When it comes to building lasting client relationships, few people understand the power of a well-tailored experience like Vikki Nicolai La Crosse. In today’s highly personalized business world, gifting a fruit basket or sending a branded coffee mug won’t cut it anymore. Clients want connection. They want to feel seen and valued. Whether it’s catching a baseball game from box seats or closing a deal over a round of golf, selecting the right experience can deepen client trust and create memories that reinforce loyalty.
Know Your Audience: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Before you start booking courtside seats or spa retreats, take a moment to really think about your client’s personality and preferences. What excites one may bore another. A young, tech-savvy entrepreneur may love the energy of a music festival, while a seasoned executive might prefer a quiet lunch at a high-end steakhouse.
Vikki Nicolai La Crosse often advises professionals to do a little recon. Pay attention during small talk. What hobbies do they mention? Are they a family person? Do they seem adventurous or more traditional? The key is not to show off but to show that you care.
Box Seats: The Classic Power Play
There’s a reason luxury suites at sporting events are a go-to for client entertainment. They offer a vibrant atmosphere, great food and drink, and—importantly—opportunities for low-pressure conversation.
Box seats are ideal for clients who are social and enjoy networking in a lively setting. The best part? You don’t have to be glued to the action on the field. The environment itself opens up chances to connect organically between innings or timeouts.
According to Forbes, experience-based marketing, like live events, can boost brand perception and retention rates far more than traditional forms of outreach. And in business, perception is everything.
The Back Nine: For Deep Conversations and Deeper Bonds
On the other hand, if your client enjoys golf or simply a slower pace, a day on the course might be the move. Golf allows for extended, uninterrupted conversation in a relaxed environment. No loud music. No yelling fans. Just you, your client, and 18 holes of opportunity.
This type of setting is great for getting to know someone beyond the boardroom. You’ll learn about their values, their thinking style, and maybe even a few quirks—all of which can help in future negotiations or collaborations.
Victoria Nicolai La Crosse, a proponent of experiential engagement, notes that long-form outings like golf can shift the dynamic from formal to friendly. And when that shift happens, real partnerships begin to form.
Think Beyond Sports: Customize the Experience
Not every client is a sports fan or golfer, and that’s perfectly okay. Some might appreciate a private art gallery tour, tickets to a Broadway show, or a behind-the-scenes culinary experience. The goal is to make the outing feel exclusive and thoughtfully chosen.
If your client is into wellness, maybe a weekend retreat or luxury spa day is in order. For the adventurer, a day of fly fishing or race car driving could be just the ticket. The more tailored the experience, the more powerful the message: “I see you. I know what you value.”
A recent Harvard Business Review article emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and what better way to showcase that than by creating a client experience that feels genuinely personalized?
Solo or Group Setting? Read the Room
Some clients thrive in group settings. They like the buzz of a crowd and the opportunity to network with others. In that case, inviting them to an exclusive networking mixer or VIP gala might be a win.
Others might prefer one-on-one time where they don’t have to compete for your attention. For more reserved clients, smaller, more intimate settings often lead to more meaningful connections.
When Victoria Nicolai works with business professionals, she emphasizes the importance of matching the tone of the experience with the client’s personality. Over-the-top extravagance might feel insincere to someone who values simplicity, while a low-key dinner might overwhelm someone who thrives on spectacle.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
It’s not just what you do—it’s when you do it. Think about your client’s industry calendar. Don’t plan a weekend getaway for a tax consultant in early April, or a product launch dinner for a retail executive in the middle of holiday season madness.
Strategic timing shows not only thoughtfulness but also respect. You’re proving that you’re tuned in to their world and priorities.
Budget Smart, Not Big
A common misconception is that client experiences have to break the bank to make an impact. Not true. While luxury certainly has its place, authenticity trumps flash. A well-executed mid-tier experience tailored to the client’s interests can far outweigh a high-end event that feels generic.
Even a casual brunch with a local artist or a surprise visit to a pop-up event can wow—if it aligns with the client’s interests. Remember, it’s not about spending more; it’s about connecting better.
Keep the Follow-Up Personal
The experience doesn’t end when the event is over. A handwritten note referencing a funny moment from the evening, or a photo from the day on the golf course, goes a long way.
And if your client mentioned their child’s upcoming graduation or a trip they’re excited about? Make a note to follow up later and ask how it went. It’s these little moments that shift relationships from transactional to meaningful.
Conclusion: Relationships Are the Real ROI
In the end, choosing the right experience for the right client isn’t just a nicety—it’s a strategic business move. When you make a client feel valued and understood, you’re not just buying their business. You’re earning their trust. And as Vikki Nicolai La Crosse knows well, trust is the currency of lasting success.
So whether it’s front-row seats at a playoff game or a peaceful afternoon on the back nine, choose thoughtfully. Your clients—and your bottom line—will thank you for it.
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