One of the best open houses that I’ve ever attended was hosted years ago by my colleague, friend, and attorney, Rebecca Covell in Dallas, Texas.  It was a class act from beginning to end. She had thought of everything, made everyone feel welcome, and managed to introduce her guests to each other all while showing off her own legal practice.

I’ve attended quite a few open houses since then and I can tell you that I’ve been to some amazing ones  . . . and I’ve been to some lousy ones that should have embarrassed the hosts. If you are looking for a terrific way to introduce or re-introduce you and your office as a resource in your community, hosting a memorable open house can work really well.  Here’s some things to consider . . . .

Send Invitations Out Early – In today’s busy world, many professionals book out weeks ahead of time so I recommend that you send your invitations out 4-6 weeks early if you really want people to come.  Ask for, but don’t expect to receive, RSVPs one week prior to the event.

Clean Up – This is not the time to sweep the dust under the rug.  Consider hiring professional housekeeping to come in and clean your office – baseboards need dusting, windows need washing, mirrors and bathrooms need to sparkle.  Whether you hire this out or do it yourself, you’ll want your office to look fresh and inviting!

Spruce Up – Inside and out you will want to take inventory of what needs sprucing up and attend to it before your open house.  Is there painting to be done?  Woodwork that may need repairs?  Dripping faucets or hinges that need to be fixed?  Do the shrubs need trimming up or do the weeds need pulling?

The Sound of Music – Sounds matter.  You may use a DVD player, a pianist, or a small trio of musicians.  Whichever you choose, make sure that you have soft and flowing music that is conducive to helping folks mingle.  What you don’t want is music jamming so loud that people have to shout.  Nor do you want to be playing music that offends certain groups.

Scent Sensitive – Consider the odors that are present in your office space.  I’ve been to offices that smell like old garbage and I’ve been to those that smell like a garden.  Burning a candle or two in a neutral scent can add to the ambience that you are trying to set.  (Vanilla, by the way, is the most popular scent in the USA.)  However, you also need to consider if you have scent-sensitive individuals that may be attending.  If that is the case, then you may need to forego the candles.  Just remember that  it needs to smell pleasant when they walk in the door!

Parking Issues – Don’t forget to consider where your guests will park.  If you share a parking lot with other tenants, take the time to inform them of your plans, invite them to your open house, and ask them for permission to pack the parking lot with your guests’ cars.  If you only have access to street parking, check in with your local law enforcement to let them know of your open house.  Find out if they have any concerns about such an event.  And, invite them to your open house, too!  If you believe that you are going to have enough guests to create a traffic jam or hazard, you should consider hiring an off duty police officer to direct traffic.  Valet parking may also be an option for you to consider.  In any case, make sure that your guests know before they arrive where they can park their cars.  (Put the info in the invitation.)

And, Don’t Forget the Food! – Yes, I said food!  Free food brings out the crowds and a crowd is what you are angling for!  Better yet, make it free and memorable food!  This is your opportunity to show your colleagues that you are different.  Find a caterer (or head to the local deli) that can provide finger foods to WOW your guests.  There’s no reason that beverages need to include alcohol but I have attended some open houses that did provide an open bar.  The point is not to feed them a full meal and get them drunk.  Appetizers and a choice of beverage is sufficient to make your guests feel cared for and special.

Next Thursday, I’ll let you know how to put the finishing touches on your open house!