Building your business doesn’t always have to take place within the confines of your office. Take advantage of warmer weather and head out into the community to thank the various people who contribute to your practice.
Using creativity in these activities will not only demonstrate your gratitude but also motivate your clients, COIs and team members to stay in your corner and continue their support.
Rosemary Smyth, founder of Victoria-based Rosemary Smyth & Associates, offers the following ways to connect with the people who are important to your practice:
> Wow your clients
The warmer weather inspires outdoor activities that would make great social outings for you and your top clients. It’s an opportunity to have one-on-one time for some of your most important clients in a less formal setting than your office. But for this strategy to work, you must know your clients well.
Says Smyth: “It takes a while to be creative and know the person and their interests.”
So, when your clients tell you about their plans for the summer, make note of the activities they mention. The client who beams when she talks about her garden would probably enjoy an afternoon at a local flower show while the one enjoys fast cars could appreciate attending an auto race.
> Woo centres of influence
Remember that you’re not the only one whose schedule has become less hectic. The professionals in your network are most likely experiencing a decrease in their day-to-day workload as well. Now is a good time to thank your centres of influence (COIs) and share details on how each other’s business is developing.
You can even combine the outing into one that includes both a COI and a client. If, for example, you know that your accountant and a top client are avid golfers, arrange nine holes of golf and lunch for the three of you.
> Motivate your team
Mix business and pleasure with a team retreat away from the office. A new setting may inspire more creative brainstorming on how everyone can improve client service, incorporate new ideas and continue to grow the business. Communicating with each other will be easier without having to worry about answering phones and responding to emails.
If the goal is to work, have an agenda to help everyone stay on track. For example, if you plan to come up with new ideas for your communications strategy, list some key tasks to accomplish within each category. Tasks might include brainstorming new blog topics and discussing ways to freshen up your newsletter.
You might also consider having a retreat solely to thank everyone for their efforts. Leave the work in the office, have team members bring their immediate families and enjoy the weather!
This is the second instalment in a three-part series on using the summer more effectively.
Next: Developing a client strategy.