How Startups Can Build Unforgettable Customer Experiences
The Savannah Bananas have changed how to engage an audience. They turned an otherwise overlooked summer baseball league into a must-see entertainment spectacle. Their approach provides important insights for startups. Business owners can learn how to create loyal customers. They can also find ways to stand out in a crowded market. Here are four key takeaways:
1. Ask Better Questions
Every great entrepreneur starts by asking the right questions. Jesse Cole owns the Savannah Bananas. He didn’t just ask how to run a successful baseball team. He asked, “What business am I really in?”
“Our fans aren’t buying baseball. They’re buying fun.”
This shift in mindset changed everything. The team decided not to focus solely on baseball. They doubled down on entertainment. Their games became an experience rather than just a sporting event. Similarly, startups should challenge assumptions and ask what their customers truly want.
2. Have the Courage to Be Dramatically Different
When the team announced its name, the reaction was immediate—and polarizing.
Cole says he was “crucified locally” until the name went viral.
But the uniqueness of the name and the fun branding surrounding it helped catapult the Savannah Bananas into national recognition. In business, playing it safe often means blending in. To stand out, you need to take bold risks that make people talk.
3. Create Shareable Stories
The Bananas go beyond traditional marketing—they focus on storytelling. Every night, the staff gathers to share memorable moments from the game. These experiences are crafted to make fans feel special. They guarantee that fans walk away with a story worth sharing.
“Experiences are valuable. If you make every customer feel like the most important person in the room, your customers will reward you with their loyalty.”
For startups, this means going beyond just selling a product—create an experience that customers will want to share.
4. Read Obsessively and Keep Learning
Cole is known for always having a book in his hands. His team even gets paid to read and give book reports.
“We’ve paid thousands of dollars for our staff to fall in love with learning. We want our staff to be growing and hungry.”
This commitment to continuous learning is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs. Staying ahead in business means constantly evolving, learning from others, and applying new insights.
The Future of Business (and Baseball) is About Engagement
The Savannah Bananas’ success shows that traditional business models can be reinvented. Creativity, courage, and a commitment to delivering memorable experiences are key. Whether you’re launching a startup or running an established business, adopting their mindset can help turn customers into raving fans.
Attention is the most valuable currency in today’s world. Businesses that focus on engagement and entertainment will continue to thrive. So ask yourself: How can you make your customers’ experience so compelling that they can’t stop talking about it?
Final Thoughts
The Savannah Bananas have proven that business success isn’t just about the product—it’s about the experience. Their ability to blend creativity, boldness, and relentless customer engagement is what makes them truly special. If your business isn’t exciting your customers, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Stand out, be different, and above all, make it fun. That’s the secret to turning customers into lifelong fans.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/YmJBDn2sSww?si=SWfHz5cPLzoV9uNd
- https://www.inc.com/carmine-gallo/this-entrepreneur-sold-his-house-emptied-his-savings-now-he-runs-one-of-greatest-shows-in-america.html
- https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/2/7/24359004/savannah-bananas-baseball
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
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