It’s easy to confuse the way to a customer’s heart with the way to their wallet. When navigating the political minefield of today’s corporate world, it can be difficult to build healthy relationships with the people you work with.
Did you do enough to satisfy them? Do you do a lot? Did your email find them really well?
The truth is, business relationships that stand the test of time are built on what we do every day: creating real human connections with—you guessed it—real human beings.
So, if you are keen on working towards common goals rather than trying to outdo each other, you are in the right place. These are the top three recommendations for client courtship strategies that will help build productive business relationships.
1. Host a killer luncheon meeting
Whether you’re meeting new clients, colleagues, or a C-suite, hosting a dressy luncheon meeting is a great way to break the ice in a corporate environment.
Outside of the boardroom or Zoom call, this is a prime opportunity to openly discuss new campaigns, collaboration or retail opportunities. It may sound informal, however Nothing on the table during a business lunch Except for dishes that contain a lot of garlic.
In fact, the food you eat matters. Ideally, you’ll need something to support it without disrupting the flow of productive discussions. If you are hosting the meal, Pasta missionaries We recommend that you “prioritize foods that are easy to eat and reduce the need for utensils or foods that don’t make a mess.” Simple crowd pleasers such as sandwiches, wraps, pasta, or salads are best suited, as they “allow your guests to focus on the discussion without worrying about spills or complicated dining etiquette.”
Remember, the healthiest working relationships are built on good looks and cooperation, not all efforts to impress everyone. Nine times out of ten, lobster and caviar dishes are best left for another day.
2. Exchange of customer testimonials
When you are still in the wooing phase of getting to know your clients, social proof is everything. This is due to a simple fact – humans like the things other humans like.
According to the Decision Tester, this is known as wagon effect, referring to “our habit of adopting certain behaviors or beliefs because many people do the same thing”. So, when your customers see how popular you are with the other businesses you partner with, they’ll be confident that you’ll do good things for them, too.
This is especially important for clients who work in the same niche. For example, if you work with a fintech team, showing relevant testimonials from your other fintech accounts will boost your credibility.
To that end, consider taking advantage of various platforms to spread the word about your good work. In addition to talking directly to your customers to get feedback, social media experts from Ripple I recommend collecting reviews from channels such as:
- howling
- TripAdvisor
- Angies List
- Pilot confidence
- Google My Business
Then, once you’ve handed in your testimonials, share the cream of the crop on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to keep your customers in the loop. This way, you will start off on the right foot with the people who will one day write you these reviews.
3. Send thoughtful corporate gifts
We’ve talked a lot about the importance of building real relationships with your customers, rather than incurring them unnecessary expenses. Therefore, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest that you send them a gift in the post. However, a well-thought-out gift can help show your appreciation and commitment for a favor without appearing superficially generous.
To make a good corporate gift, you’ll need to do a little market research – but we’re sure you’re familiar with that. If you’re sending something to an entire team, scout their social media for clues about shared interests or elements of company culture that you can play with your present. For example, file B-corp certified A company that emphasizes its environmental stewardship might appreciate sustainable stationery or décor supplies or memberships for eco-friendly subscription services. Suitcase Mag has rounded up some of their best picks here.
Instead, you might choose something that enhances your brand association. This can help create a positive perception of your brand and remind customers what sets you apart from your competition. For example, an innovative technology company might send a useful tool it produces to help with office work. A gift of this nature will provide utility but also highlight the uniqueness of their products – for example, a smart notepad or an under-desk exercise machine.
Over time, your customers will see you as an integral part of their team – not a separate entity they can lose. A successful flirtation will support your business, make collaboration easier, and build real relationships from which everyone benefits. Who says being a “corporate” has to be hard?
