3 Practical Ideas to Charm New and Old Business Clients
Forming relationships is at the heart of any successful business. Unsurprisingly, it demands thought and commitment. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to find clients, you need ways to cast a lasting impression.
The need to go the extra mile applies also to established firms seeking clients. Letting your work speak for itself may not be enough when the business landscape is this crowded.
Here are three uncomplicated ways to woo a business client or partner by showing them you care.
#1 Use Impressive Communication That Isn’t Try-Hard
A few elements of business communication almost regularly backfire. Constant follow-up calls, reply-alls in email chains, and overusing industry jargon during meetings top the list. Acting too familiar to the point of being unprofessional is yet another pain point. However, interaction done right is a fantastic way to impress clients.
A new Forbes Advisor survey on workplace communication has stark findings on modern business and digital tools. Do you usually talk to your clients via email or chat applications? You run the risk of misunderstood tone and contorted meaning. Scheduling regular phone calls and in-person meetings can limit this problem.
Being on time is another must in contemporary business. It means replying to messages and returning calls pronto. The Forbes survey found that 46% of people feel stressed when the recipients ignore their messages for too long. Everyone’s time is precious, and your clients deserve to feel valued.
Some entrepreneurs find it beneficial to send customized messages and notes to surprise their clients. You don’t want to hover, but thoughtful gestures will likely get appreciated. Think flowers on their birthday or a coffee as a pick-me-up.
Don’t miss sending a thank-you note after any business meeting. It can also include action points for the coming weeks. While it may seem more relevant to a new firm, seasoned businesses practice this too. It cements a communication channel and lets people know you value associating with them.
#2 Ensure Smooth and Stylish Travel to Your Office
Business people frequently use travel time to strategize and reflect on important decisions. A frazzled trip from the airport to your office might predispose them to view your company negatively.
Many American cities suffer from traffic congestion, which leads to delays and missed appointments. Statista reports Los Angeles as the most congested city in North America in 2023. Hubs like New York and Chicago are also prone to the problem. For example, you can expect up to 38% longer travel time in Chicago when compared to uncongested traffic.
You can manage this situation by hiring a dependable car service for your corporate visitors. A trusted car service in Chicago, IL will help them travel comfortably in a luxurious car, under the guidance of an expert chauffeur well-aware of optimal routes. It is a thoughtful way to simplify things for your business clients. Plus, it can make all the difference to their mood.
You can also recruit a professional transport provider for business conventions and conferences. Eminent Limo notes the importance of accommodating contingencies like rescheduled flights and offering coverage for different city airports. It frees up mental space to focus on core decisions, like signing the dotted line for a fresh alliance.
Should You Host Business Meetings Outside the Office?
More entrepreneurs now choose neutral locations for holding meetings. Many American cities boast Michelin Star restaurants and offer interactive culinary activities. These can be great for building relationships – depending on your budget. A unique space can fuel new ideas while keeping everyone on equal footing.
Crain’s Chicago Business highlights how the city has emerged as a hotspot for business events due to its diverse scenery, food, and culture. So, if your meeting is near the Gold Coast, your clients can explore the city to their heart’s content. Consider booking transport for the entire day for an intimate touring experience.
#3 Ready the Office, Even if it’s Just Your Kitchen
Here’s a cliche: your office affects the clientele you will build. But cliches do exist for a reason.
Your business may not have a grand office with pool tables and industrial-grade coffee machines. But you must prepare your place for client visits, even if the meeting spot is your home office. In fact, many potential clients will appreciate your effort at branding and cohesion, although you’re only starting.
It should begin with preparing your employees for the meeting, starting with the receptionist (or the first point of contact). You want a clean and decluttered place that radiates the vibe of your product or service. Let’s be honest: stock-photo office designs with inspirational quotes are not the best idea.
As long as you are subtle, you can use office design that doubles up as conversation starters. So, if you run a design consultancy, why not consider imbibing Feng Shui principles?
Better Homes & Gardens recommends avoiding fire elements like candles or red decorative items. These can trigger stress and burnout. Careful aesthetic choices can be rewarding for people in creative businesses like illustration.
Home office visits can be quiet and productive. The ground rule is you must organize chores, childcare, and other daily commitments. Most of us also appreciate refreshments when we attend business meetings. You don’t need a three-course lunch. Adequate caffeine and fuss-free food like sandwiches should suffice.
Increasing competition has made it harder to find clients and keep the ones you’ve bagged. Countless options exist for everything: advertising, digital marketing, financial advice, or dog grooming. Persevering to impress your clients will reverberate across the board, from the company’s reputation to its bottom line.