For any business, large or small, the customer is everything. This is true for Amata, too. So we know it’s important to show our customers – or in our case, our shared office tenants – how much we appreciate their business in creative and valuable ways.
Last month, as a thank you to our Chicago virtual office and shared office tenants, we offered complimentary headshots. We hosted a daylong event where all Amata clients could network with other shared office and virtual office tenants, and have a complimentary headshot taken for every member of their team.
We received tremendous feedback from the clients who participated, and we believe this particular appreciation event was so successful because it was not the typical corporate ‘thank you.’ Plus, it offered a real value to our clients.
When planning a customer appreciation promotion or event, think first about what your customers value (HINT: it’s probably not another water bottle). In our case, all of our shared office clients are business professionals themselves, so we wanted to give something that would be valuable to almost any business owner – a professional headshot.
Take a look at your customer database and think about who they are and what they may have in common. Would a social gathering, maybe tied to a sporting event – like the annual NCAA bracket pizza party we host at each center – be something they’d enjoy? Perhaps a financial gesture, like free or discounted services, would appeal to them. Or maybe the simplicity and sincerity of a handwritten note would make you stand out.
While we’re on the topic, what makes you feel valued as a customer? What value-added perks are you getting from your shared office provider that let you know you’re important?
We’d love to hear the creative customer appreciation ideas you’ve seen or implemented. Share them in our comment section below, or get in touch via social media. We “appreciate” your feedback! You can connect with Amata on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
To see some of the photos from the event, check out photographer Tori Soper’s blog post.
Until next time,
Frank Chalupa
President and Co-founder
Image By: Tori Soper