NOVEMBER 17, 2017

 

Finding new and unique ways to entertain clients or prospective clients can be challenging.

 

Relationship development can be a key driver for new business and/or clients to many small businesses. The catch is that networking events can tend to feel a bit ‘been there, done that.’ So how can you spice up your relationship building techniques to stay memorable to prospective clients? Here are a few creative practices our team utilizes.

 

Spice up an event with an activity!

 

Our annual Gift Wrapping event provides our team the opportunity to connect with our clients in a different environment. We provide all the wrapping materials they could ever need, so they are able to check wrapping their holiday gifts off their to-do list.

 

Gerber’s goal is to help entrepreneurs lead more productive lives, and this is one simple way we can help! We invite everyone in to our space and provide the supplies they need to finish up their holiday wrapping, all while enjoying a social night out. Double whammy.

 

Yes, we all want to “network,” but let’s not call it that.

 

Entrepreneurs don’t need another sales person trying to pitch another product/service they “need.” Entrepreneurs want to build relationships. As a result, our team provides an outlet for entrepreneurs to do just that. We created what we call the Discovery event series that positions valuable content as the event driver, with peer-to-peer collaboration and connections to fellow business owners as an added bonus.

 

Exploring beyond your run-of-the-mill “business” topics, our goal is to hit the pain points of each business owner, and provide a guide to help improve their personal or business lives. Think personal topics such as “One-pan Cooking Options for the Busy Business Owner” and business conversations such as “Identifying the Best Hire for the Best Value” and the integration of the two with “Communicating with your Non-Entrepreneurial Spouse Couples Workshop.”

 

Playing on the interests of your audience is a fun and unique way to engage with your audience.

 

If golfing is a fan favorite, set up a golf outing for a group of prospects and your team. We have experimented with local concerts and sporting events that leave a lasting impression on our clients and new relationships. Challenge yourself to think outside the box!

 

How does this make sense for my business?

 

“A concert sounds great, but all I see are dollar signs flying out the window,” – says the business owner.

 

Yes, before engaging in a large contract with your local baseball team (or other large entertaining investment) try to figure out how these activities make sense for your business. Step one is identifying your goal. Is it number of new clients, aligning strategic partners for a referral relationship, brand awareness?

 

Step two is ensuring you are setting your team up for success. Prepare your team members with the proper elevator speech, provide informational handouts to attendees to help facilitate conversations, or present a PowerPoint of who you are and what you do.

Happy networking!

What are some unique tools you have used to entertain clients? Share your experience with us on the Gerber Facebook page!