be time for an update. Keep it pleasant and considerate. Remember, it’s hold music, not hold torture.

7. The Perpetual “Under Construction” Sign

Last but not least, if your clients walk in and it looks like your office is always under some sort of construction—chaotic, disorganized, or just halfway done—it gives off a vibe of impermanence and unreliability. Aim for an environment that looks settled and prepared, not one that screams, “We might just pack up and leave overnight.”

Remember, the devil is so often found in the details!