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29 Jul 2020
Due to a global halt of large events, engaging with clients has become a bit more challenging. The hospitality industry traditionally relies on client entertainment through sporting events, concerts, and other in-person events. Unfortunately, live events are now limited; but this has led to an opportunity to be a little more creative in maintaining those relationships. So how do you build relationships without hosting clients in your suite? Here are ways that industry professionals have found creative solutions to this dilemma.
Client Care Packages
Now is a good time to be more creative and send client care packages that contain chocolate, wine, or personal gifts. An even better gift you can send could be a small trinket that will remind them of your business. This trinket could be a keychain with your logo or a personalized coffee mug, for example. Try to connect and understand your customer and their life outside work. Think about what they would enjoy having mailed to them in a “COVID care package”.
Virtual Gatherings
This is a great time to refocus from external events to internal. For instance, you can get clients to connect over zoom meetings or “parties”. One idea is to do a Virtual Happy Hour, where you send out the cocktail mixes for everyone to make the drink at home and discuss any company or industry updates. It can be a one-hour zoom call that helps everyone stay engaged and top of mind. Themed content can be a unique solution to the mundane email updates that everyone is receiving.
Digital Campaigns
Speaking of email updates, if email is going to be your main strategy for staying connected, try launching a special digital campaign. This campaign can feature client and Covid-19 alerts and updates as it pertains to your business. You want the information to be helpful, but with a different angle so you stand out from the other emails being sent out. Personalize the message and make it specific to your business. Let your clients know you are there to assist and that you have big plans on the horizon.
The most important idea is finding intentionality on retaining clients. Make sure they are still participating. Remember, any information that you can provide to your clients will be helpful. Your clients want to stay updated, so keep them engaged and make it entertaining and memorable. view this challenging time as an opportunity to setup for a successful 2021.