Even as things outside go back to some semblance of normality, many businesses are having to make big shifts in the output of their offerings and services, with some struggling to find the link to their customers during a time when digital and online are so much more than buzzwords. But in some, if not all, cases it can be less about shifting your entire brand and more about finding the way to stay connected to your customers or clients on a personal level when that may just be what we all crave right now. 

It’s safe to say that most of us have been facing these situations at work lately:

• Economic instability

• Remote teamwork

• Staff wellbeing 

• Remote communication with clients and consumers

• Hardware, software and service reliability during the lockdown

And what about at home:

• Working from home challenges

• Impact on our families

• Lack of out-of-home experiences

• Stale environment 

• Balance and mental wellbeing

At Platinum Seed, we’ve been investigating and exploring ways in which we can help our clients (and indeed, ourselves) connect on a more personal level to the old world we’ve become so used to over the last few hundred years. 

We’ve put together a list of sorts detailing how to make socially-distanced personal connections with your clients and or customers, some of which may be of interest to you. 

6 Ways To Connect Your Brand To Your Customers While Social Distancing 

1 – Tasty Interactive Webinars

Up your content value by shifting your budget from costly physical expenses usually associated with conferences by hosting an interactive webinar with a high-level international speaker. Add an interactive Q&A segment and top it off by delivering breakfast/lunch/snacks to your guests. Consider inviting your key clients and offer them the opportunity to invite key staff from their side, making the client the hero.

2 – Homemade Cooking Masterclass

A truly unique experience during the lockdown and a story that participants will talk about long after the doors open. Whether it’s Reuben, or any of the many other talented chefs in South Africa, this out the box experience is interactive, memorable and rewarding. Offer this to clients, allow them to invite another key staff member and include your relationship holder for a group interactive experience. 

3 – Dinner And A Live Show

By offering an exclusive 5-course dinner to key clients and making the live-streamed entertainment available to all staff members of your client’s business (as well as yours), there is a great opportunity for an exponential reward with this idea. The entertainment could also potentially be themed around your business or industry – making it unique, relevant and memorable.  

4 – International Experiences 

Learn a magic trick with a world record holder, fold origami with an expert from japan or learn how to set goals with an Olympic athlete. Airbnb experiences have gone digital and there are many exciting options that you can explore and share with clients and staff to build relationships. What’s best is that you can include yourself or your key relationship holders to enjoy the experiences together.  

5 – Going All Out At Home

Showing that you truly understand the human behind the client or customer goes a long way to building authentic relationships – and this idea, which can take many shapes and sizes, allows you to do just that. This is a simple option that turns lockdown into a fun opportunity and makes your client the hero at home: entry-level projectors are great as home cinemas for kids, add in some fairy lights and a popcorn maker and you have a novel at-home experience for the family. 

6 – See The Whole World, Virtually 

There are some truly incredible 360º video and VR experiences available at no cost – yes, some things are still free of charge. All you need to do is send a customised Google Cardboard, along with a curated list of awesome experiences that tie in your brand positioning, to any number of clients and customers. This provides a novel experience for those who feel stuck at home, are unable to travel and have a smart mobile phone.
Now you can tour Yellowstone National Park or the city of Kathmandu in Nepal, from home. 

What Happens Next?

While we can’t say exactly what happens next in the grand scheme of things relating to lockdowns, restrictions and business trading, we can certainly assist in the steps to keeping your brand or business in the mind of your clients and customers. 

All that takes is another form of personal connection, but in this case, it’s fairly straightforward. Simply start the conversation by emailing us at hello@platinumseed.com  

Be Brave.
Stay Inspired.
Keep Pushing.
Get In Touch.