A grand opening is attractive. Starting big brings prestige and credibility.
With a grand opening, you’re announcing to the world that something bold and new is happening.
Grand expectations accompany a grand opening – as does scrutiny. The flaws that might be forgiven for a work in progress will be ridiculed at a big launch. We’ve all seen websites down, spaceships crash and movies bore.
How many people were excited to attend the premiere of Alvin and Chipmunks: Chipwrecked?
A grand opening exposes flaws in a major way. A simple beginning, on the other hand, is just the first step in a journey.
A professional comedian like Eddie Murphy would never go from his couch to Radio City Music Hall. He could sell out any venue, but why would he stake his reputation on a grand opening? Instead, Eddie takes the route of testing the material out in smaller venues. These reps build towards the Netflix special.
A grand opening might create buzz, but a fly that buzzes can be ignored. A bee that knows how to sting can get everyone’s attention—strategically. Better to make sure you can sting before everyone finds out that you’re just a fly.
A simple beginning, instead of a grand opening, says something else. We’re building towards something rather than announcing our inevitable victory.