I'm starting to think that those bankers who are throwing lavish parties with our tax money may have a point. In times of economic uncertainty, the last thing people want to do is stay at home simmering in their own special stew of discontent. They want to party or at least forget about their worries for a moment. They also seek to find answers in others. When one attracts people (say prospective customers) to a party and gets a few drinks in them, those people will spend money. They'll feel good. They'll eat a little. They allow themselves to fantasize about happy times and nice surprises.... Oh goodness, let me shut up before I anger one or more of my beloved readers...All I know is that last night Buffalo Wild Wings on Horizon Ridge and Horizon out in Henderson was offering three hours of free Miller Lite and Tyku Vodka and giving away VIP passes to The Miller Lite March Hoops Viewing Party at The Palms on March 21st (courtesy of Spyonvegas.com). Buffalo Wild Wings already offers 60 cent boneless wings on Thursdays, so attendance for me and my fellow Imagine girls, Megan and Melissa (happy now?), was a no brainer. This notion also rang true with several other locals because the place was packed. In combination with a live broadcast remote from local radio station, Xtreme 107.5, the wing joint was a verifiable hit.
What's the relevance here? If you own a restaurant, beer or pub, there is no reason for you to be losing business. In fact, any business with a physical location and/or showroom can keep hope alive. With a little creativity and a reasonable investment you can attract, retain and raise customers even in our lovely recession. Why? Because folks want to be out, about and around other people and they want to do so while drinking. Now, I'm in no way encouraging alcoholism but, truth be told, enjoying a libation or two is the American way. In fact, according to the MADD 2001 annual report, the bill for a celebration party for the 55 drafters of the US Constitution was for 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, 8 bottles of whiskey, 22 bottles of port, 8 bottles of hard cider, 12 beers and seven bowls of alcohol punch large enough that "ducks could swim in them."
If you're in Las Vegas, contact your local liquor distributor and see if there are any opportunities available for them to sponsor an event at your establishment. Contact your local radio station and see what kind of remote deals they're offering so they can do some advertising on your behalf. Hop online and start working your network of friends and associates. (If you're not on Facebook, Twitter, and/or MySpace, what the hell?) Once you're party is in full swing, you'd better be taking pictures like photography is going out of style and then using those pictures to further promote your business as a hot community destination. Why do I feel like I should be selling this information? Perhaps it's because you can find the same kind of consulting wisdom at Imagine Marketing of Nevada where I happen to work during the day. (As if you didn't know that would be coming. It's what I do, Baby!)
Anywho, hosting a party means building relationships. In a relaxed setting, you get to know what makes your friends, coworkers and potential business partners tick. You share hot buttons, hopes and dreams. You find that you have more in common than you previously thought. You find inspiration and a lasting human connection. You find life.
I need to get back to my day job. Please tune in this weekend for more musings and reasons to blackmail me. Tonight, I'll be attending the Leadership Alumni Reception at 5pm, going to PT's Ladies' Night (ladies drink free!!!) at 7pm and then back to Tao for open bar from 9-11. Saturday, you'll find me at the St. Baldrick's fundraiser (benefitting children with cancer) watching my coworker's head get shaved.
Toodles!
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