Restaurant Phenomena
I recently became aware of a psychological phenomena that I’d like to refer to as the “restaurant phenomena.” Have you ever walked the strip of an unfamiliar town looking for a place to eat dinner? Maybe with friends or family along side you? Remember that one restaurant with nobody in it? It appeared to be a little dated in its decor and such. Your party quickly deduced something must be wrong and passed on it. Meanwhile, some other place caught your eye. Its decor was fresh and it appeared to be packed with people. Without even thinking, the restaurant phenomena played out and you and your party pushed passed the empty restaurant for the full one.
In live church services, conferences and concerts, people really do measure the event by how many bodies fill the venue’s physical space. It might be easy for us as producers and leaders to focus on our product and ignore this restaurant phenomena altogether. I’d like to suggest however, that as producers and leaders, we can work this phenomena to our advantage. I suggest you choose a smaller venue for your event for two reasons:
First, as you fill it to capacity, people’s perception (and even yours) will be that the event feels successful. The larger the room and the smaller the attendance the more you market to people that “something is wrong.”
Second, with the changing values of our culture, “small is the new big” (book title by Seth Godin). In other words, multiple, sold out, relational, non-corporate flavored events will work for you, not against you. Rethink ONE concert. Think several smaller. Rethink ONE conference. Think several smaller. Rethink ONE large church gathering. Think several smaller. Think smaller but think packed out.
Many people tire of trying to do something BIG. They knock MEGA and COSCO sized events. I’m not suggesting you join their camp. They throw the baby out with the bath water, so to speak. Humans are wired for BIG. BIG is a foreshadow of Revelations and meets our innate desire for community. Go ahead and schedule BIG events with a sustainable frequency. They’re important. I suggest, however, your regular rhythm of events be small and packed.
Whether you’re at McDonald’s or planning your next event, you wont regret going small. Pack the place and use the restaurant phenomena to your advantage.
