Whether it’s business or church, first impressions count. According to this post from “Fast Company,” a business magazine, big-time law firms and other major companies have figured out that their best strategies for success start right at the front door with the receptionist.

We in the church business can learn tons from the business world in this area of making a great first impression.

When an inquirer comes to your parish office during the week to ask, “How do I become Catholic?” what kind of response and treatment do they get? Does your parish receptionist know what to do? Are they made to feel comfortable and welcomed? Are they introduced immediately to someone on staff who welcomes them warmly? Or are they given an impersonal brochure and told to come back in September?

Read the “Fast Company” post, and see what your parish can do to improve its Ministry of First Impressions.