Episode Details

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Author & Director of Experience  of Social Media Examiner, Phil Mershon. Phil Mershon emphasizes the need to go beyond just providing good content or service. He believes the key to success is delivering a great overall experience. This can be achieved by adding surprise and delight, personalization, and going above and beyond to turn negative experiences into positive ones. For instance, consider the example of Disney. They've implemented creative solutions, such as fast passes and interactive experiences within lines, to enhance the overall experience for visitors. Phil also delves into the power of creating memorable experiences in events. He acknowledges that while there may be unavoidable negative aspects in any event, such as long lines or uncomfortable weather, the key is to focus on creating strong and powerful moments that overshadow the negatives. By doing so, people will remember the highlights, like meeting characters or watching fireworks, and forget about the less enjoyable parts. This strategy, referred to as "stacking," emphasizes positive moments to make the negative ones seem less consequential.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Importance of creating memorable experiences in various settings
• Elements of surprise and delight, personalization, and going above and beyond
• Identifying and addressing potential friction points
• Examples of Disney's creative solutions to enhance experiences
• Power of creating memorable experiences in events
• Strategy of "stacking" positive moments to overshadow negatives
• Introduction of the concept of "DRiED" challenges for event planners
• Recommendation of the book "Unforgettable" for event planning
• Applicability of the book to various contexts

About Phil Mershon:

Phil Mershon is a creative innovator who combines existing products and ideas to craft unforgettable experiences. Notably, in fourth grade, he conceptualized the barbequed Pringles potato chip and garnered hundreds of signatures on a petition to Pringles, although the idea didn't materialize. Today, Mershon's imaginative approach is evident in his role as the Director of Experience for Social Media Examiner, where he curates the exceptional atmosphere of their signature event, Social Media Marketing World. He also enhances the experiences across products like the Social Media Marketing Society and Crypto Business Conference. His innovative touch includes incorporating live music, original performances, and professional emcees into conferences, making them stand out. Beyond event planning, Mershon is a skilled conference speaker, workshop leader, and upcoming author of "Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences." He also hosts the "Man in the Pew" show, guiding Christian men seeking to integrate their faith into all aspects of life. With expertise in leadership, public speaking, writing, and event organization, Phil Mershon is a trailblazer in creating impactful and memorable experiences.

About Social Media Examiner:

Social Media Examiner is the premier destination for small businesses seeking effective marketing strategies in the digital age. Serving as the world's largest small business marketing resource, it empowers millions of companies by offering insights on connecting with customer