Rising Talent: Why you need to build a Business Bedside Manner®

Why business bedside manner matters 

At Smart Monday, the concept of "business bedside manner", explained by speaker Mandi Graziano's, Vice President Global Accounts at HPN Global, took center stage as a transformative approach to the way professionals interact and engage. Just as a physician’s bedside manner impacts their patients emotionally and physically, your business bedside manner shapes how clients, colleagues, and attendees perceive you. For event professionals, this is crucial. From building trust with clients to creating memorable attendee experiences, refining your approach can elevate your career and impact your events. 

Defining business bedside manner 

Business bedside manner is more than just professionalism; it's your strategy, intention, and approach to every interaction in your work life. It’s the tone of your emails, the way you greet a client, and even how you handle a meeting cancellation. In essence, it’s how you show up in business and the energy you bring to your interactions. 

The four pillars of business bedside manner 

If you’re looking to transform your professional interactions, focus on these four key components: 

1. Ask deeper questions 

Move beyond surface-level inquiries like “How are you?” Instead, ask questions that spark meaningful engagement and build rapport. For example: 

• What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now? 

• What made you laugh this week? 

• If you could change one thing about the way events are planned, what would it be? 

By asking thoughtful, personal, or situational questions, you show genuine interest. This opens the door for deeper conversations and stronger connections. 

2. Practice empathy 

Empathy is essential for event professionals who often deal with stressed clients, last-minute changes, or attendee concerns. Start by acknowledging emotions before diving into solutions. According to studies, empathizing can even trigger positive brain responses that deepen trust and collaboration. 

3. Assume nothing 

In the fast-paced events world, it’s tempting to make assumptions about what people need or want. However, assumptions can lead to missed opportunities and misunderstandings. Instead, approach every conversation or project with a blank slate. Ask clarifying questions and make space for open dialogue. For instance, don’t assume a client wants a cookie-cutter solution—ask them about their unique goals and priorities. 

4. Use technology to build relationships 

Technology can enhance your business bedside manner when used thoughtfully. Video messages, personalized LinkedIn posts, or creative GIFs can add a personal touch to professional communication. For example, sending a quick thank-you video after a meeting can make a lasting impression. Using tech tools strategically helps you stay visible, memorable, and approachable in an increasingly digital world. 

Bringing joy to your business 

Event planning is often high-pressure, but finding ways to infuse joy into your work can transform your business bedside manner. Whether it’s celebrating small wins with your team, or incorporating creative elements into your events, joy creates energy that ripples outward. 

For event professionals, joy can also mean curating moments that surprise and delight attendees. Imagine hosting a flash mob at an opening night cocktail reception or adding playful elements to a conference agenda. When you prioritize joy, both your professional relationships and event experiences flourish. 

Practical steps to activate your business bedside manner 

Ready to refine your approach? Here are actionable steps you can implement immediately: 

1. Conduct a communication audit 

Review your email templates, voicemail messages, and LinkedIn posts. Are they aligned with your desired business bedside manner? If not, adjust them to reflect your values and personality. 

1. Practice empathy daily 

At your next client meeting, listen closely, acknowledge emotions, and ask thoughtful follow-up questions. This small shift can create a big impact. 

1. Use technology creatively 

Try sending a video message to a colleague or client instead of a traditional email. Or, create a custom GIF that reflects your company’s personality for use in social media posts. 

1. Ask questions that build connection 

Challenge yourself to ask deeper questions at networking events or in client calls. Replace the generic “How’s it going?” with something more engaging. 

1. Declare your business bedside manner 

Take time to define your approach. Are you joyful, resourceful, reliable, or creative? Once you’ve declared it, share it with your team, clients, and collaborators. Make your bedside manner visible and hold yourself accountable to it. 

Taking the time to refine your business bedside manner—your approach, strategy, and intention—can transform the way you engage with clients, colleagues, and attendees. Whether you bring joy, reliability, or empathy to your work, the key is to show up authentically and intentionally. By asking deeper questions, practicing empathy, avoiding assumptions, and using technology creatively, you’ll not only build trust but also create memorable experiences that keep people coming back to you and your events. 

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