Crafting Unforgettable Client Experiences: Lessons from the Ballpark

October 24, 2024

There's nothing quite like the thrill of a closely contested baseball game to remind us of the power of emotion in creating lasting memories. As a lifelong Yankees fan, I recently found myself on the edge of my seat, heart racing, as the Yankees and Guardians battled it out in game 3 of the ALCS. The emotional ebb and flow, punctuated by record-setting home runs, turned a regular game into an unforgettable experience.

This got me thinking about how professional services firms can learn from such peak moments. Our most vivid memories often stem from emotional highs and lows, and while we can't always control a project's outcome, we can shape the journey.

Just as I remember Aaron Boone's iconic home run more than a boring four-game sweep, clients are likely to remember how they felt during their peak interactions with us. By focusing on creating deep, meaningful moments—whether through exceptional service, personalized touches, or moments of unexpected delight—we leave a lasting imprint.

It's these moments that clients will look back on, much like fans reminiscing about the exhilaration of a pivotal baseball game. Even if the project didn't hit a home run in every aspect, the emotional peaks along the way are what turn a simple interaction into an enduring memory.

In the world of professional services, let's strive to create these peak moments. Through understanding, empathy, and a touch of creativity, we can transform ordinary client interactions into unforgettable experiences that clients will cherish for years to come. Just like my unforgettable night at the ballpark.

It's worth noting that Aaron Boone's legendary Game 7 walk-off home run against the Red Sox in 2003, a moment etched in the memory of every Yankees (and Red Sox) fan, might not have been as memorable had the Yankees not lost three games earlier in the series.

It was the context of the trials that made the peak so incredible. It's a reminder that the journey, with all its ups and downs, is what truly shapes our most cherished memories. By embracing this in our professional lives, we can create experiences that resonate long after the final delivery, turning clients into lifelong fans.


Ryan Suydam

Ryan Suydam co-founded Client Savvy in 2004, to help firms create fierce client loyalty by designing, implementing, and measuring client experiences. He has coached nearly 700 organizations and over 30,000 professionals on the skills required to be “client savvy.”


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