The experience economy is the latest model for innovative companies to stand out among the masses of services and retailers in order to attract more customers. While “experience” is certainly a growing market, it has not emerged as the next foundation for economic growth but rather as an important subset of the service economy. Experience is the next elevation in value-added service for the customer. It takes the ordinary to the extraordinary for the customer with personalization and individualized attention. According to Joseph Pine and James Gilmore in their book “The Experience Economy,” a business must create memorable events for its customers rather than simply providing them with a service or product. They write that technological advances have accelerated the natural progression of economic value beyond the economy of goods and services. This, coupled with growing wealth, has created a market for consumers to pay for more souvenirs. Pine and Gilmore further argue that this progression is essential to a company's continued prosperity in the marketplace. Without developing in the experience economy, a company can see its products or services commoditized. They point to Walt Disney as the starting point of this new business model. Indeed, Walt Disney relies almost entirely on experience and memories. On a recent business trip to Disney World in Florida, I saw first-hand the souvenir-making expertise that Disney has perfected over the years. Since I wasn't a typical guest traveling with my family, I was able to see this awesome machine from a slightly different perspective. Disney has mastered the art of anticipating guests' needs and wants, then satisfying them before the guest even registers their desire.Other business...... middle of paper ......bad erotypical reputation for poor quality of work, poor customer relations and general distrust. When this is the metric by which your customers judge their expectations, simply following the golden rule will put you ahead of the curve; going above and beyond expectations by setting high professional standards leads to a successful business. Each client receives personalized estimates, taking into account specific circumstances and needs. Doing more than the bare minimum, such as ensuring personal items are protected while working or ensuring the job site is clean at the end of each work day, will help a contractor stand out from the crowd. This extra attention creates positive memories that customers are then willing to share with family, friends and associates. Word of mouth marketing won't reach thousands of people, but it's far more valuable than any advertising dollar..