Reagan Cook
Reagan Cook is Sr. Marketing Analyst for Global Experience Specialists. He’s worked with branding, strategy, and marketing for more than 30 years.
Creating a Sense of Delight: 6 Ways to Delight Your Customers in 2014
January 4, 2014
Let’s face it. In our personal lives our significant others appreciate the flowers or the small token we deliver because it signals we were thinking of them and took time to act on that thought in a kind, loving way. It’s the time and effort they usually appreciate most.
Ken Robinson wrote in his great book, “The Element,” “We need to challenge what we take for granted about our abilities and the abilities of other people. This isn’t as easy as one might imagine. Part of the problem with identifying the things we take for granted is that we don’t know what they are because we take them for granted in the first place.” [Ken Robinson’s Ted Talks – education/human capacity or on creativity.]
So how does this apply to the work we all perform in different businesses? The starting point for creating delight is recognizing what we take for granted in our own work – when ideas are routine, stale, or not challenging the status quo. These are red flags. When we encounter them, we owe it to our customers to challenge current thinking and consider taking different actions.
If you want to challenge your current thinking and delight your customers, event attendees or even your boss, consider these ideas:
1). Change your perspective. What happens if you consider the opportunity from a different angle –from the customer’s perspective or their customers’ perspective?
2). Change your environment. Have you tried working in a more inspiring space?
3). Change your media. Perhaps a different tool or a new method will help you see a different solution. Do you think better when you’re moving, exercising or listening to inspiring music?
4). Look for connections or relationships between ideas you’ve never noticed before. In a very casual setting, Beatle George Harrison wrote “Handle with Care,” after seeing the label on a crate. His friends Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne sang along impromptu, and “Handle with Care” became one of Harrison’s best songs, according to Robinson.
5). Connect with the ideas and energy of other people. Others may support you, adding substance to your ideas. This includes suppliers and partners.
6). Clear distractions and focus on the real issue. Distractions steal energy and interrupt your thinking processes when you need them most.
Innovation and creativity thrive in organizations with open minds. From our experience, the most inspiring ideas come when we collaborate with clients on a particular challenge. While the first step may be identifying opportunities for delight and innovation, the critical next steps involve considering new options and methods to gain measurable new outcomes.
Quality growth is more critical than ever, and it takes new thinking and new energy to make it happen consistently and sustainably. The results deliver innovation, competitive advantage and certainly customer delight.
How will you delight your customers in 2014? Share your ideas by commenting below.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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