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As people prepare to be with their loved ones on Valentines' Day, today we are going to focus on how you can successfully mix business with pleasure all year round. "All work and no play" is a popular saying but today we are going to list how you can "work and play" at the same time.
1. Send a gift to your client(s)
This is a great way to show your clients that you appreciate them. Send a "thank you" gift or send them something for the holidays. Some client appreciation gifts are flowers, candles, wine, customized apparel, gift cards, chocolates, journals, and books.
2. Host a Virtual Staff Social
Host a themed staff social that allows your team to socialize about things other than work. It can be a Galantines-themed social or a social filled with trivia and fun games. Spice it up by allowing staff to eat during the session.
3. Host a Virtual Lunch & Learn
Invite customers to a special lunch and learn event where they can learn more about the company. As a bonus, offer a $10-$15 lunch voucher to customers who joined. (i.e. send them an e-gift card). Make it fun by adding a question of the day before the event starts to warm up the room. This is a great way to potentially land new customers.
4. Have a "Me" Day
Make sure to make self-care a priority. Burn-out is a serious issue. Enjoy a trip to the spa or have a glass of wine while working on a project. Remember to enjoy yourself during the process of building your purpose-driven business.
5. Set up an Office Candy Bar.
Take an hour out of the workday to create a candy bar that will satisfy the sweet tooth of your team members on Valentine's day. (After lunch will be ideal). Taking time out to create a social and friendly atmosphere during the workday can relieve stress and can produce better work results amongst staff. It can also give them a boost of energy to help finish project tasks with a bang! Other ideas would be to create a themed weekly or monthly in-office or outer office team luncheon.
6. Charm it Up
When attending an after-work social gathering or networking event for your brand it’s ok not to be so black and white with your approach. Add a smile while speaking, ask questions relatable to them (I.e. How did you get started, do you enjoy what you do? etc.), compliment someone (only if it relates to the topic at hand), relax, and add some personality. We call this Professionally Flirting (wink, wink). Remember you are there to serve, build the relationship first before asking about anything you need from them.
7. Team Meetings
Instead of having a team meeting over the phone or in a bland office space, spice it up and gather at a restaurant with a relaxing ambiance, a coffee shop that offers comfortable seating, or simply gather in a park when the weather is nice. Make it comfortable and enjoyable when exchanging business ideas or informing your team of company updates.
Written by: Lee Kenielle Whetstone , Purpose Coach, Brand Strategist, Magazine Owner