The Great Clown Nose Experiment

from Able Leader, September 2003

by Steve Kaye

What I Did
In August I mailed clown noses to 36 people. Then I called them to ask four questions: did you receive the nose, what did you think of it, do you want to receive other toys, and does anyone else send things like this?

Why I Did It
I am always trying new ideas and seeking ways to improve. This includes staying in touch with my friends. In this case, I decided to put something unrelated to business on people's desks so they would remember me.

What Happened
I spoke with 33 out of the 36 people. 25 liked it, 5 did not. Two said that it was okay. And one administrative assistant knew that it had arrived.

Some of the recipients were delighted. They told me that they laughed out loud when they read the suggested applications. One vice president reported wearing the nose when she met with her boss. And one person told me that her husband wore the clown nose when being wheeled in for surgery. The assistant asked for a nose to wear next month (another surgery - we might be starting something here).

Others did not like it. And I am very pleased that they had the courage to speak candidly. Their comments provided valuable lessons (and reminders) that can be expanded upon to help with your business and marketing efforts. The lessons are:

Lesson 1: While we appreciate good news, we learn from critical commentary. Do you ask for feedback? Do you create an environment that facilitates candid communication? (My program on The Human Side of Communication shows you how to do this.)

Lesson 2: Everyone is different. For example, my intuitive side would have considered the clown nose to be fun and my logical side would have considered it to be dumb. Please know that both responses are okay.

(By the way, I have a wonderful workshop on behavior styles that shows you how to relate to others.)

Lesson 3: This entire event is an example of the way that I work. I report results. I tell the truth. I welcome candid conversations. Sometimes I go out to the edge. And I sincerely care about others. It disturbs me that I may have done something that bothered people. And it cheers me that I was able to help some people laugh.

Lesson 4:
One person said, "I don't understand it."

We need to communicate what we are doing and why we are doing it. Do you communicate the reasons for your decisions so that people will support them? We always need to communicate more and to work on perfecting our communications.

Lesson 5:
One person said, "I never saw it because my staff opens my mail."

We need to know about the internal operations of other companies. In this case a filter negated the value of my communication. Do you know what happens to the mail that you send and the messages that you leave. And, have you set up filters in your organization? If so, do they help you or prevent you from obtaining information that you need to run your business?

Lesson 6:
Three people said, "You don't need to send me toys to get my attention."

Some people prefer traditional means of communication. They answer the phone and they return calls. They like to receive real mail. Are you staying in touch through good old fashioned human contact? It still works.

What's Next
First, I will continue to experiment with new ideas. I will continue to use traditional means of communication such as phone calls and letters. And I will continue to seek ways to provide greater value to my clients.

And ... right now I have about ninety clown noses. So ....

If you would like to receive one, let me know. Note: I will send them only to people who ask and provide an address. In return, you must agree to enjoy it. I will not call you to ask for your comments. (This experiment is over.)

Key Point: Some experiments are designed to learn about people.

Much success,

Steve Kaye
714-528-1300