Our marketing trainer recently heard a business owner say, “There isn’t anything going on in my town.” She immediately thought and asked, “Have you perused the newspaper? There are always community events in the paper. Have you contacted your charities?” Because she was onsite in their town, she picked up the newspaper and thought, “Ok, maybe this town doesn’t have anything going on.” Nope! She counted 43 events, but instead of circling the events, she made a list.
When they got to the part of training where they reviewed community events, they all took sections of the paper. Our trainer defined an event as “anywhere there are people” and asked them to begin circling community events. This team was phenomenal. They found every last one of them.
They found things like a boat show, a health fair, a spaghetti dinner, a fish fry, bingo, support group meetings, blood mobiles, new Mom classes and more. As we continued, the owner said, “Well, I knew all of these things were going on, but I didn’t know what we could do at them.”
If there are people there, it’s an event. Figure out your tie in and tell the organization what you can do to help them. At health fairs you could provide information in a handout, give a speech, do a free screening. At the boat show, invest in a booth. Spaghetti dinners and fish fries are typically fundraising events. Help the team fundraise. Do a 50/50 drawing, bus tables, sell tickets at the door, work the registration table, meet and greet, etc. Marketing does take a tad bit of creativity and thinking. Ask yourself how you can position yourself to help and collect lives (leads.)
Open your mind and ask yourself, “Will people be there?” If so…it’s an event! Also ask yourself, “Do I believe in what I’m giving away/selling? If so, is fear keeping me from setting this event?” If you are afraid, research the event as an anonymous member of the public to find out what they are doing and what kind of help they need. Hang up, figure out your tie in and what you can help them with then call them back as a representative of your company. Know what you are going to say before you call back.
We have more tools and systems specifically about setting events and another one for working with charities. Let us know if you want to see that in a future newsletter.
DO NOT say there is nothing going on in your town; just look around and use your creativity!