“A conversation with 700 of our closest friends…”
July 1st, 2008
I’m on the board of the local performing arts center in Greenville, The Peace Center (don’t you love that name?). My friend Megan Riegel, the Executive Director, is a really, really interesting person. Not only does she have a great team working with her to bring the performing arts to our neck of the woods, she gets to hang out with all sorts wildly talented people. Several times she has told me stories about visiting artists, where I have remarked “ you need to tell everyone about this, what a cool story!”
Megan attended our last FIRE session at Brains on Fire and took away a lot of ideas and inspiration from our guest speakers. She’s also been attending other conferences and events that have inspired her and her team to think differently about connecting with her customers and supporters. Last Tuesday night I got invited and urged to bring a friend to see the upcoming season line-up. I’ve never been to one before so I had no expectations what so ever..
Well, let me tell you what happened.
As you came in you were urged to get a glass of wine or a cool drink, which you could carry into the performance hall. Four comfortable chairs were on stage. The lighting was simple and living room like. Megan came out and welcomed everyone, then announced that she wanted to do something new and bit unscripted. She then invited three talent agents (and three of her “best friends”) from NYC, to join her onstage. After casually introducing themselves, they proceed to have an interesting and unscripted conversation. You could tell they really were best friends.
Megan urged us to interrupt with questions. Seriously, about 600-700 folks where there and something about it felt like we were sitting in Megan’s living room having an intimate conversation. Someone asked why Megan doesn’t get a lot of straight plays (as opposed to musicals) to come to Greenville. She said, “We have been wondering about that. Raise your hand if you’d come to a straight play.” Tons of raised hands. “Alright, then — we will work on that.” After we chatted a bit more and came to understand exactly how shows are booked (it’s really a fascinating process), the chairs were removed, and Megan invited everyone on stage for food and drink.
Okay, that was very long winded, but I feel the experience is worth sharing. In my eyes, The Peace Center opened up and had one the largest off-line conversations with customers that I have witnessed, well… maybe ever. It didn’t cost a ton of money, and the value to the Peace Center had to be enormous. I am sure I am not the only one talking about it a week later.
Other posts by Robbin.
Jeff Crites says:
Great post. Nice reminder that the Web, for all of it’s technological glory, is not the only way to connect with people. The Web has enabled people to connect in numerous new and marvelous ways. But ultimately, it’s still about connecting with people, in whatever way you choose. Pick the way that presents itself, and ask people what they think … invite them in on the conversation … and it changes everything. I love the way business is changing, and at its core is the very simple act of listening … of connecting.
July 1st, 2008 at 5:49 am