In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Author & Director of Experience of Social Media Examiner, Phil Mershon.Phil Mershon emphasizes the need to go beyond just providing good content or service. He believes the key to success is delivering a great overall experience. This can be achieved by adding surprise and delight, personalization, and going above and beyond to turn negative experiences into positive ones.For instance, consider the example of Disney. They've implemented creative solutions, such as fast passes and interactive experiences within lines, to enhance the overall experience for visitors.Phil also delves into the power of creating memorable experiences in events. He acknowledges that while there may be unavoidable negative aspects in any event, such as long lines or uncomfortable weather, the key is to focus on creating strong and powerful moments that overshadow the negatives.By doing so, people will remember the highlights, like meeting characters or watching fireworks, and forget about the less enjoyable parts. This strategy, referred to as "stacking," emphasizes positive moments to make the negative ones seem less consequential.Key Points from the Episode:Importance of creating memorable experiences in various settingsElements of surprise and delight, personalization, and going above and beyondIdentifying and addressing potential friction pointsExamples of Disney's creative solutions to enhance experiencesPower of creating memorable experiences in eventsStrategy of "stacking" positive moments to overshadow negativesIntroduction of the concept of "DRiED" challenges for event plannersRecommendation of the book "Unforgettable" for event planningApplicability of the book to various contextsAbout Phil Mershon:Phil Mershon is a creative innovator who combines existing products and ideas to craft unforgettable experiences. Notably, in fourth grade, he conceptualized the barbequed Pringles potato chip and garnered hundreds of signatures on a petition to Pringles, although the idea didn't materialize.Today, Mershon's imaginative approach is evident in his role as the Director of Experience for Social Media Examiner, where he curates the exceptional atmosphere of their signature event, Social Media Marketing World.He also enhances the experiences across products like the Social Media Marketing Society and Crypto Business Conference. His innovative touch includes incorporating live music, original performances, and professional emcees into conferences, making them stand out.Beyond event planning, Mershon is a skilled conference speaker, workshop leader, and upcoming author of "Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences." He also hosts the "Man in the Pew" show, guiding Christian men seeking to integrate their faith into all aspects of life. With expertise in leadership, public speaking, writing, and event organization, Phil Mershon is a trailblazer in creating impactful and memorable experiences.About Social Media Examiner:Social Media Examiner is the premier destination for small businesses seeking effective marketing strategies in the digital age. Serving as the world's largest small business marketing resource, it empowers millions of companies by offering insights on connecting with customers, driving web traffic, boosting brand awareness, and increasing sales.At its core, Social Media Examiner believes that strategic marketing can level the playing field, enabling even small businesses to compete with industry giants. Their mission revolves around helping companies navigate the ever-evolving marketing landscape, providing valuable resources to stay competitive.Social Media Examiner delivers a wealth of information through original articles, expert interviews, groundbreaking research, and up-to-date news to enhance marketing efforts. Additionally, they host large-scale events and training sessions that grant access to top industry experts, ensuring businesses can stay at the forefront of marketing trends and innovation.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur:https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Social Media Examiner website athttps://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/smmworld/Check out Social Media Examiner on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/company/social-media-examiner/Check out Phil Mershon on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philmershon/Check out Phil Mershon website atphilmershon.comCheck out Phil Mershon on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/phil.mershonCheck out Phil Mershon on Instagram athttps://instagram.com/phil_mershonCheck out Phil Mershon on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/phil_mershonDon’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.