Prospecting – Entertaining Clients the Innovative Way

As we sally-forth into summer, the time has arrived to start thinking about furthering your relationship building activities with your high net worth clients. After all, there is no better way to sell to or strengthen the loyalty of your clients than indulging in a few summertime intimate events.A well organised, luxury event is the perfect way to get face-to-face with your clients in a relaxed atmosphere.

 

You can even use them to attract new business by asking existing clients to invite along carefully selected individuals. If you want to be remembered by your client and stand out from the crowd, try something unusual, be innovative.

 

This will set you apart from those who entertain their clients simply because they have to. That is not to say that you should embark on an extreme sports hospitality regime – bungee jumping, sky diving or zorbing aren’t for everyone. So how can this be achieved?

 

The answer is simple – value your clients and they will value you. Get to know them; listen to them. A simple comment made during a routine meeting could give you an insight into their hobbies and interests. Make a note of it – they will be very impressed when you entertain them in a way that is tailored to them.

 

Don’t make assumptions – not every male in the world loves football and not everyone has the same interests as you.

 

Entertaining a group of clients can prove tricky as not everyone will be interested in the same things. The best course of action in this situation is to opt for a programme of events. That way you are sure to find elements that will appeal to all. That way you are sure to find elements that will appeal to all. For example an evening at the theatre followed by dinner and perhaps winding down to a great band.

 

Whatever event you decide on you must ensure your clients receive five star treatment so here are a few pointers to make sure the evening runs smoothly and impresses:

 

1. You must choose the perfect activity for your client e.g. ballet, theatre, a musical or the opera?

 

2. Book tickets at least a month or two in advance, to ensure the best seats are available – private boxes, circle and stalls usually sell out first!

 

3. Make a restaurant reservation – note: some exclusive restaurants like The Ivy or Gordon Ramsay’s take reservations 3 to 6 months in advance

 

4. Phone the venue to ask what time the show finishes. Organise a chauffeur car to meet you afterwards

 

5. On the night, arrive first to buy the programme to avoid the queue, rush and crowd.

 

6. Before you take your seats, pre-order your interval champagne at the bar to avoid wasting time in the queue during the interval – agree with them exactly where they will put it, so that you can find it easily.

 

To recap then, the golden rules for entertaining your clients are be innovative, tailor the event to their interests (not yours), pay attention to detail and above all be the perfect host by ensuring all their needs are met.

 

Leave nothing to chance. By following these simple guide lines your clients will value you as much as you value them.

 

Kim RixFounder and CEO of The SaVVy Club®, London’s first boutique events club

 

For more information visit the savVy club at http://www.savvyclub.co.uk/contact Kim at kim@savvyclub.co.uk