Using Humor to Build Client Relationships in Interiorscaping

Have you ever noticed how kids find joy in the simplest things, while as adults, we often forget to laugh and have fun? Lately, I’ve been watching my granddaughter light up over little things like playing in clover and banging pots and pans. It’s made me wonder why those moments of joy and laughter seem to fade as we get older. Between family, work, and everyday stress, it’s easy to lose some of that playfulness—but a little humor can still go a long way.

When I was a sophomore in college, I worked at a Levi’s store and loved playing practical jokes on new employees. One of my favorite pranks was pretending to be a customer and asking for jeans that didn’t exist, just to watch them search the store. Looking back, I realize it was a little unkind, but at the time I thought their reactions were hilarious. That playful streak followed me outside of work, too. Once, I packaged a cactus and addressed it to an ex-boyfriend with a note that said, “This plant reminds me of you and how you can be such a prick.” After some reflection, I decided to keep the plant and name it after him instead.

These days, I have to be a bit more mindful and stay professional. Still, there are moments when I let a little humor slip through, and I’ve found that it can be surprisingly effective for building stronger relationships with interiorscape clients.

Using Humor to Build Client Relationships

When I’m servicing interiorscape clients, I always chat with the employees to get to know them better. During one visit, while changing out an areca palm, one of the employees shared a hilarious story about a disastrous blind date. Just as she was in the middle of telling me, a tree frog leaped out of the plant and landed on her shoe! She screamed and flicked her shoe off, but the frog started climbing up her leg. Eventually, she flung it onto her boss’ desk, and I quickly trapped it between my fingers to contain it. We all had a good laugh, and now there’s an ongoing joke about frogs jumping out of plants around the building.

To keep the joke going, I took it a step further and filled a frog planter with colorful succulents to bring to the account. Everyone loved it, and it became another way to create a fun, lighthearted atmosphere with the building staff. I truly enjoy routine service appointments like these because they give me a chance to get to know people, build rapport, and strengthen client relationships over time.

Creating Memorable Client Experiences

Humor doesn’t always have to come from an unexpected moment. Sometimes, a little creativity can turn an ordinary client interaction into something much more memorable. I once visited a client and suggested adding a holiday design. Instead of simply sending a picture, I decided to show up with a life-sized reindeer made of fake fur, resin antlers, and glass eyes. Unfortunately, the decision-maker had already left for the day. Jokingly, I suggested leaving it in her office, and to my surprise, the building manager agreed. Before leaving, I strung colored lights around the reindeer’s antlers and created a sign that said, “Hi, I’m Bucky. I got separated from the herd and would love to spend the holiday in this beautiful building with you.” I only wish I could’ve seen her face when she opened the office door!

Bucky turned out to be a huge success, and the company even offered to buy him. I assumed he’d be put away after the holiday season, but instead, he was decorated for Valentine’s Day, then the Gator Bowl, and St. Patrick’s Day! Despite being in an upscale business environment, I took a chance with humor, and Bucky became a beloved mascot of the floor. It remains one of my most memorable client service moments and a great example of how a little creativity and humor can strengthen client relationships and create the kind of connection that supports long-term retention.

Balancing Humor and Professionalism in Interiorscaping

Humor can be a great way to make work more enjoyable and connect with clients, but it still has to fit the situation. What makes one client laugh may not work with another, so you have to read the room and know your audience. When the timing is right, a little humor can leave a positive impression while still keeping things professional.