Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ. For He is going to say, "I came as a guest, and you received me." Saint Benedict
When we receive guests on our campus it is crucial that we try to touch them in 7 ways. If we are successful at this then these guests will want to return.
1. Stand up whenever you meet or greet someone. This allows you to engage the person eye to eye and sends a message that you value this person.
2. Smile. Look as if you are pleased to meet the other person even if you are having a bad day. Your facial expression and body language convey more than your words.
3. Make eye contact. Looking at the people you meet says you are focused and interested in them. If you are staring off somewhere else or glancing around the room, you give the appearance of looking for someone more interesting or important to come along.
4. Introduce yourself immediately. As soon as you approach people you don't know or a stranger approaches you offer your name and say something about yourself. Don't stand around as if someone else is in charge of introductions. Learn how to make introductions smoothly and professionally. Always introduce lower ranking people to higher-ranking people. To do this say the name of the more important person first, followed by the words "I'd like to introduce..." and then give the other person's name. Be sure to add something about each person so they will know why they are being introduced and will have some information with which to start a conversation.
5. Offer a firm handshake. Extend your hand as you give your greeting and introduction. The person who puts a hand out first comes across as confident and at ease. Make sure that this physical part of your greeting is professional. Avoid those bone-crushing grips or wimpy limp-wristed shakes.
6. Do something extra to make guests feel special, i.e. answer questions they may have and if you don't know the answer escort them to an information center or a staff member so that they can have their questions answered. If they don't know where to go escort them to worship or a classroom as needed. If you see the guest(s)departing, invite them back.
7. Pay attention to names when you meet people. It is all too common to be thinking about what clever thing you are going to say next and forget to focus on the other person’s name. If you concentrate and repeat the name as soon as you hear it, you stand a better chance of remembering it later. How impressive is that?
Source: http://top7business.com/?id=5616
