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Newsletter #826: The “Invite Them In” Issue

[Welcome back to the Damn, I Wish I’d Thought of That! newsletter. This is text of the great issue all of our email subscribers just received. Sign yourself up using the handy form on the right.]

Every time you get a customer in the door, it means you’ve earned the chance to give them a memorable experience. A few opportunities to make that happen:

1> For a show
2> For a garage sale
3> For a tour
4> Check it out: I Can’t Find My Phone

1> For a show

It can be hard for any musician to stand out, and it can be nearly impossible when it’s during the chaotic SXSW festival. So artist Bobby Bare Jr. did something different — he found fans willing to host mini concerts in their living rooms. The concept is the basis for his new tour, where he lists cities on his website and looks for volunteers interested in hosting shows for 40-50 people. It means fans are doing a ton of promotion, the shows are incredibly unique, and Bobby gets to cut out the middlemen promoters.

The lesson: Instead of competing with the biggest and flashiest, try inviting your fans to the smallest and most unique.

Learn more: Neal Stewart’s Blog

2> For a garage sale

Think garage sales are just for clearing out all that old junk in your basement? Think again. Every year, the Whole Foods in downtown Austin hosts a big garage sale to raise money for their Whole Planet Foundation. This simple event not only brings in people for the big event, but it also draws people during the weeks before who are looking to donate their items.

The lesson: Special events, sales, festivals, concerts, or classes are great opportunities to get customers in the door and keep them coming back.

3> For a tour

Guided tours show fans the behind-the-scenes stuff they love to check out. The Zappos distribution facility is especially impressive (we toured it last year) and every day people trek to Shepherdsville, Kentucky to see how it operates. But Zappos also puts a twist on the classic tour: They host virtual tours where fans can join a webcast to get a live look at their legendary culture and distribution facility — all without leaving their desk.

The lesson: How many more fans could you reach with your tour if they didn’t have to travel to experience it?

Learn more: Zappos

4> Check it out: I Can’t Find My Phone

Need help finding your phone but don’t have a friend handy to dial it for you? This site could save your day.

Check it out: I Can’t Find My Phone

 

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