At some point, you’re probably going to get a weird request from a fan — something you didn’t see coming, something the handbook doesn’t cover. Some companies find nice, scripted ways to decline these offers. Or worse, some companies ignore them.
But others recognize these wacky requests as an opportunity for making a raving fan. They understand that the people who are most excited about their stuff, are also the ones who will talk about it a lot.
Taco Bell started a ton of conversations by granting the wish of a high school diver who wanted a customized swimsuit with their motto: Think Outside the Buns. Sure, there are legal considerations for sponsorship (and whether or not the kid can actually wear the suit at a meet,) and Taco Bell could have said, “Sorry kid, we make tacos.”
Instead, they asked for his address and size (and the word of mouth spread).
Are you looking for ways to delight the fans who are already crazy about you? How can you give them a great story to tell everyone they know?
