Client entertaining - large businesses do it, should you?

Put simply yes. Whether you're a small or large enterprise, client entertaining is an effective marketing technique and if done well it can be a powerful tool.

A recent study quoted in The Times calculated that it costs between four to six times more to sell to a new customer than it does to an existing one. So, a little investment in your clients can go along way to strengthening your bottom line.

Yet as a small to medium sized business how can you afford to successfully entertain your clients without breaking the bank? The good news is there are a number of simple, yet memorable, and cost effective ways to entertain your clients.

Cost effective ideas with impact:

• Charter boat trips it could be a hands-on fishing trip, or a more relaxed harbour cruise
• Taking your client to a 'group' event an increasingly popular concept that allows you to entertain your client in style at a very reasonable rate
• Wine tasting or vineyard tours an interesting and very affordable day out with lots of 'conversation time', and ideal for building those one-on-one relationships
• Catered meals with a chef at your family home a surprisingly economic option, which gives a very real and intimate feel

Tony Crisp, Director, The Corporate Events Guide, has a wealth of experience in client entertaining as well as corporate events.

"There are a range of options for the smaller business; it depends on your aim and your type of client. It's good to have an ice breaker and it helps to have a focus away from the business where your client can relax and you can spend time building a good relationship."

Tony says, "We now put on events where clients can buy tickets, or a table. These events are extremely popular you can impress your client with a large event, three course meal, great entertainment and it works out about 30% cheaper."

"Charter boats are increasingly popular. It can be extremely cost effective to take half a dozen or even one client out for a harbour cruise."

"All businesses are becoming smarter about how they entertain clients and these events are a cost effective way to impress clients no matter what the size of the business", say Tony.

In today's competitive market, client entertaining can effectively assist with building relationships, reinforcing brand values, and acknowledge the loyalty of clients. And it doesn't need to break the bank.

For more information or client entertaining ideas go to

corporateeventsguide.co.nz