CHAT BACK: The Singapore Box

I must admit I can’t recall who told me this story or in fact what company it was, or when it occurred or even if it’s it true but that shouldn’t stand in the way of a good story - especially one which is a great example of creativity in action.

There was a company in Singapore that was wooing a potential client and trying to lock in an appointment to see them. After a myriad of the standard phone calls and door knocking they simply couldn’t get a meeting and so decided to change tact and try something different.

They bought their potential client a gift and placed it in a box. They then locked the box, wrapped a chain around it and padlocked the chain. They didn’t use a cheap lock either by the way, but a really tough, expensive and indestructible one.

Of course out of curiosity the prospect tried and tried to open the box but with no success – and then a note arrived. It clearly stated that the owner of the key to the box and padlock was happy to part with them and hand them over so the box could be opened.

All the prospect had to do was phone the number listed and make an appointment to meet with their new potential supplier and hear a proposal.

Needless to say our heroes got the appointment. Maybe it was because of the sheer ingenuity they demonstrated or maybe out of pure greed of the client – but that doesn’t matter – they got through the door.

Now whether this story is true or has evolved into fable, it demonstrates that sometimes you need to step out and take a different approach, stop looking at traditional and conventional solutions and challenge the rules.

Think creatively and find a different approach, take a creative risk and stand out. It pays dividends.