You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
You know how important it is to have your center “tour ready” when parents come for an enrollment visit. However, in addition to the impression your prospects get of the facility, the impression they get of you will influence what kind of leadership they perceive exists in your school. How you look, how you greet them, how you engage, the questions you ask, the knowledge you impart are just a few of the elements of beginning to build a relationship that makes them feel confident and comfortable. Your professional appearance, and that of key staff members, sets a first impression you can control. Elevate yours during center visits with a few simple techniques like these…
- Keep a dark blazer handy. A nice blazer professionalizes your appearance, even if you find you are putting it on over a t-shirt and nice jeans. If your teachers have a branded shirt, that is ideal. If not, let them know that part of being your marketing partners is not only knowing when prospects will be visiting their classrooms, but looking like professional educators as much as possible during those tours.
- Add a pretty scarf. I recommend you just leave one in your office, so you can put it on at a moment’s notice. This, too, can boost your professional appearance, especially when it’s on top of a jacket, duster, dressy shirt, or nice sweater.
- Always wear lipstick. My mother used to remind my sisters and me how a touch of lipstick is a good way to elevate your appearance. Keep a tube of a muted color of lipstick in your desk drawer for easy quick application just before that prospective family walks in.
Try these easy techniques to look professional for your visiting families. Other good times to use them are when enrolled families are arriving for drop off and when they return to pick up their children. You will have them in awe of how you can manage a busy school and still look like the professional leader you are!
