Image Courtesy of OrlandoStreetPhotography.com
Once a year we have a standing date to babysit for one of our daughters. You see, she and her husband are “Parrot Heads” – those devout followers of Jimmy Buffet.
Parrot Heads come in all sizes, shapes, and ages. You have the older set, who have been following Jimmy Buffet since he got started. They were actually the ones who started the movement – with people camping out, sharing stories, drinks, food, and memories of their years at Jimmy Buffet concerts.
Then there is the “next generation” – those who weren’t there when Jimmy Buffet started, but got there as soon as possible! That’s the group that Stephanie and Rick belong to.
Finally there are the youngsters – children of the original Parrot Heads or those who have found Margaritaville along the way.
Parrot Heads are rabid. They love their Buffett and they don’t like to miss a beat. But this year, our family Parrot Heads are sitting it out.
Why? Because Jimmy Buffet decided to schedule his concert on a Thursday night – at a location which insists that everyone leave by 2am. Picture that – people who have been camped, eating and drinking, attending a concert – then all of them hitting the road at the same time. Recipe for disaster!
Now there are several lessons here – and a big benefit to YOU as a reader of my blog.
1. Create something that people get excited about. The whole Margaritaville restaurant chain and all of the Parrot Head paraphernalia all started as a song that was repeatable. People love the music and the atmosphere, so they keep coming back. How can you do with that YOUR business?
2. Find something that can go viral. Generations of people attending concerts, inviting their friends, buying the T-shirts and hats. Viral marketing at its best! What could YOU use to start a viral campaign?
3. Listen to your customers. There are going to be some loyal Parrot Heads missing at this year’s concert. Parents who have kids they need to take to soccer practice. People with jobs who need to keep them and therefore need to get up on Friday. Those who understand the danger of requiring everyone to leave at the height of their excitement – and drunkenness.
Had the Buffett group listened to their customers, they would understand the concerns. Yes, the older fans, who have no job or family obligations, and those younger fans who are willing to forget them for a day, will probably be there as usual. But those fans “in the middle” won’t be partying with their hats on, singing their way into the concert.
My Parrott Heads in blue Hawaiian shirts
Needless to say, my kids fall into that category. Which brings me to the BIG advantage for you!
Our monthly Members-Only webinar for the Online Success Incubator has been “on hold” until my family obligations were determined. Now that we know I won’t be going to take care of the tiny Parrots, then we’re all set.
Thursday, April 19 – 8:00 PM EDT
Members Only Webinar for Online Success Incubator
Join Us!
Naturally this is only ONE reason to join the Incubator now – but it’s a really good one!
So are you or any of your family Parrot Heads?
