Bert,
One additional observation which seems a bit dichotomous, but I think has a universal theme, is often the lowest paid employee is the one that can hurt or help one's business the most, and that employee is the receptionist. If I call my dentist's office and am greeted warmly, and am recognized and feel wanted, and my needs are met quickly and efficiently, I am impressed and whether it is true or not then make the association my dentist knows how to run his business. If the opposite scenario unfolds, and it may be superficial on my part, I start to wonder about other aspects of his dental skills.
So even though the receptionist is usually the lowest paid employee, it has been my experience that position is the one that should be most scrutinized because it is the one that displays your professional persona to the public. Now I am being pedantic
I swear I will never use that awful word again.
