We were having a meeting in the Soma Games/Code-Monkeys office a couple of weeks ago near the front of the shop. In the middle of the meeting Chris Skaggs our CTO yelled out, “he is wearing our shirt!”. We all turned to look out the street front window. A guy in his twenties had just walked by wearing a Soma t-shirt. I immediately jumped up, opened the door and chased him down. He turned around as I called out, noting that he was wearing our t-shirt. I then asked him where he got it, telling him I thought it was cool he was wearing it. He said a guy named Chris had given it to him when he stopped in the shop out of curiosity. I thanked him for wearing it and invited him in to come in anytime to play XBox or see our latest projects.
I remember thinking to myself as I began to chase the guy down “what the heck am I doing”. I realize I really didn’t care if he thought I was nut. I was so excited this guys was walking around with our brand on him. I was going to do anything to make sure he knew we appreciated it.
That is what makes the difference today. Every fan, customer and community member matters. They have a voice and they hold the keys to you getting your name known. So when they wear your t-shirt, give you a shout out or blog about you, chase them down and make sure they know you saw you appreciate what they do. It doesn’t cost a thing and it goes a long way to further enchantment.
Here are a few examples of brands that listened this week.
A friend asked about the best Microsoft Office document app for the iPad. We had a conversation on twitter and Quick Office chimed in with a thank you.
I have a twitter list I use to promote Authors who are engaged on line. Using Paper.li the list sends out a note about the top posts from that list. Several Authors say thanks. Two of which are Ted Coine and Laurie King through her famous character from her Beekeepers Apprentice Novels Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes’ young assistant.
These gestures are worth more than prizes and they can never be bought.
