The other day, I was driving around my hometown of Oklahoma City, when I passed Chisholm Trail BBQ, which has a giant hot pink pig-shaped sign on the roof. I enjoy taking pictures of off-beat things and this was made to order, no pig intended.
I pulled into the parking lot and began shooting pictures with my Nikon D60, a digital camera that tends to attract attention because unlike many digital cameras, you must shoot through the view finder. People are prone to think I know what I’m doing even if I’m still in the learning process.
While taking pictures, the owner came out and shouted, “Do you like my pig!?”
“Yes, I like it very much,” I said.
He went inside and got me a menu and then he asked if I’d like to sample one of his BBQ ribs. He completely seized the day.
Mike – that was his name – packaged up the rib for me in a little to go box, never asking who I was or why I was taking pictures of his pig. Not only did Mike seize the day, he made a future sale, and maybe, many future sales. My husband works in the tourism industry and is frequently asked to suggest places to eat. I brought the rib home and he devoured it. He said the sauce was the best he’d ever tasted.
You just never know when a hot pink pig is going to bring you brilliant, non-paid media placement. Investing in a cool sign can definitely create those priceless word-of-mouth opportunities. Mike knew how to help it along. He was Johnny-on-the-Spot with a menu and a sample.
The bottom line is, assume everyone taking interest in your business has the ability to broadcast your message to the masses.
- jen
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@murraynewlands Public relations lesson from a hot pink pig [link to post] (via @affdump)
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RT Public relations lesson from a hot pink pig [link to post] (via @MurrayNewlands)
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Public relations lesson from a hot pink pig [link to post]
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Mike knows how to connect with his audience, even if they’re only fans in passing. If he can continue getting that message out to the masses, it won’t be long before we’re all snapping shots of hot pink pigs on the go.
Murray! Why are you posting a Clickbooth ad under my comment? Blasphemy!
I would be happy to sell you the space
Very cool. I was expecting the owner to come out shouting about shooting the pig, but not in a positive way.