Four Alternatives to Client Dinners That Are Bound to Impress
If your clients are tired of being dragged to mundane dinner reservations, it’s time to switch up your meeting place. Whether you’re maintaining a client relationship or trying to start a new one, taking them to the same steakhouse as everyone else in town isn’t going to win you any originality points. Instead, try one of these spots that allow you to both engage in conversation and show that your company has a winning personality.
Treat Them to a Spa Day
Spas can be the perfect place to get your client in a relaxed mood and open to new ideas. Book some massages or facials at a place that also has semi-private seating. After your client has been pampered by the spa’s staff, hang out in the spa’s lounge or cafe to look over numbers or discuss your company’s services. Your client will remember that you know how to go the extra mile for their comfort.
Bring Them to an Art Show
If you’re in a creative field like graphic design or marketing, snag some spots at a gallery or museum’s latest show and bring your clients along. If it’s an opening, there’s often wine and hors-d’oeuvres perfect for letting your client munch their way to a happy and receptive mood. Plus, you can show that your taste and style are sophisticated enough to pull of your client’s next big creative project. Scope out the venue ahead of time to make sure there’s some space to sit and talk, or head to a café after the show to chat about what’s next.
Grab Some Tapas at an Outdoor Food Festival
Food festivals provide a great outing for a client with whom you’re already very comfortable. It lets you ditch the suits and have fun trying new foods and getting fresh air. While there’s less space for one-on-one conversation, the casual vibe of a food festival means you’re more likely to have an informal discussion about what a client really wants from their relationship with your business. Just keep your ears open for when your client lets loose important information between bites.
Solve Some Mysteries Together
If you really want to show off your critical thinking skills, grab some tickets and treat your client to an interactive theater show. You can try mystery dinner theater where you figure out “whodunnit” over your favorite fine dining, or go to one of the more adventurous performances that allow you to walk around a house or hotel and piece together the story from scenes in different “rooms.” You’re bound to bond with your client as you both think on your feet. Just make sure to grab a glass of bubbly afterwards to celebrate your success – and talk about your latest bid!
While some of these ideas will be a bit too unorthodox for more traditional clients, they’re perfect for clients who are looking for something new. Try a few out and watch how your approach to client relationships change.