Go To The Mall!

I’m sure you’ve seen it. You’re walking through the mall or shopping plaza and there’s one store that is having an “Event.“ With a capital “E.” They want you to notice. They want you to come in and check out what’s going on. They want to rouse some excitement. It happens all the time! Recently, at Westfarms Mall in Farmington, CT, the cosmetics company MAC held a special event in the center court of the mall. They called it “Smoke Signals,” and they set up a stage, in front of which they offered free makeovers. On the stage were musicians – I believe they had two drummers playing African beats and an upright bass player as well. Live music really changes the atmosphere of a place. How did MAC find these individuals? The guys must have put their names out there somehow, and MAC scooped them up. The coupling of this large corporation with a few accomplished musicians was quite successful. The music attracted mall-walkers, and the makeovers kept them there. The musicians got great exposure. This is an opportunity that is available to us all! You never know who might need a little music for a special event, so get those business cards out there! Of course, it’s more likely that a guitar or a drum will be in demand than a trombone or a piccolo, but again – you never know! Most places consistently have music on in the background that’s either satellite radio or a CD or tape sent in from the company. Add some real-life musicians to the equation and things tend to get a little livelier! Whether it’s a string quartet for an elegant feel or an acoustic guitar for a light, coffeehouse feel, I’m sure you know as well as I do that music can really enhance a mood. Take a stroll through your local shopping mall this week, and pass out some business cards. Stop in at the Customer Service desk to let them know that you’re available for any mall-wide events that may be coming up. As you know, the holidays are right around the corner, and many places have live Christmas music during the busy shopping season. This is your chance to get some great exposure! Get out there!