With the country opening up for the summer and families returning to vacations and sports and the things that kept everyone so busy before, it can be a challenge to engage with clients during this season. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to meaningfully remain part of their lives without being a nuisance. Check out these five ideas for summertime relationship building with your clients:
- Be More Active on Social Media
People are busy, but they can always see you while scrolling through their daily Twitter and Instagram feeds. Keep your marketing summer themed and casual, including sharing your office BBQs and staff vacation pics. Make sure to keep up with what your clients are sharing as well; a genuine comment on a photo and consistent likes are a good way to make a touch. Keep mental notes about what your clients have been up to so you can chat about it when you meet with them later.
- Change the Venue for Their Convenience
Because of busy schedules, it may seem insurmountable to a client to come into your office for a meeting. Remember that virtual meetings are still a good option, or you can offer to meet them on their turf. Ask if their preference would be meeting at their house, because you understand their time is valuable. This shows how you take them into consideration and will more likely lead to a meeting.
- Give a Friendly Ring
Just like someone choosing a silly beach book over tackling War and Peace for a summer read, it may not be best to focus on heavier financial topics for clients right now. Try just picking up the phone and calling a client for a chat to catch up on their summer plans and what’s going on with their families. Show your friendly side; it reminds people why they want you as part of their lives.
- Show Them Your Moves
Rather than wanting to read a newsletter, your clients may just want to be able to watch a video on their phones while relaxing. Consider videos as part of your ongoing marketing campaigns. Short livestreams or quick videos of you speaking on a particular topic for a couple of minutes are likely to engage your clients and let your energy get their attention even when you’re not there in person.
- Get Outside
Your clients aren’t the only ones loving the weather; you want to be out in it too. Great news—you and your clients can be out in the summertime outdoors together. Try outdoor events, like a BBQ or lunch meeting, where you can all appreciate the gorgeous weather. Taking it outside can put everyone in a better mood too, and the change of scenery can often get some creative juices flowing.
The main thing to keep in mind is that the way you engage your clients just isn’t going to look the same year-round. By figuring out the best way to adjust your business to the flow of your clients’ lives, you’ll position yourself to provide the best care and be there when they need you. Summer is busy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not full of great opportunities for you to stay in tune with your clients. What are the best ways you’ve found to keep in touch over the summer?