Contact your local TV and/or radio stations about teaming up to produce special events and programming around your issue. You and your partner stations might consider creating news stories on key issues in the community, while also sponsoring city hall forums, fairs, and other outreach events. The goal of partnering with your … Read more
Whether a holiday or a “client appreciation” party, getting your clients together in the same room and collectively thanking them for their loyal patronage can help you make clients (and friends) for life. Depending on the nature of the organization you operate, you may also have key staff members available to assist … Read more
1. Create a Recipe Book Everyone brings in a favorite family recipe which is then compiled into a single document, beautified, and published for resale. To execute this fundraiser Send around a sign-up sheet so you can get a feel for the kinds of dishes people would like to contribute. Have the … Read more
A number of good causes offer a “lockup” program to enlist members of the community in raising funds. The idea is to publicize a mock arrest and jailing (though you may really be handcuffed and driven to the local jail in a police car) in exchange for “bail” (contributions to the cause). … Read more
Many a cheap diaper has been bought because of commercials showing it can hold the contents of an entire water balloon. Whether at trade shows or in your TV ads or videos, demonstrations prove your products work. This is why those late-night infomercials are so successful. Even brochures can illustrate a step-by-step … Read more
You’ve arrived at the latest networking event. You have your name tag. You have your drink. You’re looking sharp. Now what? If you arrived at the event with someone else, you shouldn’t be standing around talking to that person all night. You’re there to make new connections. #32: Don’t be afraid to … Read more
Always offer fresh, high-quality coffee or tea. Make sure it’s good. It’s this kind of touch that shows you care about your customers. You might also want to offer bottled water for those who don’t care for coffee or tea. There is nothing worse than a company that cares so little about … Read more
Participate in a local gallery hop, where local artists bring their wares to display at a collection of stores and businesses. Maps of participating businesses are provided, and the event is advertised throughout the community. Businesses may serve appetizers and beverages to visitors on the tour, and artists may be present to … Read more
Offer an adult education class or seminar. This may be something you conduct through a local school or university, or it could be offered through a local business association or group. Your intent is to bring value to the attendees and the program hosts and to become known. Variation: Spread the wealth. … Read more
Hold a Community Day. Offer your goods or services to your local community at a free or reduced cost. Work with other local businesses and the media to promote your event. This is a great way to give back to the community and bring in new customers who have not visited your … Read more
Offer to be available for comment or interviews on your effort. Television or radio news programs are always interested in talking with local experts who can speak to the issues faced by the community, especially during rush-hour radio broadcasts or early morning/late evening TV programming. The broader your topic, the more appealing … Read more
Conduct a window display contest (instead of a sidewalk sale). Make voter cards available, and encourage participants to vote on their favorite display. Offer free samples to entice voters to try your product or service. Maintain a guestbook to track traffic and build your contact database.