I just read a great article in trendwatching.com that suggest that uniqueness is now a status symbol for consumers…including meeting and event planners!  The days of consuming products that the masses are consuming are passing.  Instead, people are looking for “status stories” to tell.  Imagine a planner saying…”I had a fantastic meeting at a really unique site!  We met on a ranch, etc.” as opposed to saying…”Yes, we met in a hotel ballroom”….BORING!  So, think about how you can help your customers tell a “status story” about their meeting or event at your venue.  To read the article, visit http://trendwatching.com/briefing/.

BE UNIQUE!

The University of Utah Guest House prevailed as the winning venue in the Unique Venues/ACCED-I Rock Band Competition at the Annual ACCED-I conference held in Las Vegas. Several venues participated but no one could match the extraordinary performance by this very talented group. Could it be because they have Rock Band in their break room? Check them out.

Less time, more work, demanding customers, slashed budgets. Is this you? Take a look…if Lucy and Ethel can do it so can you! Check it out. I’m sure you have all felt this way? I know I do from time to time!

It’s time to BLOG!

We’re onto this Web 2.0 thing…so hold on tight, we’re beginning a BLOG!

I’m new to this, and I’m sure many of you are too…but don’t hesitate! I will be sharing my thoughts along the way, and asking you for yours. Insights, tips, perplexing questions, trends are all in store for you. So join me for the ride. It might be bumpy at first, but I promise….it will be worthwhile! BLOG AWAY!

Marketing to the Masses

Ever think about how you REACH your customers and potential customers? Are you flexible and versatile in your approach to marketing and selling? I just heard Joan Eisenstodt speak at the ACCED-I conference and she shared with us the VARK approach. What is VARK? Check it out at www.vark-learn.com Basically, VARK stands for visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic which are the four different learning styles used by most consumers. On this site, you can take a quick inventory that will help you understand your preferred learning style.

Check it out. I am a kinesthetic learner, meaning I prefer to learn experientially. It struck me that most often when we market, we unintentionally tend to think one dimensionally, and typically that one dimension is the one we most personally prefer. Don’t get stuck in YOUR rut. Diversify your marketing and sales approaches!

Chuck Salem, President