Vegas Confidential...

I am waiting to board my flight back to Atlanta after spending a few days in Vegas visiting with clients. Here are a few thoughts and observations from the trip...

1. As you might know, Nevada is a battleground state in the presidential race. Obama seems to be pulling ahead slightly, but not from what I saw on the ground. Spent some time at the local Victory headquarters, and the packed house seemed pretty fired up. Even got to meet Sarah Palin's father...

2. Nevada is suffering mightily with this economic slowdown, with an unemployment rate almost a point higher than the national average. But you still can't believe how this place is growing. I lived here just six short years ago, and you can't believe how the skyline has changed...

3. Customer service. It is amazing to me how often people forget that customer service is a vital part of your marketing strategy. And ususally I have a bad series of experiences when I travel to Las Vegas. But this was a great trip. My hotel room had some issues, but I received great care and attention from the property. And I even had a pleasant flying experience with Delta - which hasn't happened since 1998. Point is, great customer service leaves SUCH a positive taste in your mouth. You can accomplish so much when you do good customer service...

4. I still love craps. Even though it kicked my butt on this trip...