"We have used Cahoots for the past few years now
for all Tetra Pak company and customer events. These have included
organising a large customer evening based on the legends of tennis, a
company event which included a full-scale circus, and organising a
series of prestige events round the two day visit of our owners.
Without exception the results have been flawless, due to their strong
conceptual creativity, a visible personal commitment to excellence, a
strong focus on detail and a sensible attitude to cost. I would
recommend Cahoots for any event which includes hospitality, whether big
or small."
Francis Goodenday M.D. Tetra Pak
Australia
"Just a short note of thanks for a wonderful evening on Friday. It really was one of the best clients functions I have attended and enjoyed by everyone."
John Andretich, General Manager, Coates West
"Wow what a great day out on the harbour firstly Bill & Sheryl where brilliant and did an amazing job. The crew and the food along with the skipper where A1 and the feedback from the clients today has been awesome. Thank you for being a pleasure to work with and helping us to have a very successful client event.
Look forward to working with you again soon."
Cheryl Hill, Mosaic
"When the combination of the HIH Insurance Company collapse and the September 11th terrorist attack in New York conspired to create a sense in the media and amongst analysts that QBE was in serious financial trouble, we found it difficult to communicate our correct position. We tried conventional means which were eventually successful with analysts and fund managers, however, the media simply would not listen and even though our share price rebounded strongly, a number of negative articles about the financial strength of QBE continued to cause us some concern.
It was at that time that I engaged Cahoots and their relationship approach and we had a series of informal meetings with various sections of the media at which we listened as much as we spoke, thereby getting to know the cause of the media concerns and enabling us to address them specifically. Within a number of weeks the media negativity had been turned around.
Cahoots certainly made a significant difference for QBE in creating an environment in which the media in particular would actually listen to and trust what we had to say."
Raymond Jones, Group General Manager, Business Development, QBE Insurance
Case Studies
Fund Manager: Financial Planners
We initiated a two-stage programme to build relationships with Planners in Sydney where the client was struggling to do business with planners.
Stage 1: We researched the targeted Planners and separated them into special interest groups. We then organised a series of intimate dinners with sporting celebrities. This initiative resulted in a significant breakthrough for the client in the Sydney market.
Stage 2: The client was desperate to communicate with three key planners. Through our interview programme we discovered exactly what action to take and what action not to take.
In one case the company had not been able to generate a close relationship and thus sustained business. They alienated the Planner with a flow of invitations to events in which he had no interest and which clashed with his commitment to his family. We interviewed the planner and subsequently organised two initiatives that transformed the relationship.
Major Service Provider
A print company turning over $120m a year found itself stuck for good prospects and were unable to roll out their total print and electronic solutions programme. We included them in our regular soirees, introducing their senior executives to CEOs and Managing Directors.
We then invited senior executives to a series of intimate lunches featuring the Editor of a leading newspaper as a guest speaker. Both structures fast tracked the building of relationships with key executives allowing the company to present its case at the senior level.
Unleashing a Senior Management Team
The Managing Director of a major media organisation believed his Senior Management Team was doing a great job, but wanted to grow the trust, commitment and relationships between them to release energies that would significantly benefit the company's welfare. We interviewed the team, including the Managing Director. The impact has been dramatic. The Managing Director acknowledges:
- Without our programme he may well have lost his dynamic chief operating officer
- The opportunity for members of the SMT to speak candidly about themselves, their lives and their working lives has in itself had a dramatic impact
- In addition, the resulting opportunities and events are dramatically impacting the senior management team's output and thus the success of the business.
Law Firm
A Law firm launched a relationship development programme to grow their business. New business was acquired by involving them in our Soiree Programme and through a series of special events. These initiatives branded the company user friendly, family friendly and client focused.
The Media and a Major Insurer
A major insurance company was suffering because of a misperception of the state of their business among analysts, fund managers and the media. Persistent presentations and attempts to "convince" them had fallen on deaf ears.
We implemented a programme that built relationships with key media. The managing director acknowledged our programme transformed the negative perception into a positive, directly benefiting their business and share price.
50th Birthday
An international packaging company turned 50. Management wanted a major event that would impact client and employee relationships. We created a series of events over a weekend that included management, employees and top customers. Families were included and invitations customised. The MD of the firm describes it as by far the most successful client or employee event he's ever been involved with.