Invite Your Potential Clients to Your Formal Corporate Party and Win the Bid

In a competitive market, businesses need to go above and beyond if they want to attract new clients. There are plenty of ways to lure new business your way – direct mail, advertising, trade shows, etc. – but one of the most effective is the corporate party event.

The corporate party is hard to turn down for most companies. They want to go out, enjoy some free food and drinks, and have a great time. Therefore they are a lot less likely to toss the invitation in the trash the way they would with a sales letter or an unsolicited brochure. Plus, the relaxed environment makes it easier to make a great impression. Plus, a fabulous party is more likely to leave a lasting, positive impression than a dry business presentation.

However, before you can have a successful formal corporate party and new clients, you need to understand some basic rules about throwing one of these amazing get togethers.

• Do choose appropriate invitations. Remember the first impression is the invitation and it has to be amazing. Choose something simple and elegant, such as any of the following invitations: Brown Bordered Foil Stamped, Black Licorice Slim, Metallic Gold Border Flat, Sterling Pocket Portfolio, or Glittered Gold Pocket Portfolio.
• Do learn more about the corporate clients being invited. Yes, you need to know about their organizations and their business structure so you’ll know if they would be interested in what you have to offer and who to invite. However, you also need to learn a little bit about the individuals you are inviting. For example, you don’t want to have risqué entertainment or an open bar if you are inviting people who are conservative or who are against alcohol consumption.
• Don’t be annoying at the event. Yes, the event is about pitching your offer and landing the deal but if you are constantly harassing the guests to make a decision on the spot then they are more likely to become so frustrated they’ll go somewhere else. On the other hand, you shouldn’t ignore your guests either. Be pleasant, be confident, take opportunities to brag about your business, and showcase what your business offers. Just don’t go overboard. Remember the evening is about having a good time.
• Don’t expect an immediate decision.  You shouldn’t assume that your guests will know before they leave the party whether or not they want to work with you. In fact, you’ll be better off waiting until the party buzz wears off. Remember they may need to talk to others in their organization before making a decision. Wait a few days after the party then send a professional thank you card with a personal note asking for a meeting to discuss what you have to offer.

These are just a few of the rules that you should follow when you’re putting together a corporate event in an attempt to win new clients. Consider attending a few events if you haven’t in the past so you can get a feel for what is expected.