Entertaining Clients: A Guide to Impressing VIPs in Your City

Entertaining Clients: A Guide to Impressing VIPs in Your City

Impressing your clients is crucial for building strong business relationships. When you have the opportunity to entertain a VIP client, you want to make sure the experience is both enjoyable and memorable. Here's a guide to entertaining clients in your city, covering everything from sightseeing suggestions to dining recommendations:

Inquiring about Client Preferences

Start by asking your client about their interests and preferences. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor the experience to their tastes:

'Are there any special places you'd like to see?'
'Do you have anything special in mind that you'd like to see?'
'I'd be happy to take you around (this city) and show you the sights you're interested in.'

Making Suggestions about Places to See

Offer recommendations based on your client's preferences and the city's attractions:

'Probably the best thing would be to see the places in town first.'
'If you like, I can recommend some places of historic interest and scenic beauty.'
'I think you'll find (the Yu Garden) interesting.'
'We have a number of (parks/museums) that are worth visiting.'
'It is (a grand park) of historical importance. The exquisite scenery is a feast for the eyes.'

Entertaining the Client with Different Activities

Explore various activities to keep your client engaged and entertained:

'Have you ever been to (a Beijing Opera) before? Tonight the performance is given by (a national song and dance ensemble).'
'May I ask you for a dance? / Will you accept my arm?'
'What is your favorite kind of (music)?'
'Would you like to (go bowling) with us?'
'Which do you prefer, (Chinese food) or (Western food)?'
'I was wondering whether you are interested in (Beijing Opera).'
'You look so fit. You must be keen on (physical exercise). What are your favorite (sports)?'
'You might like to (go on a boating excursion)? You know it's a good way to (enjoy nature).'

At a Restaurant

Create a positive dining experience for your client:

'It's a very nice restaurant. Here's the menu. Would you like me to recommend something?'
'Shall we order now?'
'Could I suggest Sweet and Sour Fish? It's the specialty here.'
'Do you care for (seafood) or (spicy food)? It tastes best when taken hot.'
'Have some more, please. Let me help you to some (roast Beijing duck).'
'I'm not much on (sweets). But it tastes as good as it looks.'
'Now please allow me to propose a toast. This is to (the pleasant cooperation between us).'
'I'd ask you to raise your glass and join me in a toast to (the health of all our friends present here).'
'How about some desserts?'
'[ have had more than enough. I hope you enjoyed your meal.'
'It was our pleasure.'

ROLE PLAY

Work with your partner to role-play the following situation. Try to use as many expressions you have learned as possible.

Situation: You, an assistant manager, are responsible for entertaining a VIP client, Mr. Bell, who has just concluded a business deal with your company and will be free for the next two days. You are planning some activities that can entertain and impress him. Try to ask him as many appropriate questions as possible from the box of Useful Expressions or on your own. Your partner playing the role of Mr. Bell should respond accordingly. Then present your dialogue in class.

Dialogue:

Assistant Manager: Good morning, Mr. Bell. I hope you had a good night's rest. We have two days to explore the city. Are there any special places you'd like to see?

Mr. Bell: Good morning. Thank you, I slept well. I've heard a lot about the Yu Garden. Can we start there?

Assistant Manager: Absolutely. The Yu Garden is a popular tourist attraction here. We can also visit some museums and parks if you're interested.

Mr. Bell: That sounds great. What other activities do you have planned for us?

Assistant Manager: Well, have you ever been to a Beijing Opera before? There's a performance tonight by a national song and dance ensemble.

Mr. Bell: No, I haven't. That sounds interesting.

Assistant Manager: Great, we'll grab dinner before the show. Do you prefer Chinese or Western food?

Mr. Bell: I'm open to trying both. What do you recommend?

Assistant Manager: Sweet and sour fish is a specialty here, and we can't forget about the famous roast Beijing duck.

Mr. Bell: Those sound delicious. Let's order them.

Assistant Manager: Perfect. And as for activities, do you enjoy physical exercise or any sports?

Mr. Bell: I do like to stay active. What did you have in mind?

Assistant Manager: We could go bowling or even go on a boating excursion to enjoy nature.

Mr. Bell: That sounds like fun. Let's do it.

Assistant Manager: Great, I'll make the arrangements. And finally, I'd like to propose a toast to our successful business cooperation and to your health.

Mr. Bell: Cheers to that! Thank you for your hospitality.