Reach Out And See Somebody

This past month I have discussed a few times how important it is for face-to-face communications with people.  This is especially true in business.  I honestly don’t believe you can really convey your true message if you can’t look someone in the eye.  When someone can read your face, they know what you really think. 

Last week I was on a conference call with a potential promotional partner.  While the questions and answers were being said, I could tell the message just didn’t have the same punch.  Candid moments that could “bring it home” were not expressed.  The next day, I was with the potential promotional partner in a social setting.  I expressed a few of the missing elements. Because we were face-to-face we could read each other.  It put the exclamation point on it!

I understand we don’t always have the option to meet in person.  That is why they invented all of today’s technology.  But we shouldn’t use today’s technology as a crutch.  Look for opportunities to get out of the office.  Go to meetings, sales calls, networking events, and conferences. Network opportunities and conferences are important because it puts you in a more relaxed atmosphere.  When you feel like you are in a social situation you will feel more social. 

Speaking of conferences, this Wednesday March 31 is the deadline for early registration for the Event & Arena Marketing Conference.  This year the conference is taking place in Chicago June 9 thru 12.  If you register before the early bird deadline you will save $100.  I do plan to attend this year and have been asked to speak on a panel again.  When I write this blog I hold back a little.  But you never know what I might say when the live, face-to-face version of this blog speaks out loud.

Expose Yourself!

This is what you should be telling any and all potential sponsors/partners.  Our shows, events, and venues are just the place to do it.

We have discussed in the past niche marketing and grass roots marketing.  Speaking directly to our customers has always been the best way to market but today it’s even more important.  Today, customers have the internet.  They go looking for what they want.  They look for the direct source. Think about it.  Don’t you always Google anything you are interested in? 

Today, running ads on TV programs with good ratings in the proper age demographic may not be the best use of marketing budget.  Yes, I am sure you will hit some of your potential customers but how much waste are you also paying for? If you are going to buy TV/cable then buy a niche channel or program for your product.  For example if I marketed a casino, I would look to buy spots on the poker shows and the horse racing networks. But I would not limit myself to TV. You still need face-to-face with your customers.

All of us in live events have a great vehicle for exposure marketing.  It gives a sponsor an opportunity for “hands on” direct contact with a customer.  Today, companies are looking to speak directly with customers. It’s an opportunity to give them a sample of their product (as we discussed last week).  They can receive direct feedback from a customer.  Why wait for them to post negative tweets.  Let them tell you in person. 

Today, we live in an age where customers want to see, touch, taste and hear everything.  They want full exposure.  Creating these opportunities for your sponsors/partners and your ticket buying customers will payoff for all.

LinkedIn: Lots Of Connections And…?

All of you know that I am a big fan of social media.  I discuss all the social network sites and preach about how we need to use them as marketers.  I am currently signed on to four of them.  I am active on three.  One of these is LinkedIn.  This one is bugging me.  What is it really good for?

I do understand what LinkedIn is all about.  It is a business “networking” website.  Anytime you can network with others in business, this is a good thing.  You can join online groups that apply to your industry.  You can share business ideas.  You can look for a job.  You can see how everyone in this world is connected by just a few people (makes Kevin Bacon proud).  But with all of this, is it really doing anything to help you?

I have been on LinkedIn for almost 2 years.  Yes, I have connected with a lot of people. Many of which I have not seen in many years.  This is a good thing but that is why I also use Facebook.  I have joined a lot of groups.  But what has LinkedIn done for my business or job world? What has it done to make me money? The answer is: not really anything.  

If you have the basic free membership (which I have) to LinkedIn, you are limited to its resources.  They are always asking me to upgrade to the paid membership.  I have thought about it and would do it if I thought it would really help me make money. I just don’t see the value prop.

Virtual networking is a part of our 21^st century communication. It has a place but it also has its limits.  It is easy to connect with people online. However, nothing will ever take the place of face-to-face networking.

Let’s Meet Face-To-Face

As all of you know I am a big fan of the internet, email, and all the web technology.  I seem to be on it all day.  If I am not using it at my desk then I am one of those addicted “crackberry” users.  Ask anybody who knows me; it is not hard to find me through technology.

What I like about all this technology is the ease of communications.  I blog all of you every weekday, get email all day long, and researching anything is a “Google” away.  What I don’t like about the new technology is the lack of face-to-face. 

Because we are becoming a slave to our technology we are losing the art of personal contact.  Do you remember when you actually met with people to discuss business?  Now we send email back and forth.  Deals are now made without the handshake.  This may be part of the problem with our economy.  When you have personal contact, look at the person in the eye, and shake their hand it means something.  I believe you just brought that business deal to another level.  It’s personal now.  If you cut a deal in person you have less a chance of one side screwing it up. 

My brother also writes a blog called LiveWorks Newsletter www.liveworksnews.wordpress.com.  He has started a “dinner club” for other peeps in the business.  They get together at a restaurant to eat and talk about the biz.  The place they meet is not some “powerhouse” deal making place.  The first meeting is at a pizza place.  He is also trying to get people in the live event & entertainment business to meet in other cities throughout the country on the same night.  I think this is a great idea.  Meeting face-to-face to chat about the industry.  I bet if this takes off it will make a difference to our industry.  Why, because people are focused when they meet in person (unless you are Joaquin Phoenix).

As we all get ready to enjoy the weekend lets try to wish our loved ones a Happy Valentines Day in person and not through email. It’s hard to kiss someone through the iPhone.  I don’t think they have made an app for that yet.

Have a great weekend!