Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Why not throw yourself a party (and invite past clients to attend)? Because ultimately what you want is more business, showcase the latest trends (a slideshow of gorgeous events you've done over the years?)

Or, contact local non-profits. Throw one of them a party. The catch? People have to go to your website to vote for their favorite charity (one vote per IP address?). That'll help build traffic to your website and help out an organization in need.

Dear chingobebradley,

Phil Grisolia? COME ON DOWN!

Look, chingobebradley, I'm sure you're a fine upstanding fellow and al that but you're obviously ... er ... how shall I put this?

Clueless.

Phil has said pretty much everything I'd have said had I read
your question earlier. Phil is bang on on every point and really here, you've got no one but yourself to blame.

BUT .... BUT .... BUT ...

Even though it's September 2, and even though the time to be asking for ideas for a 20th anniversary shin dig was MONTHS AGO ALL IS NOT LOST.

NO siree!

Because now, if you are wise, thoughtful, cunning, and clever,
you will begin planning your 21st anniversary. Or you will begin planning your 20th and a half anniversary.

Why?

Because both have greater significance.

Here's another way to bring in astonishing PR (if you can pull it off without screwing it up): Twenty events in 20 days. Or 21 events in 21 days. Or 30 events in a month. Kind of the "Book yourself solid" approach.

With me?

But, as I've said elsewhere on this forum, your 20th anniversary of being in business? To most people, this event, your celebration, is meaningless.

If you're doing your job properly, the number of years you've been in business won't matter. The only person that cares about your 20th anniversary is you. But what's of most significance for your customers? What do they want?

They want to celebrate THEIR anniversary, birthday, shindig, wedding, whatever ... NOT YOURS.

So do that, help your clients celebrate. Promote offers, incentives, advanced booking discounts, free flowers, inclusive wedding invites and favours, pamper the bride and groom, sponsor an offer to win a free honeymoon.

I hope this helps.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA