Networking: you either love it or you hate it. But whichever side of the fence you are on, most small businesses will agree that it is a vital part of relationship building. So now that summer is upon us, the time has arrived to start thinking about furthering your networking activities and there is no better way to strengthen business relationships than indulging in a few summertime events.

The most effective way to build relationships with business associates or customers is through face-to-face meetings. Rather than opting for a formal gathering why not try a well organised, luxury event in a relaxed atmosphere? You can even use them to attract new business by asking existing clients to invite along carefully selected individuals. After all, in a recent survey by Rainmaker Best Practices, 90% of respondents said that generating referrals and asking for introductions produced significant results when networking for clients.

Try to be innovative if you want to be remembered and stand out from the crowd. This will set you apart from those who entertain clients simply because they have to. That is not to say that you should embark on an extreme sports hospitality regime: bungee jumping, sky diving or zorbing aren't for everyone.

So how can this be achieved? The answer is simple: listen to them. Value your clients and they will value you. A simple comment made during a routine meeting or phone call could give you an insight into their hobbies and interests. Make a note of it; they will be very impressed when you entertain them in a way that is tailored to them.

Entertaining a group of clients can prove tricky as not everyone will be interested in the same things. The best course of action in this situation is to opt for a programme of events. That way you are sure to find elements that will appeal to all. For example, you could host an evening at the theatre followed by dinner and perhaps winding down to a great band.

Whatever event you decide on, you must ensure your clients receive five-star treatment so here are a few pointers to make sure the evening runs smoothly and impresses:

• Choose the perfect activity for your client, for example, ballet, theatre, a musical or the opera
• Book tickets at least a month or two in advance to ensure the best seats are available. Private boxes, circle and stalls usually sell out first
• Make a restaurant reservation, but note that some exclusive restaurants like The Ivy or Gordon Ramsay's take reservations three to six months in advance
• Phone the venue to ask what time the show finishes. Organise a chauffeur car to meet you afterwards
• On the night, arrive first to buy the programme to avoid the queue, rush and crowd
• Before you take your seats, pre-order your interval champagne at the bar to avoid wasting time in the queue during the interval. Agree with them exactly where they will put it so that you can find it easily

The golden rules for entertaining your clients are to be innovative, tailor the event to their interests (not yours), pay attention to detail and, above all, be the perfect host by ensuring all their needs are met. Leave nothing to chance. By following these simple guide lines your clients will value you as much as you value them.

Kim Rix is founder and chief executive of The Savvy Club. For more information visit www.savvyclub.co.uk [1]