A Bigfoot Tale
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Last weekend, my husband and I ventured out on a short overnight hiking trip. After crossing through meadows of burnt trees, hiding from a surround-sound lightning storm, camping at an old mining ghost town, spotting a batman squirrel and personally surviving 25 bug bites (yes, I counted), we crossed back into the world of humans. Since our back-country adventure was located right outside of the little town of Bailey, Colorado situated within the Pike National Forest, we stopped by a couple little stores to “see the town” before heading back home.
One of the places we explored - there really isn’t much else - was called The Sasquatch Outpost. It cohabitates in the same building as the local Country Store - a conglomerate of groceries & gear & any other random odd or end - and is completely specialized with sasquatch everything.
As a market researcher, one of the things in the store I loved most was the map of Sasquatch Sightings:
This Colorado state map is filled with location markers, each different pin color indicating one of the following in regards to Sasquatch:
- I saw one
- I heard one
- I saw tracks
- Other
Those “other” responses would sure be fun to code, right? Through my eyes, I saw market research in action - an effort to catch people in the midst of their experiences in Pike National Forest with a unique, interactive approach - almost like a game. I will say nothing of the accuracy of the responses though!
Apparently, Bailey is quite a magnet for Sasquatch sightings in Central Colorado. After our trip, we were talking with a friend who is a Search and Rescue volunteer in Douglas County. He mentioned that he most frequently heard of Sasquatch sightings in Pike National Forest during his time spent volunteering. Additionally, this news report not only features the Sasquatch Outpost when it originated a couple of years ago, but also the firm belief of local residents regarding the existence of Sasquatch or Bigfoot or whatever it is that people want to call him/it.
And from The Sasquatch Outpost website itself:
“It seems that Bailey is a mecca both for Sasquatches (sp?) and for Sasquatch Seekers! There have been a large number of credible (you're laughing, I know) reports of sightings all around Bailey in the past 2-3 years, so much so that last October the Animal Planet show "Finding Bigfoot" came here to film a town hall meeting. … So, do I believe in Sasquatch? Absolutely. My friends and family make fun of me, but I cannot discount over 30,000 reported sightings across the United States as ALL being hoaxes or mistaken identity (bears impersonating Sasquatch, for example). Until the day when real, hard proof surfaces we'll have fun printing Sasquatch T-shirts, mugs and bumper stickers. Why don't you stop by and pick up some Squatch Souvenirs!”
Talk about knowing how to take something unique to your marketing advantage! I think we can all learn a lesson from The Sasquatch Outpost. A successful business plan revolves around knowing who your audience is - in this case, the "Sasquatch Seekers", whether they seek in jest or in seriousness. Furthermore, capitalizing on something fun about your company or location or personality is a fantastic way to attract not simply attention, but even more importantly, involvement. Like we learned in my last post, involvement = remembering and learning. Involvement makes an impression. Whether skeptical or believing of what you offer or claim, everyone appreciates a good time and an effort to stand out from the crowd.
And if ever you ever happen to pass through Bailey...keep an eye out for Bigfoot!
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