Hosting a Client from Out of Town


Part of good business is building great relationships with your clients. If you want to make the best deals for your company or retain your customers, you need to put the work in. While working on customer service and training your employees on how to manage client relationships is all-important, occasionally you might have to raise the bar. Hosting clients from out of town who have come to meet you on business is one such instance. They must be comfortable and know that they’re appreciated and respected. Here are some great tips on how to be a successful host for your visiting client.

Introduce Yourself

Make sure your client knows who you are/who is picking them up from the airport/station. It’s easy to get lost in a crowd, especially during peak travel times, so making sure that they have a face to put to a name is key. Consider taking a sign with their name on it to make yourself stand out and so they can find you easily.

Pick Them Up on Time!

Punctuality is everything – don’t be late to meet your client at the airport or train station! You should be standing there waiting for them as they walk out of the arrival’s door. To make sure you’re there on time, always check the traffic reports before you leave and pre-book your parking spot to save time when you get to the airport. You can do this on Parkon.com, and they cover airports all over the United States.

Find the Best Accommodation

If your client is going to stay for a night or a few days, make sure you find them quality accommodation. They must be comfortable and feel taken care of, and your choice of hotel or apartment will also reflect your status as a company. You don’t have to put them up in a 5-star hotel, but make sure it’s clean, in a good location, and has decent facilities/amenities.

Plan Some Entertainment

Part of wooing clients is showing them a good time, it shouldn’t always be strictly business. While you should maintain a professional attitude at all times, it’s OK to relax a little after your meetings. Don’t leave your client to sit alone in a hotel room for the duration of their trip. Arrange to have dinner with them one evening and offer to take them to a show or somewhere with live music to entertain them. They’ll appreciate the extra effort and it’s a good opportunity to get to know them better, which will help you to build a stronger working relationship with them.

Ask Them What They Want to Do

While it’s important to keep them entertained, they will also want time to themselves. If they’ve never been to your town/city before, ask them if there is anything they’d like to see or do while they’re there. You can arrange tours for them or give them tips on the best places to shop and eat during their free time. They’ll appreciate the guidance and enjoy exploring when they get the opportunity to do so.

If you’re tasked with hosting a client from out of town, use these suggestions as a guide to making sure it’s a successful business trip.


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