How to entertain clients in style
One of the KPIs in my first job with private wealth industry was the use of my expense account and how effective we were in wining and dining our clients. While this may be old school yet the clear business objective is to build stronger relationships and grow the deal books. More importantly, no matter how busy, people always need to eat. It is not the menu but whether you are appetising enough that clients want to spend time with you.
Even in the new world of buzz and hustle of the new economy, we need a fresh update of entertaining HNW clients for business: Intimate, Curated & Entertaining (I.C.E).
INTIMATE
While we live in a more digital world of Apps, Video Conferencing & Technology, it cannot replace the real physical world. The virtual world has its attractions yet limited since as human, we still need air, sunshine, and to connect on a social and physical level.
It is a passe when you have a few hundred or thousand people in a conference or exhibition, collecting name cards and thinking that you can build meaningful connections. The new buzz is INTIMATE, getting real and close to people who matter in a small group to experience something new, personal & fun.
Event + Emotion = Experience (memorable experiences instead of boring events)
CURATED
The fact that people who are rich and famous get a lot of invitations. If what you are organising does not stand out even at the invitation card, then the chance of getting into their calendar is slim.
While Singapore and Asian in general are not so strict with protocol, I always encourage to organise with more attention to details.
Perfect in planning interesting conversations, sitting arrangements and creating an impression pre & post event is the making of a great client experience. One thing which we don't do enough is to facilitate personal introductions which is connecting people to people, not Facebook but Face2Face style.
ENTERTAINING
One of the passage of life is attending wedding dinners. I have done my fair share which I am waiting to get out before the dinner starts. The safe and routine of Chinese wedding dinner are my bane as we mostly turn up for courtesy. Yet for those who we are celebrating the most important day of their life (I hope), it is always a nerve wrecking exercise.
However, few make a point to make this very important dinner entertaining enough to be memorable. While I digress, my point is life is too short and as I grow older, it is so very key that we bring back fun, entertaining into our life.
So I choose to attend and organise only I.C.E. events because if it is worth doing then it must be done well & right. If it is not enjoyable then it probably a waste of time & money too.......