Need to hone your customer service skills and build more brand loyalty?
This weekend while in NYC on the Fabulous 50 Tour, I had the extreme pleasure of attending a Live Your Best Life Weekend put on by Oprah Winfrey and her team. The weekend consisted of a reception on Friday, then a full day of workshops on Saturday, Oprah speaking on stage at Radio City Music Hall, and finishing with a fundraising walk ending in Times Square.
From the first event, picking up a packet with information about what was to happen over the weekend, it was done in style. Oprah had rented Gotham Hall in Times Square. The line of women were long (6000 attended) however it moved quickly and once in the hall, we were treated to a beautiful ambience, gift bag, and all sorts of treats - including photos, bites of food, and drink. What a great way to meet some of the women who would be around all weekend.
On Saturday, the day was FULL of sensory experiences. Again a big line (it is Oprah, after all) - and once in the Javitz Convention Center, we were treated with more beautiful decor, an organized list of what to expect, and a kickoff with Oprah herself. After she welcomed and thanked us, she brought up Elizabeth Gilbert who was very well spoken and encouraged everyone to be present and not be overwhelmed. Gilbert talked about mistakes she's made along the way.
Saturday night was by far my favorite - hearing Oprah Winfrey on stage at Radio City for 90 minutes (standing) talking about and showing photos of her life, and celebrating her magazine's 10th anniversary. Most of us were thinking she did not have a teleprompter - I think she might have, but even an O Magazine staffer we met in the subway afterward was curious as to whether she did or not. Regardless, she was eloquent and it was just wonderful. Again more visual beauty with the added touches to the music hall, and an appearance by the Rockettes and also by Hugh Jackman. Wow!
The walk ended the weekend - it was very cold and people were not moving fast enough intitally to be very happy about the weather, but more interesting folks were connected.
All told, it was a most fantastic weekend where it was reinforced to me:
Don't forget who your customers are
Treat them well, and thank them - no matter who you are or how big your light is
Give them something to talk about
Most of us are visual - don't forget the visual aspects of an event
Do it up right!
How do YOU treat your customers so that they talk about your business? Drop a note or send me an email and your comments will be posted.