We’ve all heard the infamous saying that first impressions are everything, we refer to this saying in multiple aspects of our life; social, career even materialistic objects, or places.  Let’s apply this expression to your business, more importantly your conference room.  So what kind of impression does your conference room make?  Is it the kind that gives your customers the impression you are cutting edge, or the kind that makes your customers question whether or not your business is up to date?

Here are five signs it’s time to make a better impression, and upgrade your conference room;

• Do you use a projector screen? What kind of condition is it in?  Are there holes, is it yellowed and wrinkled?  The old screen can get the job done, but it doesn’t leave a positive lasting impression with a customer.  Try upgrading to a large flat screen display, 55-80” with VGA and digital video inputs.  Not only will it be better quality but the screen ratio will work more cohesively with presentations that have a 16:9 aspect ratio.  Trying to display this type of screen ratio on a square projection screen doesn’t fit, can be skewed and just doesn’t leave a good impression.
• Do you have one microphone in your conference room? While on an audio or video call do you sit comfortably in your chair speaking and collaborating with colleagues, or do you huddle around one microphone exhaustively trying to speak to the other party.  If you are the latter of the two, it’s time to make a better impression.  Newer systems allow for ceiling and table mounted microphones that make communication easier and clearer.
• Do you have cheap computer speakers sitting on the conference room table for audio? If yes, it’s probably doesn’t make the best first impression.  There’s nothing better than opening a meeting with a corporate video inclusive of great music, with a good audio system that truly immerses the customer into the presentation.  Speakers can easily be installed in the ceiling for optimum sound; in addition it removes clutter from the conference room table, and provides for a cleaner more professional looking conference room.
• Do you have the capability to make a video call? If yes are using a reliable service?  The adoption of video conferencing has seen a significant increase over the years; it went from being a high end application to being deployed in businesses of all sizes all over the world.  Be ready with a professional system that has the reliability and flexibility to integrate with consumer based applications such as Skype or Google Hangouts.  The realized travel savings has made video conferencing very popular, in order to close that deal you might need to be ready with the right technology, be ready to make a good impression.
• Do you have visible wires running throughout your conference room? If yes, it might be time to upgrade your equipment.  Simply upgrading the equipment would reduce the need for wires as new equipment has fewer connections therefore fewer wires.  A cleaner conference room, one with advanced equipment is one that will leave an outstanding impression on your visitors.