Everybody loves a party. Or a free meal. You can use this to your advantage. At the university, we threw a couple barbeques every summer. We’d invite all our current clients a couple weeks in advance. Then we’d buy some burgers, hot dogs and soda and set up shop at a nearby park. The benefits were plenty:
1. Touch base with clients.
See how they’re doing. Remind them of their future appointments. Overall, just hang with them. Great rapport opportunity.
2. Get the word on the no-shows.
Because we were working with people from the street, they seemed to know each other or knew of each other. Plus, many were inclined to talk about what was happening on the street, so we always listened for the status of other clients. Barbeques presented a perfect opportunity for this to happen. Remember, word will spread about the party on the street too.
3. Give your staff a day in the sun.
You’re not only building rapport with clients, but the same goes for your staff. Hanging out in the sun, eating some food and listening to music sounds pretty good to a lot of people.
So throw a party! You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.
