Strengthening Your Client

How to build strong relationships with its customers? For many, connect with clients outside the office is as important as the work during working hours. This often takes the form of extensive dinner or late at night to eat and drink. However, as we move into the New Year holiday season weight and eating endless Christmas cookies, dining room rich with Clients May seem unappealing. However, just before the holidays I read an article in the New York Times provides an interesting alternative: Getting the client to the gym for networking and development. It was an unconventional choice, but one that could seriously strengthen their relationships with clients and their health.

Commercial developers, marketers and account managers interviewed in the article, all began to feel the same exhaustion with countless late nights and gentle networking parties and dinners. Trying to be a healthy activity with the clients as a replacement - to spin class to the early morning run - proved to have benefits beyond the exercise involves the following working day. One commercial developer emphasized that "the exercise reveals another side of you" in front of a client: indicates that you are willing to take on new, different, and intense challenges. A trader who switched from cycling dining with clients appreciate the regularity of weekly training, noting that it is able to meet frequently with clients in the gym than a dinner once a month. And, of course, no one will check your email or receive calls while working - allows the focus to remain on you and your client.

This type of network activity alternative gives you the opportunity to impress your client. This allows you the opportunity to stand out and show your creative side, as the dining and drinking is a normal and predictable way on the network. Also, you can adjust your training to fit your client's taste. For example, if your client likes to dance, sign up for a Zumba class. If the client is not a serious athlete, try something with a lower intensity as a yoga class. Customize your work will add a personal touch, and your client can recognize your effort and considerate gesture as a positive indicator of your business methods.

Of course, casual clothing is needed and expected in the gym. However, wear sweats and a T-shirt around the clients seem counter-intuitive. So how do you wear to a higher level when it comes out it becomes a business affair? The article briefly outlines the problem, but it is worth further discussion. First of all, wear your equipment of the highest quality work. This means well-fitting still modest athletic shirt and matching bike shorts, leggings or stretch pants of a solid color - and no old sweats or baggy oversized shirts. For men and women, such as trade or Lululemon Helly Hansen offer great opportunities for sports equipment that looks sharp and fits well. You can also find pre-and post-exercise acts as an appropriate or a zip-up sweater.

Plan for proper equipment and layout as well. Do not put perfume or cologne before exercise and for women, minimal makeup is the best - either opt for waterproof makeup that will not run when you sweat. Pack the essentials (water bottle, headband, towel, makeup bag, change of clothing and footwear) in an elegant gym or carry bag. Keeping your equipment neat and organized will make for a smooth transition from the gym to the office.

Although this form of networking may sound unusual, it is certainly gaining in popularity. Would you try to register their clients for a spin class or taking them on a morning run? What other ways do you network with clients? Exercise activity can help to strengthen their connections and build relationships with their customers - not to mention, allow you to keep your New Year's resolutions!

Diane Craig
Image and Etiquette Expert

Diane Craig, President of Corporate Class Inc., a leading image and etiquette consultant. For over 20 years she has provided corporate consulting, helping hundreds of men and women achieve their professional and personal goals. It is a sought after speaker at national business meetings, regularly gives comprehensive workshops to corporate groups, and offers private consultations on business etiquette, dress and dining