The Power of Shared Experiences in Client Relationships
As we approach Easter, many of us look forward to gathering with family and friends around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and of course, food. As my own heart warms in the lead up to the long weekend and the time I will get to spend with my beautiful girls, family and loved ones, I have been reflecting on how much these shared experiences matter—not just personally but professionally.
Gallup’s Global Happiness Report
The latest Gallup Global Happiness Report highlights the profound role of shared meals in social wellbeing. The act of breaking bread—literally or figuratively—creates connection, fosters trust, and strengthens relationships.
Client Engagement and Connection
For those in my network that work in financial services, or any client-facing role, the same principle applies. Conversations over coffee, a meal, or even a simple shared moment of reflection open the door to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
But what do you ask when you’re in these moments?
How do you move beyond surface-level conversations and truly connect?
Reflecting on this reinforced to me the importance of the work that I’m fortunate to be able to lean into with so many like-minded professionals around client engagement and connection – work that’s critical to help build trust, loyalty and long-term success with their clients.
We delve into how emotional intelligence and client psychology shape our decision-marking in several ways, but one area I really love exploring is all around asking the right questions.
8 Powerful Questions to Ask When “Breaking Bread” with Clients
- What are your biggest financial worries or concerns right now?
- What feelings come up for you when you think about your current financial situation?
- What are your long-term financial goals, and why are they important to you?
- What are your values when it comes to money and financial decision-making?
- Are there any past financial experiences that still affect your emotions or decisions today?
- Do you have any fears or anxieties about retirement or your financial future?
- How do you envision your ideal financial future, and what emotions does that vision evoke?
- What role do you want money to play in your life beyond just meeting basic needs?
These questions aren’t about numbers—they’re about people. They create space for clients to open up, share what truly matters to them, and ultimately build trust.
So, as you sit down with loved ones this Easter, take a moment to appreciate the power of shared experiences. And the next time you meet with a client, consider how you can “break bread” in your own way—one meaningful conversation at a time.
Find out more and download our client engagement and connection speaker kit here.
FREE Resources To Get You Started
Register for our FREE Weekly Leadership Development Webinars
Keep growing, inspiring and leading. Leadership is a journey not a destination, as leaders we should continue to grow ourselves so we can grow others. Join us for our FREE webinars where you'll gain valuable tools, resources and insights. Our workshops are designed for leaders and managers who want to take their leadership to the next level.
Take our FREE People Leadership Quiz
Thousands of people have taken our quiz and used their strengths to achieve their goals. Take the quiz today and see what you can achieve.
Watch our FREE Leadership Masterclass
If you're sick of being pulled from pillar to post every day, frustrated by under performing team members, or struggling with low confidence or imposter syndrome then this new leadership masterclass training is for you. I'll share the 3 most common warning signs and 3 simple fixes and a step by step plan to help you become more confident, trusted and respected leader who delivers results.
