Entertaining Clients

Entertaining Clients


Why has golf become the golden standard for entertaining clients? The fact is that many of us struggle to find time for it and even more of us struggle to play a good game.

Golf is a client-friendly activity because it is a slow game -- unlike the breakneck pace of so many other sports. It does not leave you exhausted and gives you plenty of time to talk about business. The game is also exclusive in that top golf clubs often require special memberships.

What other activities are relaxing, afford you extended face time and allow you to flatter your clients? To answer these questions, here is a list of alternative client-friendly activities.
Boating excursion
If you can charter a yacht or rent a small boat, a boating excursion is a relaxing way to get out of the daily grind. Nature and the hypnotizing effect of the waves often have a way of soothing the spirits and provide an excellent opportunity to get to know your client.

Depending on your budget, you can go for a luxury vessel or a standard power boat, both of which have their pros and cons.

A yacht provides a more comfortable experience and a great opportunity for lengthy talks; however, it often costs a lot more and is only worthwhile for a full-day trip. The power boat may not be as luxurious, but it is smaller and more intimate, and you can take it out only for a couple of hours if you don’t have a full day to spare.

Like golf, your boating excursion may be affected by the weather, so proper planning is necessary. You might also want to make sure that your client doesn’t get seasick easily.
Exclusive event
Impress your client with dinner at an exclusive restaurant or a night out at a special event.

Wining and dining seems to be the second most popular activity to do with clients -- probably because it is the easiest -- but it can be ineffective if the client is unimpressed with the venue. Therefore, make the extra effort to find a special place to dine.

Many people are die-hard sports fans and will jump at the opportunity to go to a major sports game. If you land good tickets or your company has a private box, this can be the ideal way to woo your client.

Unfortunately, this has also been done a lot, but if the tickets are exclusive, your client will likely be impressed. Just don’t overdo it: If you spend money like water, your client will wonder whether he is paying you too much.

Other events could include gallery showings, special cocktail gatherings or even a night out at a private club.

Relaxing retreat
Take time out to unwind and loosen up with a trip to the spa. Enjoy a dip in the water and some time in the sauna. This is an opportunity to slow down from the normal hectic pace of work life.

If your client has never tried foot reflexology, this could be an opportunity to introduce him to something new, especially if he is weary from a long trip out to visit you. Foot reflexology involves the massaging of different parts of your feet. For first-timers, the feeling is usually awkward at first, but it quickly becomes very relaxing and provides a great venue for lengthy, informal discussions.

Unlike a full body massage, foot reflexology allows you to continue your face-to-face discussions as you each relax in your own recliner. Also, you just have to roll up your pants; that way, you can avoid the awkwardness of hanging out in a robe with your client.

Be careful to scope out the place beforehand to make sure that is suited to an upscale or business clientele.
Driving range
The poor cousin of golf is the driving range. If you lack the time to play at least nine holes of golf, you can bring your client out to a driving range to work on his swing. While not as prestigious as the real thing, if you are located in the heart of the city, this might be your only chance to seduce a real golf lover.

Taking someone to the driving range is advantageous because the amount of time you spend there is very flexible. You can go during the day or the evening, even for just an hour or two if you wish. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to your client in an offbeat, relaxed environment.
Bowling
If your client is sending a whole team down, you must find a way to entertain them all in an environment that is conducive to both one-on-one and group discussions. Bowling is a wonderful activity for that; mix the teams up between your group and your client’s in order to build a sense of camaraderie.

Between turns, discreetly pull one or two people away to talk business. While bowling affords you the time and opportunity for a number of quick one-on-one chitchats, it is probably not the ideal activity for more serious and lengthy discussions.
making business fun
There are numerous activities you can do with clients, but the key to finding the best ones remains the same: Know your audience.

Each client has different interests, so make sure to choose something that fits each person’s personality. Also, be careful to pick activities that allow for a lot of face-to-face time, and avoid those in which you might be competing with someone else for your client’s attention.