After an hour's drive to Olney Ale House in Montgomery County to meet family for lunch yesterday, we soon regretted our choice of meeting place.
My husband and I had been looking forward to visiting with our daughter, in town from Texas for just two days, as we enjoyed drinks and appetizers pending the arrival of three others in our family. In spite of the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty, the manager instructed a hostess not to seat us until everyone else arrived. We explained that we wanted to order right away, but she was adamant that we must wait in the cold and drafty entryway until the entire party was present.
Apparently she never learned that "You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression."
I had expected to write a glowing restaurant review in my Maryland Real Estate Blog about lunch in this (formerly) friendly restaurant, with its cozy decor and excellent food. Unfortunately, that first impression was so unpleasant, there was no chance we would leave with a positive feeling about Olney Ale House.
It's hard for me to experience something like this without thinking of the opportunities I have to create a good first impression on potential customers - or not. For example, the first phone conversation with a prospect, the homepage of my website and blog, our first meeting in person, or even the welcome by a duty agent who greets my customers and clients when they arrive at my office, similar to the manager greeting us when we arrived at the restaurant.
All the good food, good ale, good decor, and good business practices of Olney Ale House over several decades went down the tubes for us as a result of our first impression yesterday. If nothing else, I hope I learned (or remembered) something from this experience that will help me avoid making a similar mistake in real estate. I'd like any review of my business to read "Margaret Woda - Fabulous!"
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If you're looking for a warm welcome at a dining establishment in the area, as well as good food, check out these Restaurants and Carryouts in Anne Arundel County, where schools are great, homes are more affordable, and taxes are lower. Click on any restuarants that have a link to read their reviews.
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