Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

Some of the best connections and deals happen “after hours.” It’s all about relationships.

That’s why as prez of AIBA (Albuquerque Independent Business Alliance) I’ve started having monthly “come if you can and as you are” gatherings at Slate Street Cafe’s Wine Loft. We held the first one last night.

The folks that dropped in could relax and talk as they wanted to whom they wanted. No forced networking. No blah-blah agendas. No biz cards or referral forms being thrust in our faces. Just people getting to know each other.

Slate Street gets customers they normally wouldn’t on a slow night – who now have Slate Street on their mind for other times. (And, at least two of us stayed and had dinner after.) Myra the owner couldn’t have been nicer. She also gave AIBA members a 10% discount for wine time. Of course, 10% isn’t a lot but it’s a nice way to show appreciation. (And, I didn’t even bother to claim it, as I believe most didn’t.)

Now, Myra could have been difficult (”We have a minimum order requirement” “What will you guarantee?” etc.) – but she wasn’t. She groks the value of relationship building.

So, thanks Myra! We’ll be back next month if not before and we’ll tell people about you (like I’m doing here.) If you’re in the Albuquerque area – check out Slate Street. The wine list is extensive. The fried olives appetizer is great (really)…and the shrimp and garlic cream sauce starter is sooo good that – if I were a dog – I’d roll around in it. ;-D

What about you? Think outside the box (and the office) – how can you bring people together in a low-key, fun way? It, of course, doesn’t have to involve wine. What about a “milk and cookie break” customer seminar? A wine (or cheese) tasting? Group cooking lessons? A comedy club outing? And so on.

Tags: marketing, marketing troubleshooting, relationship marketing, word of mouth marketing, WOM, Slate Street Cafe