Have you ever encountered a group of clients who wants to visit your office before closing any business deals? Company visits are not an unusual scenario; however, in reality, it can be a nerve-wracking experience because you have to go out of your way to impress them before earning a big “yes”. Do not worry because here are some tips to make a lasting and positive impression.
Promote a positive and welcoming environment
Make sure that all employees are well-trained on how to handle all types of company visitors. This is necessary even if they are not going to be directly involved in doing business with potential clients. Being friendly, accommodating, and making small talk and eye contact can go a long way in impressing your clients.
If the opportunity presents itself, then it is also an excellent idea to schedule employees in a face to face meeting with clients. It is the perfect time for them to get to know each side better making it easier for the client to decide if they trust your company and employees enough to build a lasting business partnership.
Make them comfortable at all times
If you are planning to take them on an extensive tour of your company, make sure that you have brand-new golf cart batteries installed in their carts, to ensure that they will not experience any discomfort while touring your entire facility. Most clients would like to be pampered in every sense, so make sure that they will not get tired at the end of the day.
Serve refreshments and good food
During client visits, most of their time is spent inside boardrooms for meetings. Make sure that coffee, tea, juice and other forms of refreshments are always available. It is also a good idea to anticipate sessions to last longer by ordering light and healthy snacks such as sandwiches and fresh fruit. You may also have their lunch catered inside the boardroom. Doing this will also make your clients feel that they are well taken care of.
Make sure that the entire office is clean and presentable
When a client walks inside your office, they must immediately have a positive impression of the workplace. The whole office should look impressive by making sure that the carpets are fresh smelling, the walls are newly painted, and the employee workstations are well maintained. The maintenance supervisor should be informed about the upcoming client visit a few weeks in advance, so they have more than enough time to prepare.
Remind employees that they should keep their bags and personal stuff inside their lockers or desks. Some clients are meticulous about what they see, so it is better to be on the safe side.
For bonus points take your clients out for a special dinner and take them to local tourist spots. Show them how much you appreciate their presence by preparing small gifts and mementos that they can take home to their family. Thank them for having made the time to visit your company.