Landing a business deal requires a lot of hard work and dedication. There’ll be late nights spent researching competitors, extra hours putting together PowerPoint presentations, and a constant stream of emails pinging into your inbox in the weeks surrounding your pitch meeting.
However, one of the most important aspects of getting a potential client or investor to agree to a deal is building a relationship with them and making them feel valued. In today’s competitive market, a basket of muffins and a business card isn’t going to cut it. If you want to stay ahead of the curve you’ve got to think outside the box when it comes to your interactions with your prospects.
Let’s explore a few unique tactics for securing a business deal.
Take them on a golfing trip
Treating potential clients/investors to an activity will make them feel appreciated and could make it easier to build a relationship with them. Encouraging a situation where the topic of business isn’t the main focus will help your prospects feel more comfortable and relaxed in your presence and therefore more likely to agree to a working partnership.
There’s no need for you or your potential clients/investors to be experienced golfers, as there are plenty of suppliers which offer golf drivers for sale or for rental.
Invite them out for a meal
The best way to make a good impression on a potential client/investor is to make them feel appreciated from the beginning. Inviting them out to have dinner with you will not only make them feel valued but it will also give you the chance to get to know them, which will be instrumental in building a successful business relationship.
Ensure you choose a restaurant you know well, so you’ll feel confident the food and service are up to scratch and be able to focus on getting to know your dinner guests and building the rapport you need to secure the deal.
Meet face-to-face
Making the effort to meet your potential clients/investors in person will go a long way to showing them you value them and you’re serious about building a solid working relationship. Meeting in person will also allow you to communicate more easily than you would in a conference call or over Zoom.
Always ensure you travel to meet your prospective clients/investors – never expect them to come to you. Making the time and effort to travel to them will again demonstrate your commitment to your relationship with them and make them feel valued and appreciated.
