We held a little party for 65 of our best clients at a little Jazz Cafe. Our best friends displayed some of their art work, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and live piano music.
The turn out was great, half the customers were my wife’s real estate customers and half of them were my best deck customers.
It was such a success that we have opted to do this once a year in February.
The cost was $3500. but after splitting the expense I felt that $1750. was inexpensive advertising when you consider most of my leads come from these people.
What better way to reach prospective new customers than to show your appreciation to the ones you’ve already had. You see, we value every one of our clients and buy treating them as friends they in turn are willing to tell their circle of friends about us.
I don’t know about you guys, but I would rather spend my advertising budget like this, rather than blowing it on yellow page adds.
One of my very first clients showed up. I built them an all clear cedar deck fifteen years ago and it still looks like I built it yesterday.They really take great care of there $10,000. deck which would be double that today.
Here’s some shots of the artwork……….and artists
“Rather be a hammer than a nail”
Bob
Edited 2/25/2004 2:41:23 AM ET by Pro-Dek
Replies
Hey Bob very well done hosting all your clients and friends
speak for all of us in how we enjoy partaking in your artwork on this site
many thanks John
Thanks John, actually the artists were one of my clients too, but they were best friends before they were my clients.
Just another form of advertising I wanted to share with the great bunch of guys here on the forum...........
Now I better get some shut eye , more bids to work on tomorrow...
Take care........"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Bob, in the reverse.
Each year we host a party on the night of the cities July fireworks celebration. It's gotten big, too big by some estimations. Well anyway, one nite of the party I stood talking to an accountant and mentioned how this was more of a company appreciation picnic as I had worked for darn near everyone there. He looked at me, smiled and gave me another deduction.
Way more fun than a yellow page add too I might add.
You are indeed a marketing genious.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
It was ALOT of work setting up the backdrop for the artwork. hang fabric, hook up lights, hang paintings, but my friends did sell two paintings.
They both make a great living selling their art. I think it's a rip off how much the galleries get. The artist buys the oil,canvas,stretch frame and decorative frame.
Then after many hours of creating a masterpiece the gallery gets 50% of all of it.
I think the gallery should buy the frame at least.........
Sounds like you have a great time at your gatherings too Calvin. Believe me, your
clients and friends will always remember your kind deeds.
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Yeah bob, a very good time.......since the hole party when we broke ground for this place. My daughter was 3 then. Now that she's in college, I have to sit on the cooler. Not quite as fun as b/4. We used to have to put the food tables in the garage to keep them from the coons. Now, gotta lock the garage with the coolers inside to keep the not so youngsters out while we go down to the river. Damn, like deja vu all over again.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Bob,
My architect-next door neighbor has a similar party each year. He specializes in historic restorations but takes other types of architecural jobs, as well. He helped us with a small project 10 years ago so we're invited to his client appreciation party. Anyway, we always have a good time and enjoy talking to his other clients.
Chip
It's no surprise that an excellent marketing idea comes from you, Bob. Word of mouth means more than a full-page ad any day. Oh, and tax deductible! Dang that's good.
...that's not a mistake, it's rustic
Thanks Jeff, But I'll have to give the marketing kudos to my highly motivated real estate wife. She is continiously listening to motivational tapes and CD's by Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, and others.
She sells 3-4 houses a month so she has my undivided attention when it comes to marketing.
"When we clearly understand that there is no superior sex or superior race, we will have opened the door of communication and laid the foundation for building relationships with all people in this global world of ours."
"Success is one thing you can't pay for. You buy it on the installment plan and make payments every day"
Zig"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
I have done about the same thing for the past few years...a friend has a party barn set up at his farm ... institutional kitchen and all. I have a couple hundred folks there in June...attendees range from blue-collar rednecks to bankers to multi-millioinairs, it's amazing how they all mingle and enjoy each other for at least that day.
At christmas, 4 or 5 of my best clients get invited to our annual christmas party, which is mostly family and close friends.
I think the payoff is worth the expense.
and you didn't invite us?
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kudos again / ya I got the art work at the party concept
I was complimenting the art work you post for us here at Breaktime thanks John
Thanks John, that's a nice compliment ........."Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Sorry Piffin, You're a great helper but not a client..............
One of my Sons was bummed that his brother got to go and he didn't.
"Well Marty Tommy bought a house from your Mom, you didn't...........:-)
So Piffin......when you move to the greater Northwest, look up my Wife, she'll do an excellent job finding you a house, then you can come to our next party......
We'd Love to have you................ "Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
I see, one of those exclusivre parties, HUh?
My clients throw contractor appreciation parties
;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!