Corporate entertainment vendor tips

Several years ago, while working as director of adult education programs at Manhattan’s 92nd Street Y, I had the pleasure of helping arrange a lecture between celebrated chef & restaurateur Mario Batali and cookbook author/Italian food expert Francine Segan. The free-ranging conversation was centered on the NYC restaurant scene, and ended with questions from the audience.

One such question stands out in my mind – I still remember it clearly, because I just loved it: “Everyone always talks about how restaurants can be better restaurants,” the questioner began. “I want to know, how can we customers be better restaurant patrons?”

Mr. Batali’s response was equally brilliant: “Let the restaurant do what they do best, and just go with it!” What he meant was, let the kitchen shine: don’t order the “safe dish,” don’t ask them to substitute ingredients or change the way dishes are prepared, because that’s not part of the chef’s vision. Just enjoy the experience as it is meant to be enjoyed – go with it! – and the restaurant will absolutely make you feel loved in return.

Here are some other ways clients can endear themselves to service providers of all stripes, and ensure they will receive an outstanding experience again and again:

1.         Go with it! – For those of us in the service industry – especially the ones providing highly creative or unique services such as, say, professional trivia entertainment in NYC – we can all relate to chef Batali’s advice. We WANT you to have an amazing experience; let your provider do what it is they are so passionate about, and you will reap the rewards.

2.         Be responsive – A good service provider communicates clearly and often. To help them help you (hat tip Jerry MacGuire), be responsive as well; let your provider know when and how you may best be reached, and answer Emails and phone calls at your earliest convenience.

3.         Be flexible – The best service providers seek to not only meet but exceed your expectations, however there are situations which are beyond even their control; when such situations do arise, be as accommodating and understanding as possible. If you provider is worth their salt, they will bend over backwards to deliver on time, and in full.

4.         Resist the urge to micromanage – Especially when the stakes are high, such as events being attended by executives, clients or other stakeholders, it’s only natural to want to ensure EVERYTHING goes perfectly, from planning to execution. However, if your service provider is professional, reputable and knows their craft, I can assure you that they are completely obsessed with things go smoothly, making both you – and themselves – look great in the process.

5.         Be nice – After 10+ years in the service industry, I know that the squeaky wheel does indeed get the grease; however, to employ another overused phrase, you can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. Service industry folks enjoy working with nice people – just by being courteous and respectful, your vendor will redouble his or her efforts, to ensure an outstanding end result.

6.         Provide constructive feedback – The best service providers never rest on their laurels – they are constantly seeking ways to improve, and the best way they can do that is through candid feedback from clients. If you let your provider know not only what went well, but what may have been done differently, they will love you for it – especially if it’s something they hadn’t considered before!

7.         Review, Refer and Recommend – A top service provider is obsessed with maintaining an excellent reputation, especially in the Internet age; if you had an excellent experience, share that with others whom may benefit. Providers love nothing more than positive testimonials, online reviews and direct referrals, and will treat you like a VIP in every future transaction for doing so.

Reputable service providers seeking to establish long-term client relationships will go to great lengths to win your trust and loyalty. However, if you wish to enjoy a service which is reliable and dependable well into the future, consider the above tips to help ensure the provider will absolute LOVE working with you, and will give you an excellent result every time.