Unique Client Event Continues To Deliver

If you are a regular reader of this blog you know that I believe deeply in the power of experiential marketing. When you bring people together to share in an event, your efforts have more power than if you just tell them something.

This is the third year in a row that my family has been invited to a fun gathering hosted by the Austin Office of the Akin Gump law firm. Each year they rent out a large movie theater (Cinemark is client of the firm) and hold a private showing of the latest holiday release of a family-friendly movie.

This year: Madagascar 2.

My kids look forward to this event because in addition to the family trip to the movies, the firm provides each child (and parent) with a wrist band that allows them to order all the popcorn, soda and candy that they want. They only have to show the person behind the counter that they are VIP guest of Akin Gump and the world is their oyster. (on regular trips to see a flick, dad is too cheap to let them do more than share on popcorn and a Coke!). Both my daughters love this and talk about the Akin Gump "free movie" all year long.

Years ago when I was the Texas marketing director for Brobeck, Phleger, and Harrison I worked with many of the Akin Gump lawyers (following Brobeck's collapse the Austin litigation team moved to Akin Gump). I have always enjoyed the friendship of these fine attorneys and appreciate being included in their annual movie event. I praise their firm for their dedication to this unique client party, as it really is a great idea!!

What does your company do for your clients? If all you do is deliver products and services and then send them a bill, you might be missing opportunities to develop real relationships with your customers. It is easy to fire a vendor, it is hard to fire a friend. Thus you must work to cultivate friendships with your customers or you are more vulnerable in this economic climate.

Look for creative ways to stand out from your competition. If you don't, please be aware that your competition IS looking for ways to pass you by.

Have A Great Day.

thom