If you’re in the business of serving people—whether as a coach, consultant, service provider, or hospitality professional—then the game-changer you didn’t know you needed is called Unreasonable Hospitality.
Yes, it’s the title of a bestselling book by Will Guidara, former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park (voted the #1 restaurant in the world). But more importantly, it’s a philosophy that can radically improve how you show up for clients and build your business.
This spring, I’m bringing the book’s core concepts to life in a 3-part live Clubhouse series for service professionals, creators, and leaders who want to grow through connection, intention, and unforgettable experiences.
Before we dive into the series, let’s unpack how this mindset shift applies directly to your industry—and why it’s not just good practice, but smart strategy.
🎯 What Is Unreasonable Hospitality?
It’s not about red carpets and champagne (though it could be).
It’s about creating transformative moments that make your clients feel deeply seen, heard, and valued—moments that surprise, delight, and stick.
Unreasonable hospitality is:
Intentional, not obligatory
Personal, not performative
Meaningful, not mechanical
And when done well, it makes you unforgettable.
🧠 The Psychology Behind Why It Works
Unreasonable Hospitality taps into something deeper than service: emotional memory.
People remember how you made them feel—especially when you make them feel like they matter.
🧩 86% of buyers will pay more for a better experience (PwC)
🧩 70% of buying decisions are emotionally driven (McKinsey)
🧩 Loyal customers are 5x more likely to repurchase and refer (Bain & Co)
While others compete on pricing or flashy funnels, you win on trust, warmth, and wow.
💼 Coaches & Consultants: Your Edge Is Personalization
If you’re a coach or consultant, you already work closely with people—but Unreasonable Hospitality invites you to go even further.
Here’s how it looks in practice:
Case Study 1: The Milestone Gifter
A leadership coach sends personalized celebration boxes when clients hit key goals—complete with handwritten notes, goal journals, and curated Spotify playlists.
💥 Result: Clients renew before the final session ends. Why? Because they feel invested in.
Case Study 2: The Surprise Session
A mindset coach sends a mid-program video message saying, “Today’s not about strategy—it’s about you.” Then hosts a surprise reflection session, complete with a digital affirmation card.
💥 Result: The session gets shared online, bringing in three new referrals.
Case Study 3: The “Exit With Impact” Ritual
Instead of a generic wrap-up, a consultant creates a final session that includes a wins review, a vision-casting exercise, and a personalized action plan with surprise swag in the mail.
💥 Result: Clients leave feeling seen—and they talk about it publicly.
“When you make people feel seen, you don’t just build rapport—you build a legacy.”
— Inspired by Unreasonable Hospitality
🏨 Real Examples from the Service Industry
You don’t need a Michelin star to deliver magic. Small businesses are doing this every day:
Spa Owner: Leaves a handwritten note on the pillow with a quote about self-love.
Cleaning Company: Sends a video walkthrough after a first cleaning saying, “Here’s what we loved about your space!”
Barber: Remembers a customer’s big job interview and checks in via text two days later.
Hospitality doesn’t cost—it compounds.
💰 Why This Strategy Makes You More Profitable
Let’s be blunt: unforgettable earns more than efficient.
| Area | Traditional | Hospitality-Driven |
|---|---|---|
| Onboarding | PDF Welcome Packet | Personalized welcome video + gift |
| Midpoint | Invoice + Reminder | Surprise check-in or bonus service |
| Offboarding | “Thanks!” email | Celebratory call + branded takeaway |
ROI Spotlight:
One boutique service business invested $500/month into gifts and touchpoints—and added $15,000+ in client renewals and referrals within 90 days.
People remember how you made them feel long after they forget what you charged.
🧭 Try This: Your 5-Point Hospitality Starter Pack
Here are five simple (but powerful) ways to bring this strategy into your business:
Design a Signature Welcome Experience
Go beyond contracts. Use humor, heart, or surprise to mark the beginning of something special.Plan One “Unexpected Wow” Per Client
Think: surprise Zoom backgrounds, themed music, or a note from their dog’s point of view.Celebrate Progress in Public
Feature your clients with permission. Make them the hero of your brand story.Create a Gratitude Ritual
Have a moment every Friday where you reach out to one client just to say, “You’re doing amazing. I’m proud of you.”Offboard Like a Pro
The final impression should feel like a celebration, not a fade-out.
🎤 Join Me for the Live Series
📚 Unreasonable Hospitality changed the way I see business—and I believe it will do the same for you.
So I’m inviting you to a 3-part live discussion series on Clubhouse to explore the real stories, applications, and results of bringing this philosophy into your business:
🗓 Thursday, April 24 @ 7:30 AM ET – The Heart of Hospitality
🗓 Thursday, May 1 @ 7:30 AM ET – Small Moments, Big Impact
🗓 Thursday, May 8 @ 7:30 AM ET – Make It Personal, Make It Profitable
📍 Live in the Breakfast With Champions Room on Clubhousehttps://www.clubhouse.com/house/breakfastwithchampionsmillionairebreakfastclub
👥 Open discussion + live takeaways
📘 Final Thought:
Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality isn’t just a book—it’s a blueprint.
One that helps us create businesses that people don’t just hire—but talk about, refer, return to, and remember. If you’re ready to stop blending in and start showing up, this is your sign.
Your next client isn’t just buying a result.
They’re buying the experience.
Make it unreasonable—in the best way possible.
About Adrienne Barker, MAS:
Adrienne Barker is a business coach, podcast host, and visibility strategist with over 35 years of experience helping service professionals stand out, scale up, and show up with heart. Known for her high-energy workshops, LinkedIn lead generation expertise, and passion for elevating brands, Adrienne brings humor, insight, and strategy to everything she touches—especially when it comes to making hospitality your ultimate growth tool.
