Whoever thinks that selling fish is boring is gravely mistaken.
If you own a business and want to stand out, you MUST WATCH the video below.
I heard about Pike’s Place Fish Market in Seattle years ago. They are well-known for their business practices. I first heard about them in @bullysaurus’s training videos when she was studying to become a teacher.
Pike’s Place Fish Market
86 Pike St
Seattle, WA 98101-2025
(206) 682-7181
Their business setup was a real phenomenon. There were like 5 other fish businesses in the same market, but…
- What makes this one so special?
- Why would everyone buy from them instead of the 5 other ones?
- What is their secret?
- And it’s more than throwing fish…
All About Attitude
In the following video, I interacted with some of the employees there and it was such a BLAST!
Link to HD Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px6aNnLkZLE
Embed to your own blog:
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Standing Out
My theory behind business is all about setting yourself apart. Otherwise, you are just another fish in the ocean.
Pike’s Place Fish Market sets themselves apart with positive energy, the right attitude, and a unique service for their customers. Do the same for your own clients and you will get similar results!
Dare to be different. And that’s the beefiest part of my workshop.
Here is a super simple tip to stand out – let’s say that everyone commenting on a blog post gives short responses, give a LONG one. Conversely, if everyone gives long responses, give a SHORT one. I promise you that you WILL STAND OUT.
Following image is courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
So who’s hungry for fish because I bought about 3 pounds of it yesterday and I’m carrying it in my carry-on luggage 
Sincerely,
Lawrence Chan
P.S. That fish was super cold. It was like holding a soft ice cube…rather exhilarating!
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice catch Lawrence! That fish market looks awesome and I am glad that you have 3lbs of it in your luggage. I am sure people around you are LOVING your aroma. Rock on!
Absolutely hilarious man! Who else could turn throwing fish into a marketing tip? Only Tofurious …
You hit it right on the head Lawrence, they made themselves stand out. I knew of this place when I visited, it was the only place I knew of. Why did I know of them? Because they made themselves known. Great post, and great job catching that fish, it looks like a hard thing to do.
Awesome- yes tis true! I can’t believe you have it in your carry-on- gross!
I like the visuals!! Be the fish … Not any fish but THAT fish!
good catch!!
I laughed out LOUD! I am sitting here in my home office editing, and I decided to take a short break to read some TOFU blog. This is such a great post Lawrence! Completely entertaining, with great rich content. I have been to Pike’s Market, and you are right, it is so busy around their business that it is hard to even walk by all the people watching the fish catching. They do have a great location right at the entrance, but I believe that their location would not even matter, it is how they sell and how they are attracting their cliental. Wonderful example!!!
Great catch Lawrence! (pun intended) I read the book “Fish” when I was employed by Hewlett-Packard and managing a staff of about 50 analysts for the help desk at Amgen. The book was inspired by the Pike’s Place Fish Market and is a great read for building team morale and leadership in business. One of my favorite business management books of all time! “CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE”. http://bit.ly/32h7Sb
This is completely true, and a great reminder about business. People aren’t robots. They have emotion, and emotion is what drives a person to buy a blue shirt instead of a green one, even though they’re the same one. As soon as businesses capitalize on the idea that customers will spend their money emotionally just as often as they spend their money practically, then you’re guaranteed to be more successful. Pikes Place can not only get more business, but can likely charge more for their product. I don’t know about you, but I would happily pay an extra 20% for a fish that I caught on video with everyone watching. Interacting with Lawrence is a sure fire way to get his repeat business whenever he is in Seattle. We can do the same thing. Offer a practical service, and figure out how your customers FEEL when they interact, receive your product, tell others that they were your customer, etc. This is also the foundation of a good brand. Now somebody post a short comment =)
rad
Rad indeed! Next time, I’m riding the Duck!
Last time I was there they threw a fake fish at me and I freaked out thinking it was a real thing. Those guys are cool. They must have fun b/c the same guys are there everytime I go back. Great post and video!
Another great tip from the travelling Tofurious!
Totally cool stuff. What happens when it lands on the ground? keeper, or in the trash?
-Dave
Actually, I dropped it the first round. I was perfectly willing to pay for it, but Jeff (the guy next to me) said that they throw that one fish around all day so no worries.
Dude… such a fun place. Unique and a must see… in the words of Seth – A Purple Cow.
* Very
* Well
* Said
* Lawrence!
Did you ad Julie make it to ride “the DUCK” Hope you guys had blast at your wedding today, Im still here in Seattle headed home in the AM. OH SNAP… in 4 hours, better get some rest
CC=)
Great concept!
Hey Lawrence, glad you had a great time at the fish market. The first time I heard of this place was about 12 years ago when I worked at Microsoft. We started using their training system for our call center.
A few of our managers went to Seattle to visit HQ as well as the market. They had a great time there and they guys put on an amazing show. The greatest part was that the show wasn’t over when they left. Once back at HQ and in a meeting room full of people, our manager went to pull out her cell phone and right there in her purse was a fish head in a plastic bag. What a laugh! Needless to say, the meeting broke out in laughter and was put on hold so camera’s could be found.
So what am I saying? Their “marketing” strategy really works. Even to this day I’m still telling the same story of this little fish market that I’ve never been to.
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