The gift of time

Background

Christmas. It's wonderful time of year, full of rest and relaxation. And flying pigs also pull Santa's sleigh. As we all know, Christmas is really a mad spirit through a minefield of impossible deadlines, frayed nerves and last-minute shopping. Ho ho ho. But what if it was possible to make this elf-driven onslaught just a little bit less stressful for clients? Surely that would be a better way to thank them for a fantastic year rather than simply sending the obligatory agency Christmas card and hamper? Lets see.

Idea

Throughout 2013, RAPP ran several Speaker Events for clients. Each event was held at the RAPP office and ran for several hours on various topics of interest. All very serious and above board. But that also gave them an idea, so in the week before the Christmas break they decided to run another one – "The fundamentals of time." Thing is, this event didn't actually exist. Inside the Christmas card the invitation was sent (hid); clients were even allowed to nominate the time they wanted off that week. They sent an acceptance with their nominated time. They were sent a personalised 'official confirmation of attendance' for the event. And when they walked out of the office to 'attend the event' (ie get some last minute shopping done), their bosses were none the wiser. So along with the heartfelt messages of thanks, clients were gifted the one thing everyone needs in the run up to Christmas – more time.

Results

Here is what they had to say: "The most incredible present ever. So well done, it was amazing." "Have chosen to 'catch up' from 2:30-4:30 next Wednesday. Thank you so much for the card." "Just received the brilliant xmas gift from RAPP – very valuable indeed!!!" "I would love to take 2 hours off this Thursday from 3 - 5pm." "Thanks for the lovely card and 'gift of time' for the team."