National Customer Appreciation Day is about a month away on April 18. You can use this day to show some gratitude to your clients or choose a day with specific meaning for your company. Either way, it’s important to show your customers how much you appreciate their business.

Your clients are people just like you. They want to know they matter. When you can show them you truly value working with them, you can build long-lasting relationships. How can you go about showing appreciation? In addition to promo, there are lots of ways. We highlight a few ideas from the Social Tables blog in this issue of PromoPro Daily.

Throw a monthly after-hours reception. This could be a casual gathering in your office lobby or courtyard for your local clients. Serve complimentary drinks and snacks and be sure to let clients know you’re hosting the event for appreciation purposes only.

Host educational sessions or lectures. The promise of learning something new for free can entice many people to attend appreciation events. The post recommends inviting experts in the field or motivational speakers to lead a session or speak on a topic your customers would find valuable.

Invite customers to a tasting session. This might be a wine, beer, champagne or bourbon tasting for a group of loyal customers at a local venue, the post says. Treating clients to a tasting or tour in a spectacular setting can be a fun way to show appreciation.

Gather clients for an appreciation dinner. Consider reserving a private dining room or outdoor terrace at a popular spot in your city. The post suggests extending a plus one to each guest and setting a deadline for RSVPs.

Enjoy a round of golf. This can be another way to build stronger client relationships because it allows for one-on-one conversations. Your objective, the post says, should be to show gratitude to your clients while getting to know them better.

Plan a wellness event. Think about what your VIP clients would most enjoy, whether it’s a hiking trip, a yoga class or a community walk. The post suggests connecting with local fitness groups and instructors to create a network of skilled professionals to help with the event.

Support your community’s artists. Another idea for client appreciation is to invite customers to enjoy a collection at a new gallery, listen to readings from emerging authors or experience the sounds of local musicians. Just be sure to choose an event that will appeal to your client base, the post says.

If it has been a while since you’ve genuinely thanked your clients, take advantage of National Customer Appreciation Day next month. Even a small gesture like a handwritten thank-you note can go a long way at making people feel appreciated.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: The Social Tables blog. Social Tables is a collaborative event management software.