One of the most important steps in the agent-client relationship comes at the very end of the transaction – the final token of appreciation. By going above the call of duty and truly showing how much you appreciate your client’s business, you go a long way in earning a client for life (and hopefully plenty of referral business.)

What’s the best way to show that appreciation? For those of you who are tired of the cliche gestures, here are three local ideas to consider:

1. A Trip to Navy Pier – Who doesn’t love Navy Pier? From the famous Ferris Wheel, to the delightful Children’s Museum, to the dazzling Driehaus Gallery of Stained Glass, there is something for everyone at Illinois’ No. 1 tourist destination. Although many of Navy Pier’s attractions are free, there are numerous ways to sweeten the experience for your clients, from tickets to the IMAX theater, to food vouchers, to group tickets for the Ferris Wheel (which is due to re-open May 27).

2. A Creative Restaurant Experience – With such a diverse culinary scene, Chicagoland has much more to offer than deep-dish pizza. Consider offering your clients a restaurant experience that can help them explore their new neighborhood or aligns with their interests. For instance, one of your clients may have mentioned an interest in wine – why not offer a gift certificate to Cooper’s Hawk, the local restaurant that is also the largest wine club in the country?

3. Touring the Museum Campus – Chicago boasts some of the finest museums in the world. From the Shedd Aquarium, to the Field Museum, to the Adler Planetarium, the quality and depth of the city’s museum experience is almost overwhelming – but it’s perfect for families, especially if they’re new to the city. Along with individual passes to each museum, the city also offers a “Museum Campus Pass,” which allows admittance to all three museums over a 30-day stretch.

Photo Credit: Nasbruno, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Navy_Pier_Park_Sign.JPG