Financial services professionals constantly look for ways to stand out among their competitors. Consider the following idea this Valentine’s Day to reach out to your clients. Some of your best clients are widows and widowers. What do these people not get anymore? Flowers and candy on Valentine’s Day. Make an impact – and do something really nice – this Valentine’s Day. Send something to these clients and show them someone cares. Will you get business or referrals from this? Maybe or maybe not, but do it anyway; it’s the right thing to do.

Good selling!

Yesterday I met Payce Reynolds on a flight to San Antonio.  Payce is a master salesman and successful former CEO in the utilities industry.  We discussed client entertainment, and he shared how  he hired a comedian for a client dinner to bus the tables along with the hotel staff.  Wow!  His clients laughed all evening, and have talked about it for years.

Too often we use client appreciation events as a way to sell.  If you call it a client appreciation event, then make it all about appreciating your clients.  Make it memorable.  Hire a comedian, or an improv artist.  Table magicians can add a touch of entertaining mystery to a dinner. If you have a more formal event, follow the lead of Bryan Godtland, an advisor who provided a string duet for the evening entertainment.  Of course, a world class professional speaker is always a good choice! (Hint, hint, hint!)

Be creative, be memorable, and truly entertain your clients.  Give them something to talk about.

Good selling!