Partner Article

The value of corporate hospitality

With Mark Lavender, sales director at CCS

In today’s world of the internet and email, it is true that far less business is done face to face. As a company that connects businesses via mobile technology we are acutely aware of this fact and because of this, we do meet up with clients on a regular basis.

These meetings don’t just take place in the boardroom either. Sometimes they take place on the golf course or perhaps in a box at a football ground or even at the theatre. I am, of course, talking corporate entertainment. As an industry it’s perhaps taken a bit of a nose-dive lately with the recession but alot of companies, although toning down their activity a tad, still see the value in it.

So what is the value? For us, spending a day with clients out of the workplace helps us to really get to know them as people and this in turn makes for a better relationship. And of course, it can be a great way to seal a new deal or woo a potential client.

The best corporate hospitality isn’t just about lavishing any old entertainment on them either. The most successful way forward is to centre it around the clients themselves – make it special. No point in dragging them around the fairway because you like golf, if they don’t.

My top tip for a successful day or evening out is do your research. Find out what your client or even prospective client likes and tailor the package accordingly. There are so many options out there these days – like interactive experiences that offer the services of a professional. It is these kind of experiences that your customers are going to enjoy and remember for a long time to come.

We’ve had so much success over the past 20 years using corporate entertainment to build relationships and connect with clients, that we are now offering new customers the opportunity to do the same. Anyone who signs up with us before April 31st will be eligible for a corporate entertainment package to do with as they please. Anyone for golf…football…spot of culture?

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .