When you’re working hard to build strong client relationships, meeting in person is one of the most powerful ways to connect. But if your home isn’t completely amazing, you might hesitate to invite people over. In other words, hosting clients might be something you would rather not do.
The good news is you don’t need a mansion to host clients. In fact, sometimes a cozy, personal environment can create a better impression. To host clients in a small house, you just need a welcoming attitude and a few simple tricks to make your space feel professional.
Here’s how to host clients like a pro, no matter the size of your home.
1. Impress the Clients You’re Hosting with Good Food
You can’t go wrong when you provide a good meal, and food will take the focus away from the size of your home. When you host clients, if the food is good, it will positively influence their entire experience. Studies have shown that when people eat tasty food, itreleases feel-good hormones, like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Sweet foods are especially connected to feelings of pleasure and can lift a person’s mood.
You don’t have to take your clients out to a restaurant to impress them. You cancook right in your backyard on a barbecue grill. Start with a hearty meal, like sirloin steaks or gourmet burgers, and end the meal with something sweet. Have several dessert options available, like ice cream, mochi, and even a yogurt parfait for clients who prefer to eat healthily. If the meal is good, your client is more likely to feel good about your meeting.
2. Create a Designated Meeting Area When Hosting Clients
First impressions matter, and having a specific client meeting spot will make you look organized and professional, even if you’re hosting from a tiny home. Start by choosing your best room to set up for your meeting. This might be your office, living room, kitchen table, or even a nook. Just choose a space that feels good, and if you can get near a window that lets in natural light, that’s even better.
Clear the area of personal clutter andadd some welcoming touches like fresh flowers or business-related books. Most importantly, make sure there’s a table with two chairs, good lighting, and simple décor.
3. Declutter Your Entire Home
Clutter will automatically make your home feel smaller, so don’t hesitate to go on a cleaning rampage and declutter your entire home when you plan on hosting clients. Even if you have to store things in plastic tubs and stash them in the closet, don’t leave your belongings hanging around in sight. Get rid of piles, whether it’s laundry or papers, and aim for a clean, clear hotel lobby look.
If you can’t declutter some of your spaces, like your bedroom or garage, keep the doors closed and don’t invite your clients into those areas.
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4. Use Lighting to Your Advantage
Natural light can make even the smallest home feel warm, open, and welcoming. Before meeting with a client, open the blinds or curtains to let in as much sunlight as possible to make your home feel bigger and more inviting. Tabletop lamps can do wonders to brighten dark corners and create a peaceful glow, especially when the sun starts to go down.
5. Offer Refreshments When You’re Hosting Clients
Clients are impressed when they feel taken care of, andoffering refreshments is an easy way to accomplish this goal. Some clients might not care for anything too fancy, so it’s all right to keep things simple. Offer water, coffee, tea, soda, or sparkling water. Use nice glasses or mugs to keep the experience classy.
In addition to beverages, offer light snacks, like small plates of cookies, fruit, and cheese. Small portions will keep them happy and engaged with you during your meeting.
6. Plan for Privacy
Clients will expect your meeting to be private if you’re discussing important matters, so make sure people in your home know not to disturb you. Turn off TVs, silence phones, and keep pets and kids out of your meeting area.
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7. Keep Your Tech Ready To Go
Whether you plan on using it or not, keep your tech ready to use on a moment’s notice when you’re hosting clients. For example, charge your laptop ahead of time so you don’t need to hunt for a cord when your client wants to look something up online.
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Small Spaces Can Make Big Impressions
Hosting clients in a small home might seem tricky at first, but it’s an opportunity to be resourceful and creative. Your attention to detail and hospitality will go a long way in helping you connect with clients even in the smallest space.
Featured image by Antonio Guillem
