Why Realtors Should Have Client Appreciation Events And Suggestions On How to Pull Them Off…

Do you need to hold a client appreciation events? Of course you should! But remember the reason you have these events is to strengthen your relationships, not rake in more business. If the relationships are solid, the business will follow! Good relationships with your network will encourage referrals and repeat business! Because its the ultimate way to connect with the most important asset in your business in a very natural way, your database. The most important kind of marketing is one that focuses around nurturing the relationships you have with your network.

Who Should You Invite?

Your friends, family, and past co-workers are future clients, unless you don’t expect them to use you when they are ready to buy or sell. Many realtors think their client appreciation event should only be for past clients but that is not true. Everyone lives somewhere don’t they? 15% of the people you know are moving this year. 100% of people you know, know someone who is moving this year. Inviting them to your client appreciation event allows them to see you in a professional light. They will see that you are more than their weekend warrior buddy. You are a professional. Often this is what it takes to turn them from a “friend” into a referral source. It’s only a matter of time until everyone in your network moves, so the sooner you become their “go to” Realtor, the faster you will see their referrals and direct business.

Client Parties Will Bring You Business and Build Your Brand

Beginning in the later part of the 20th century, marketers began to grasp there was more to the perception of distinctive products and services than their names—something David Ogilvy described as “the intangible sum of a product’s attributes.” Marketers realized that they could create a specific perception in customers’ minds concerning the qualities and attributes of each non-generic product or service. They took to calling this perception “the brand.” Put simply, your “brand” is what your prospect thinks of  you when they hear your brand name. 

How Much Should I Spend On A Client Appreciation Event?

Yes, a client appreciation event could be expensive but they don’t need to be. You want to take into account your network’s demographics, expectations and sensitivities. Customers for luxury properties expect to be treated like VIPs, so keep those event separate and on the high-end. Customers for more practical properties may not be inclined to dress up for a fancy dinner and would be more comfortable at a barbecue. A good rule is to “spend time rather than money.” Take the time to ask some of your best customers for advice when planning your event to see how they feel about certain options. Personalize the experience whenever you can.

Some Affordable Event Suggestions…

Holiday Events

You can very easily host a “Pictures with Santa” or “Pictures With The Easter Bunny” for a client appreciation event. These are very inexpensive and an easy way for you to market your business by inviting families in your network. You can also do this right in your office and totally sponsor the entire event out. Remember that the lines are super long at the malls and most parents just want the pictures so this is an easy way to get in front of them and brand yourself to remind people what you do for a living. Just be sure to hire a beautiful Santa or Easter bunny for the photos. This would be a great event to serve coffee and smoothies for the children and adults. Have a cookie decorating area for the kids to make cookies for Mommy and Daddy. Parents would be forever grateful because now they do not have to stand in that two hour line waiting to have a picture taken and it could become a Holiday tradition.

House Party

Have an annual BBQ at your home or even at a city park. Invite your neighbors and your network. This would not be too expensive and a great way to nurture your database and sponsor your brand , make it an event!! Play games, show a movie after dark , let the kids make smores.

Fundraising Events

Sponsor a fundraising event and invite your clients. Just make sure to note if there is a cost at the door or tickets and what the expectations are so people with less expendable cash can also come to bid on a few silent auctions, have a coffee or smoothie, talk to you a bit and leave. Fundraising is something most people can agree on. Your network will also appreciate what you are doing even if some of them don’t attend. 

Local Events of Importance

Playoff games, World Series, Super Bowls and the like are great reasons to have people over for a viewing party.  These events can be setup last second, but it’s the invite that’s most important. If you get a big response, rent a place to watch the event. Don’t forget drinks… especially a coffee and smoothie bar.

Upscale Event Suggestions…

Include Partnerships

Have your Bank , closing attorney, and other strategic alliances contribute as sponsors and in exchange they are free to invite all of their database, which exposes you to them as well. Team up and split the cost up among each other based on the total amount of agents participating to keep costs down. The end result is one big party that people love to attend. 

Rent Out A Nightclub/Bar

Get several agents and business partners to rent out a nightclub at a time when they aren’t usually busy. The reason for a nightclub is because they have no kitchen, you can bring snacks, which helps lower the costs. Create a 3 hour mega party, free drinks/food, host fundraiser, pictures, and even ice sculptures. Make sure to bring a mobile coffee and smoothie bar for an non-alcohol drink option.

Rent a Movie Theater for a Big Movie

Create value for your  network by renting a theater to watch the next big movie (IE. Star Wars, Marvel Comics movies, DC Comics movies). Provide hashtags to guests for them to post all the photos taken at the event. Get together with some sponsors/partners to handle the expense. Make sure to speak before the movie and provide coffee and smoothies inside the theater.

How to Handle Your Biggest Fear… What If Nobody Shows?

The most important thing you can do to increase attendance is to make a phone call and give them a personal invite. Text and personally invite your most important contacts. Market client appreciation events to your my database 3- 4 times the month of the event via email, texting, social media, and phone calls. If they can’t attend you were still able to remind them that you exist without pushing any real estate at them. Also, like anything the more you do it, the more the word will spread and if you put on a good time or event then your network will show up more and more as you go along!

Please keep Valet Coffee in mind when you are planning your next event! Specialty coffees and smoothies are always a hit and appreciated by guests.

Contact us (859-409-1628) for a free consultation!


logoAbout Valet Coffee

Valet Coffee is a full service, mobile espresso and smoothie bar. It’s a unique way to impress customers, appreciate employees and kick up any special event to the next level. Our professional baristas will bring the taste and feel of an authentic European coffee house. We do all the work, all you have to do is entertain. Valet Coffee’s mobile espresso and smoothie bars are one of Greater Cincinnati’s best marketing tools.
>> Learn More