HEAT UP THE SLOW MONTHS WITH A ‘WOW!’
A little customer appreciation can go a long way — after all, everyone likes to be treated well by the people they do business with. But if your appreciation stops at holiday cards and birthday offers, you might be missing the mark. Summer tends to be the slow season, so take the extra time to plan a new way to show customers you care.
• Plan an adults-only scavenger hunt. Include local landmarks, offer prizes, and provide grown-up beverages afterward to make the event really memorable.
• Throw a block party. This one requires some planning, but if you pull it off, your clients will talk about it until next summer!
HOST A SUMMER EVENT
DELIVER ONE BIG ‘WOW’
There’s no need to plan a black-tie gala. Summer is the season of relaxation, so keep it low-key, and let your clients know they are welcome to bring their friends and family. Here are a few fun ideas to consider:
Social media makes it pretty easy to keep up with everyone’s lives, so look for an opportunity to make a great impression on one customer. Maybe a client is expecting their first grandchild. Could they use a new stroller? Is a wedding anniversary coming up? Who wouldn’t love a limo ride and dinner at the nicest restaurant in the city? Go a bit over the top! People love to share stories on social media about the cool, unexpected things businesses do. Wouldn’t you like to go viral for a good reason?
• Host a barbecue at the office or local park. Make sure you have the proper permits first.
• Book a movie theater, and show the latest blockbuster. (We hear “Avengers: Infinity War” is pretty awesome.)
BUY LOCAL WHEN YOU’RE ABROAD
The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. But we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel. Many Americans spring for all-inclusive packages when planning their next summer vacation, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting.
strike up a friendly conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives.
ART
Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home. Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond the hotel lobby. Why have a cheeseburger from a fast-food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations, and the locally owned restaurant is sure to appreciate your business! FOOD
MEMORIES
Just as your town probably has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Anyone can get a gift shop bauble that was mass-produced somewhere else. Take the time to peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel. It can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region!
Treasured memories are the best souvenir you can bring home from any vacation. So you owe it to yourself to get out and explore!
PEOPLE
While you’re out sampling local restaurants and exploring local markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to
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