Big firms can afford to have a person sit at the front door and greet people. They have enough traffic that it makes sense to devote a person to that task.
Smaller firms, however, really need to have the front door managed by someone that is doing something else. There just isn’t enough greeting going on to justify a full-time position in the lobby.
We solve the problem in our office by putting the receptionist behind a glass window like they have in most doctor offices. She’s in a private area where she can talk on the phone without being overheard and can do other things involving confidential documents. Dealing with people coming and going is only a small part of her job.
I’ve recently come across another idea for managing this issue.
You’re going to hate it. Your going to feel about it the same way you felt about replacing the receptionist with an automated call handling system.
It’s Olivia Greets.
They sell a virtual receptionist that meets and greets your guests, opens the door if you wish and provides notice that a guest has arrived.
They have a cool video demo you can watch.
Sure, you hate it. But, I suspect something like it will become more and more common, especially in small offices.
My question for you is are you going to be first or are you going to be last? Those that do it first will get attention for being techno-savvy and progressive. Those that move last will be known as laggards and dinosaurs.
This could be your chance to jump to the head of the pack.
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Lee Rosen has practiced family law for more than twenty years. With three offices, 