Entertaining your clients should involve more than just shouting a few rounds at the local pub. Smart businesses realize that impressive corporate entertainment raises their profile, consolidates existing business arrangements and provides a focus for future deals. So the careful choice of corporate events should be part of your overall hospitality strategy and not a spur of the moment decision, and the budget for this should be part of your overall marketing plan. And remember, you don’t have to go overboard expense-wise to impress, since some of the most memorable events cost the least to stage.
Try to understand your client’s tastes and relaxation modes. Just because you are a big Manchester United fan, it doesn’t mean your clients get a thrill by giving up their leisure time to see a football match. A wine tasting event in France or some other cultural event, for instance, might allow you to entertain a broader set of clients. Remember, the aim is to spend time with the people you are entertaining, not just occupy their time with the entertainment. For example, if people split up to cover different players of a golf tournament, you will have little opportunity to spend time with the right people. Be sure to select a participative event since there’s more opportunity for getting to know people in a communal environment.
Select your corporate event management company carefully. Naturally, you want to make sure your high profile event doesn’t become a high profile flop, so you need to let professionals handle the whole event from start to finish. Look for a corporate event management company with many years experience in the corporate entertainment business that will create a fun event using only the best activity providers in the business. The top corporate events specialists work only with people who have expert knowledge of their region and who offer unique itineraries.
As well as tailoring an event to your budget, you should aim to meet objectives based on the form of entertainment you are presenting. Make sure there is a quiet place for informal discussions so that you don’t get caught up in the post event euphoria before you have had a chance to present a proposal or talk business. While you are keen to impress your clients and win more business, you have to ensure that you don’t turn a corporate entertainment event into a hard-sell exercise.
Your successful corporate event will create an advantage for you over your competitors by giving your clients an unforgettable experience. The best corporate entertainment providers strive to have clients identify their high standards with your corporate philosophy, to strengthen your current and future business relationships. And by getting quality time with your clients you’ll find out how you can further help them meet their goals and how you can offer them a better service. Since people tend to remember those who look after them, it is important to ensure that your event goes off without a hitch and that everyone returns home having had a good time.