5. Host Appreciation Bring-A-Friend Events
“Hosting client workshops and client appreciation events that are slightly unusual appears to have helped propel our practice’s growth over 40 percent in 2013. Clients and centers of influence are invited to attend with a friend that may have needs of our services.
"These events may include wine tastings, beer tastings, gourmet cooking classes (which is a couples night out), financial fitness Fridays (with a wellness expert and behavioral finance discussion), women and power workshops, and a Navy Seal presentation.
"Most recently, we did an Olympic downhill skiing event on a big screen hosted at a microbrewery with over 40 attendees.
"The friends that clients bring are often prequalified, and the clients know these are business-building events that help spread the wealth to their friends and family. Follow-up is essential. Ask the referral if it is OK to offer a complimentary subscription to our monthly newsletter and ask for permission to call and arrange a ‘no-obligation’ meeting for a ‘second-opinion’ on their financial situation and investments.”
Jeffrey G. Kitzberger, founding partner of Olympus Wealth Partners Inc.