As a receptionist, it is your responsibility to keep your working environment tidy. It is nigh on impossible to work in an organised fashion if you are surrounded by notes, memos, dirty cups, biscuit packets and half-completed paperwork. Not only that, it looks unprofessional. The desk should really only serve to house essential equipment. There needs to be enough space for both yourself and the clients to carry out any written transactions comfortably. It is common sense that food and drink should be kept out of the way, as anyone who has ever spilt hot chocolate on a keyboard, diary and client's handbag simultaneously will vouch!

Storage areas for leaflets, product supplies and stationery should be close by. The reception desk is often the first place a client will look, and it is therefore an ideal place to display a few selected products and related literature, providing that this does not compromise your space. Perhaps if you are running a promotion, you could use this area to advertise details and display samples and vouchers.

If you are lucky enough to have room, jars of free treats for cats and dogs go down a storm. Only offer products that you recommend and sell in the surgery otherwise the marketing opportunity will be wasted. To save money, why not make up your own individual packs of catnip decanted from a bulk supply into small grip-seal bags? You can easily generate stickers in Microsoft Word with the name of the practice, a cute cat image and some wording such as "A present for your cat with the compliments of your vet". The same can be done with dog biscuits for your canine customers. Clients adore these. If treats are offered from a small jar on reception, clients are usually not too greedy, and don't try to abscond with the lot!