259: How to Create Raving Fans with Jesse Cole

Imagine if you could double, triple or even quadruple your word of mouth referrals. What if word about your firm spread so far and wide that people were lining up at your door?

And what if you could do that without spending a single dime on advertising or marketing?

Now that might sound like a nightmare to you-you're fine where you are, you don't want any more work, and you don't want to make a larger impact. However, since you're listening to this podcast, I'm guessing you're someone who wants to learn and grow - you're always looking for a better way of doing things. That's why I'm excited to tell you about today's guest, who comes from an industry far, far away from architecture and design.

I think some of the most powerful business breakthroughs we can have is by looking at other industries to see how and why they are having success, and seeing how we can apply these lessons to the business of architecture and design.

Today I bring you a story about baseball. Known as The PT Barnum of Baseball, Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment. Shortly after graduating from college in 2007, Jesse became the General Manager of a Minor-league baseball team, the Gastonia Grizzlies.

When Jesse signed on, the Grizzlies had no sponsors, no money, and few fans. Jesse knew he needed to do something different. By the end of the first season, the Grizzlies were playing to sold-out crowds of fans. He miraculously turned around the team.

In 2014 Jesse and his wife took on another challenge by opening a new baseball team in Savannah, Georgia, which they named the Savanna Bananas. Getting past the local criticism of the strange name, Jesse knew he was on to something when the team launch day went viral on media around the world. Suddenly, thousands of people wanted a Savannah Bananas hat or T-shirt. Since then, the team plays to sold-out crowds.

Jesse sums up his success simply: Be different.

He's been featured on MSNBC, ESPN, NPR and other media outlets. He just released a book, "Find Your Yellow Tux," where he promotes his mantra "If it’s normal, do the exact opposite”.

Jesse has the most compelling message I've heard about creating an amazing experience for your clients, and how this can fuel your business.

I hope this interview will inspire you, help you think differently about your practice, and help you create a practice that is more impactful and profitable.

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