Friday, 10 January 2020

In praise of the launch


I stumbled across some old photos the other day. 


Photos of our launch event 16 years ago. My partner and I were starting a new accountancy practice. We’d just taken out a lease on a small office and we invited some friends, old work colleagues, local dignitaries and other contacts for drinks and canapés.

We are still in the same office but the team and the space we occupy has expanded significantly.

The launch was a modest affair but very convivial and enjoyable. I remember being hugely grateful to everyone who came along and supported us.

It was good to look at the photos and reminisce. Apart from everyone looking a lot younger something else slowly dawned on me. A very high proportion of the lovely guests who came along eventually became our clients. Not immediately, but in most cases several years later.

Ok, so these were already people we knew and had a relationship with but I have a feeling that attending the launch made them feel more emotionally connected with our business. When the time came for them to speak to an accountant, we were the natural choice.

So a launch can be a powerful thing with a long tail of goodwill extending into the future. If you are starting a business I’d recommend putting some time and energy into your launch and engaging with your network so they feel involved in your venture. 

It might just pay you back with interest for years to come.


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