entertaining clients

Entertain Clients

How to entertain clients

The ability to entertain clients is one of the best skills to have in any corporate setting. If you impress your clients, it means repeat business and other perks down the road. The trick to entertaining clients is to find out what they enjoy doing and make sure that they have a good time while in your company. With some preparation, you can have a lot of fun entertaining clients.

Instructions

1.Feed them. Taking clients out to a nice dinner is a basic and expected part of entertaining. A nice meal sets the stage for great conversations and potential business deals. Find out if they have any dietary restrictions before making reservations, to ensure that they will have a good time.

2.Take them to a sporting event. Depending on where you live, you could entertain your clients with a round or two of golf, or by getting them courtside seats at an NBA basketball game.

3.Show them around your city. It's disappointing when you take a business trip to another city and don't have a chance to take in some of the local flavor. So entertain your clients by taking them to the best local restaurant or even to the lake for a casual dinner under the stars.

4. Think outside the box. If you take the time to get to know your clients, you may be able to come up with some creative ways to entertain them. They may love to go skydiving, go snorkeling or attend a rock concert if they're the adventurous types.

Preparation for Entertaining Clients over Meals

Business meals, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, are essentially business meetings. The added element of entertaining your client over food means that you not only have to be well-informed about your products and services, but also need to exhibit good social skills.

If you aren’t sure how to handle yourself in these situations, you can create an unfavorable impressions that could lost your client relationship. Here are few tips on how to be ready to put both you and your guest at ease and allow you to have an enjoyable time while accomplishing your professional goals.

First impressions are important! Always keep your car clean inside and out, filled with plenty of gas when your are entertaining clients.

If your car is not in good order then rent a car for this period. Be sure to get out and open doors for your clients to make them feel respected. Choose the restaurant thoughtfully. You may ask the client before you dine about their favorite kind of food so the best restaurant may be selected. Entertain your clients at familiar places. Don’t take chances with the quality of the food or the service. Go where you know that the atmosphere is helpful to conducting business. When location is an issue, choose a spot that is convenient for your guest.

Invite your client well in advance. Confirm the time and place on the day of event. If the invitation is for breakfast, call the afternoon before. There are few things more embarrassing than showing up on the wrong day or at the wrong place.

Be clear that you are the host and will be paying for the meal. Arrange ahead of time to have server bring you the bill.

If you combine your social skills with your business expertise, you will definitely impress your clients and win your competition.