"Wow" is No Longer A Big Deal.

If you watched any part of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, you might have seen some “over the top” performances by myriad actors, dancers, singers and certainly the lighting, sound effects, stage effects and creative people.

God knows what the Super bowl people will do for a half time show!  But, back to the Olympics.  I never thought I would see 20 or so Mary Poppins flying in.  Nor did I ever dream that the Queen of England, in a simulated format, would lend credence to jumping out of a helicopter to join in the festivities.

Entertainment is no longer measured by a simple “Wow” or even the teenage “Awesome dude”, or even the tried and true “Unbelievable” exclamation points.  No, new adjectives and adverbs will need to be brought forth.  What could we say about it that hasn’t been said before?

And that is exactly what the producers of these shows want us to say, “I’ve never seen this before….it was ___________.

And that’s where the word is needed.

So how can you translate this jaded global need for entertainment or an event that can’t even be described any more in your bowling center.  What products can you look at first that might give you the greatest payback at the least expense?

How about a birthday party for kids? Have you tried to put the entertainment in the party or is it two slices of pizza and a Pepsi, balloons and some hats?

How about some of these? Mascots, Magicians, Face Painters, Clowns, Hula Hoop specialists, Special lighting effects and Beatles music - “They Say It’s Your Birthday.”  Of course, this is built into the price.

My favorite is to schedule your parties at 3 different times on Saturday so you have three different shows.  Then have n MC say something like, “Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages welcome tot Tommy’s, Ashley’s Jose’s and Willie’s birthday parties.”  Have them go up and roll the first ball, then play the birthday song.  Give 'em a T shirt that says “BIG STAR” with a star on the shirt. And center name of course. You don't even have to say anything about birthday; that way they would wear your shirt more often than just on their birthday.

OK, the rest is up to you.  Just create entertainment that people will say, "I've never seen that before" because “Wow” is no longer a big deal.