Little Red's Big Ideas

The Best $300 Marketing Investment -- Ever!

Hands down! Custom-printed calendars are one of the most functional and cost-effective of all advertising tools. Even in this age of Iphones, Blackberries, Outlook and other electronic calendar systems -- there's nothing like a visual wall calendar when it comes to planning time, recreation activities, sports schedules and events.  While you can purchase calendars for as low as low as .25 each, I always recommend a 12 month appointment-style wall calendar with beautiful photos that align with your mission -- Healthy Kids, Going Green, Motivation and "Life's Little Instructions" are this year's favorites. 

The Farmer's Almanac first published in 1818 was the very first promotional product making calendars the original ad specialty. These classic promotional power-tools have stood the test of time AND technology for good reason -- they are a necessity in the office and at home. But don't take my word for it; here are some statistics, based on an independent study conducted by the Calendar Marketing Association,  that will further convince you that, when looking for a place to put your logo, web address and contact information -- nothing beats wall calendars.

• 83% of customers purchase products or services from the company that gave them their calendar. And 94% of calendar recipients can recall the advertising message on their calendar.
• The average person working in an office looks at a calendar 12 times a day. Multiply that by 5 business days a week and then by 50 weeks a year. That's 3000 ad impressions a year!
• At home the average family views their calendar about 5 times per day. When multiplies by 7 days per week, 365 days a year and your message will be seen (wait, I need to grab my calculator) well over 12,000 times each year.

Think about all of the time, energy, money and paper used in the attempt to get your brochures or flyers in front of your customers throughout the year... compare that to the annual cost of keeping a calendar in front of key contacts day in and day out!

By getting a calendar on the walls of your customers, volunteers, gatekeepers (teachers, real estate agents, doctor's/dentist's offices, etc) you are getting priceless exposure for a teeny tiny price.

One of the best things about calendar marketing is your ability to order very small quantities.  Think of 100 people who most influence you customers -- AKA gatekeepers.  These might be teachers, school nurses, pediatricians, real estate agents, coaches, sponsors, the list goes on and on.  Choose as few as 100 of these influencers.  Order 100 imprinted calendars with your web address, logo, tagline or call to action and send or deliver these useful gifts to these gatekeepers.  You can even attach a Holiday Letter to the front of the calendar with a special offer, coupon or invitation. 

Not only will your calendar be viewed as a kind holiday greeting, but it will hang around for an entire year!  But, like all good things -- the window closes on this marketing opportunity.  The best time to give calendars is NOW through the end of January.  So contact Andy right away and he'll get your order processed right away -- in plenty of time for year-end delivery. 

Special Offer for my Blog Readers - When you contact Andy, mention that you're a blog reader and we will pay for your shipping!  FREE shipping,big exposure, little price -- it's a perfect year-end promotion!  But call NOW - 800-IADVISU - (800-423-8478)!

Cookie Cutter Giveaway Adds New Shape to Events - FREE Sample Offer

I love to bake -- I love experimenting with recipes to try to make them healthier (my latest kick is putting spaghetti squash in my oatmeal cookies instead of oils).  I know it sounds weird but it's really good and gives the cookies great texture.)  But, since this isn't a baking blog and IS a marketing blog I wanted to share an idea that came across my desk today: 

The Holiday Trifecta (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah) are right around the corner.  Even people who don't like to bake find themselves invited to participate in Bake Sales and Cookie Exchanges (why not host one at your community center?) 

Why not help out your customers by giving them a tasty promotional product this holiday season.  Check out these custom - or stock - cookie cutters that can turn your logo into cookies! Add a custom recipe card for healthy holiday treats that includes agency information, a cookie recipe and a special message and you've got a special giveaway that can be shared with the whole family.

Children, moms, grandmas (I'm not being sexist here -- but more than 90% of comsumer holiday backing is done my women)and even the family pet will eat this idea up!

Get a FREE Sample -- If you like this idea and would like a free cookie cutter with sample "romance" card log onto http://www.annclarkpromo.com/category/stock-shape/ to search over 100 shapes perfect for any event theme.  Once you've selected the perfect shape for your next event, call ANDY at 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478) and he'll get your samples shipped right away.  Or if you don't have time to search -- just email andy@advisorsmarketing.com and let us know about your upcoming events or activities and we'll find a bunch of promotional ideas to fit your budget and theme -- for FREE.

Halloween is only Weeks Away! How Scary is That?

Did you know that after Christmas -- Halloween is the biggest retail holiday of the year? For those in summer seasonal "businesses" such as camps and aquatics, Halloween is perfectly timed to reconnect with your summer customers once they are back to school and buried in the books. 

Whether your agency or camp currently hosts Halloween activities, you're looking to add a new event to your calendar, or you just want an excuse to increase off season awareness, NOW is the time to plan for this spooktacular marketing opportunity.  Classics such as trick-or-treat bags (yes! kids still trick or treat.) or new-fangled items such as glow sticks are sure to shed light (the puns keep coming -- I can't make it stop!) on the idea that you care about kids!

BIG SAVINGS ON Trick or Treat Bags - A Halloween Staple that can be given and used before and after Halloween Night, IMPRINTED (of course!) Trick-or-Treat bags are a wonderful marketing tool.  Whether you are looking for bargain basement pricing (about 25 cents each) or something a little more novel like bags that glow, reflect or light-up) there's something for everyone.  Check out this flyer for super savings.

Don't be afraid (get it? I know the puns are getting painful)to try something new this Halloween season.  Items such as reflectors, flashlights, glowsticks and educational coloring books are great promotional tools to show your customers that you care about the safety of their little ghouls and goblins wherever they haunt this season.

FREE SPOOKY SOUNDS CD - This is one of the most innovative promotions I've heard all year.  CDs are a fantastic way to literally say "We're dying for you to come to our Halloween Party: or "Howl are you?"  (I told you I can't stop myself -- this is so fun!)  CDs, cases and mailing cards can be customized and sent for about the same price as a boring invitation or thank you ( About 2.75 each including all your art and set-upSpecial sale price ends Sept 18.  But this is a special price and ends Sept 18).  Click here for more information.

And -- just cuz we want you to get in the mood we'd like to send you a FREE Sample CD.  But hurry -- our freebie supply is limited so call or email ANDY NOW at 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478 or andy@advisorsmarketing.com.

Blog Readers Special - Order Early and Save!  Place any Halloween Order by September 30, 2009 and save 10% off our already discounted pricing.  Call Andy at 800-IADVISU (800- 423-8478) for free Halloween samples, ideas and all your promotional needs.  Items pictured above represent thousands of Halloween items that are on sale this month and all can be imprinted with your message, logo and contact info. 

The Lowest Prices I've Ever Seen on Items You're Gonna Buy Anyway!

Click here to go directly to the best promo product prices in 30 years on items you will or should buy to permanently build top of mind awareness

 

Rarely do I use my blog as a place to blatantly and boldly promote the promotional products side of my business, but sometimes I see deals that are just too good NOT to share.  Every day I receive dozens of ads from my suppliers (people who imprint everything from t-shirts and totes to hand sanitizer and helium balloons) explaining that they are ready and willing to bargain; some are offering savings up to 80%!  Many have overstocked warehouses full of everything from pens and water bottles to bags and backpacks and must be cleared for goods (probably ordered a year ago) that are ready for delivery. 

I've been in the advertising specialty business since the 70's (YES, I did start as a child) and I don't remember EVER seeing prices as low as these for staple items like:

• really nice pens - like these three sided sided pens  for 19 cents (that's 500 imprinted pens for $100!) Price includes all THREE sides of printing.  At these prices, colors are limited so call today for options. 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478)

• luggage/bag tags for 75 cents (put these on daypacks to easily differentiate one from another; require traveling campers to use on lugguge)

• padfolios and CD/DVD Cases for under two bucks

• carabiner keytag/bottle openers - .99 (that's half off!)

There are also lots of unique and novel items, too! (check out the  "bubba kegs" in the shape of soccer and footballs; insulated drawstring backpacks perfect for day camps, canteens and safety.

•  

• But -- when I say -- call us now if you're interested in these great prices -- I really mean it.  Because, when they're gone they're gone (that's kind of the point.)  We have a special promo code that we can offer to any of our customers, group members or blog readers.  And, if you're a little busy getting ready for camp (gotta love that little red sarcasm) and don't have time to figure out what you want or need for upcoming events CALL US.  It doesn't cost anything to brainstorm for goodness sakes AND we'll even get you FREE SAMPLES to help you decide. 
  
  Here are some of the upcoming activities that you need to order for:
  

Staff Training and Orientation

• Patfolios/Notebooks - imprintyour mission statement, customer service commitment, safety procedures on the inside of the padfolio and your camp name on the cover

• Water bottles

• Travel mugs for coffee/tea

• Pens

• Highlighters

• Lanyards

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm and much more

Community Festivals and Camp Fairs

• Pens

• Lip balm

• Hand sanitizer -- a must with the flu scare

• Sunscreen Packets- Protecying Your Child From a Boring Summer

Canteen Items (Finally, prices are low enough so that you can keep prices low enough for campers AND make the profits you deserve!)

Call ANDY at 800-IADVISU (800-423-8478) and we'll do all the work for you!  We'll even get you free samples, help get your artwork ready for production and make sure everything is delivered on time, every time.

I know times are tough which is all the more reason you should invest in marketing tools that have the lasting and long term memorability of these promotional items.  Spend the money to add your brand to items you use every day and throughout the year and people will think of you when it's time for fun.

FREE Marketing Assessment

 Here's Something You Can Afford -- It's FREE!

I've been getting lots of requests for marketing solutions on a very tight (or nonexistent) budget.  To help get you on track I updated my Marketing Quality Assessment and have posted it for you to download and complete. 

Download Marketing Quality Assessment 2009 

Here's the best part - after completing and emailing, faxing, mailing or hand delivering your results to me I will give you a FREE phone consultation.  Of if you prefer we can text, chat, talk via web-cam or meet on-line in my webinar room.  (Pretty fancy, huh?  What can I say I'm here to serve YOU and I've become very high tech while you've been working yourself silly!) 

The Assessment looks at the following 16 components of your marketing communications:

1. Incoming Calls or Walk-in Customers

2. Geographic Location

3. Product Evaluation

4. Competitive Evaluation

5. Pricing Structure

6. Distribution of Product/Service

7. Financial Resources

8. Time and Energy Resources

9. You and Your Team

10. Your Customers/Clients

11. Awareness and Exposure

12. Response and Follow-up

13. Promotional and Advertising History

14. Internet Marketing

15. Marketing Action Plan

16. Your Communication Skills and Style

Email Marketing Jargon

Constant Contact is not only a simple-to-use and inexpensive solution for organizations looking to   incorporate email marketing into their communications toolkit, but their webiste offers a complete Learning Center including a wide array of useful articles and whitepapersready to read or download.  If you're exploring email marketing programs I recommend Constant Contact and use it myself.  Constant Contact makes it easy and affordable to build strong relationships with your customers. Click here to check out their FREE 60-Day Trial. 

I also recommend reading this whitepaper "25 Email Marketing Terms You Should Know." Learning a bit about the language of email marketing is one way to save time and frustration -- especially for those who aren't particularly techno savvy.  This white paper define elusive terms and ideas such as:

• Above-the-fold - Th e part of a web page that is visible without scrolling. It is

  generally more desirable placement on a Website because of its visibility. If you

  have a “join our mailing list” tag on your Website, you should place it “above

  the fold” making it easy for visitors to opt-in.

• CPM (Cost per thousand) - In email marketing, CPM commonly refers to

  the cost per 1000 names on a given rental list. For example, a rental list priced

  at $250 CPM would mean that the list owner charges $.25 per email address.

• CTR (or Click-through rate) - Th e percentage (the number of unique clicks

  divided by the number that were opened) of recipients that click on a given

  URL in your email.

• Conversion rate - Th e number or percentage of recipients who respond to

  your call-to-action in a given email marketing campaign or promotion. This

  is the measure of your email campaign’s success. You may measure conversion

  in sales, phone calls, appointments etc.

• View the entire list here by clicking here...

Sure, some of these terms may be familiar to whose of you who took a Marketing 101 Course in High School or College.  But, if you're like me and graduated in the dark ages -- click-through- rate was hardly part of the marketing vocabulary prior to the 1990s. 

So enjoy the resource and let me know if you're using email marketing to promote your events, program and other products.  How's it working for you? 

Last Minute Holiday Gifts - 24 Hour Service

Yes!  It's still posible to get last minute holiday gifts for staff, commissioners, coaches, volunteers and others on your gift list.  There's hundreds of items to choose from AND -- call it a miracle -- but many can be imprinted, too!  Click here for tons of options for every price point.  Better yet, call Andy at 760-730-0333 now and he'll hook you up and remove the holiday stress.

It's Time to Order the Best Promotion of the Year - FREE Sample Offer

You want it all, don't you?  Promotional ideas that are super-cheap AND ultra-effective.  There IS a single marketing tool that you give out once and stays in front of your customers or campers for a whole year -- calendars.  Beginning at .25 each calendars can be  imprinted with YOUR logo, website, important dates -- whatever you want. 

 

 

Today we need calendars everywhere -- on our walls and computer monitors and in our purses, pockets wallets, cars and backpacks. Click here to look at a wide variety of calendars....  Then place an order to send to your customer base or use as a unique end-of-the-year fundraiser.

FREE 2009 Calendar 4U -No Catch!  Choose from36 different styles(GoingGreen, Inspirational, Wellness, Golf, Cute Kids, America's National Parks, Scenic Americana -- even Fishing.  When it comes to calendars there's something for everyone and everywhere. Be one of the first 25 people to click here, make a selection and email Andy your choice TODAY.

New Park and Recreation Marketing Book is Born - FREE Shipping, Save 5 Bucks for Blog Readers

Last month I proudly released my 8th book, Marketing FUNdamentals.  Written especially for the busy park and recreation professional, this book offers 101 FREE (and very low cost) strategies to promote parks, recreation and play. 

For a limited time, my blog readers can save $5 and get FREE shipping by sending an email to me jodi@advisorsmarketing.comwith your contact information. We'll take care of the rest.
Subject Line: I NEED Jodi's New BOOK for 20 Bucks and I'll even pay your shipping.  What a deal -- the perfectly holiday gift for staff!

Here's what others are saying about this book...

“I’m continually impressed by Jodi’s ability to stay up on all things related to marketing. Since she created “The Benefits Are Endless…” campaign in the mid 1990s, Jodi has never stopped working on behalf of the park and recreation profession. No matter how small your budget, you’ll find what you need inside this book.”

Bill Wald, CPRP

Chief Executive Officer Illinois Park and Recreation Association

“Jodi offers the common sense, insight, and customer perspective that every park and recreation department needs. Her style is fun and witty, yet full of wisdom. I’ll buy anything she writes, and use it almost daily to jump-start my thinking.”

Gail Zook

Website Manager

Rockford Park District (IL)

“This book is perfect for students and professionals alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick idea to promote a program or need to write a complete marketing plan, Jodi’s simple-to-read format will help you get the job done. Her down-to-earth style is the perfect fit for those in the park and recreation field.”

Dr. Lynda Sperazza, CPRP

Assistant Professor, Recreation and Leisure

The College at Brockport (SUNY)

“Like so many other park and recreation professionals, I have no formal marketing background, but I’m responsible for many marketing functions. After reading Marketing FUNdamentals, I have a new sense of marketing confidence and 101 new ideas to promote my programs.”

Eileen Turk

Parks and Recreation Division Manager

City of Oceanside(CA)

 

Ice Cream, You Scream We all Scream for... Parks

Breyer's Ice Cream truly understands the value of parks and recreation and is luring people to their website by offering the chance to win a FREE trip for four to one of America's treasures.  No I'm not talking about Disneyland -- I'm talking about our spectacular parks. 

The grand prize winner of the Breyer's Ice Cream contest can choose from the following four destinations -- Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Central Park in New York City or Park City, Utah. The trip includes airfare, hotel, and a $1,000 gift card to be used for meals or other travel expenses. 20 first-prize winners will each receive a Naturally Cool Family Pack, which includes a picnic basket filled with board games, printed Breyers all-natural ice cream recipes, and printed family activity ideas, worth $75. Entry is open to US residents aged 21 or above. It only takes 30 seconds to enter when you visit the contest link.  But hurry, thee sweepstakes expires on August 5, 2008.

Contest Link

Two Ideas to Steal- First, I love that Breyer's lures visitors to their site with the sweepstakes prize and then gets people to share simple contact information on the first page of the entry and asks brief marketing research questions on the second page of the entry.  The questions help them determine which coupons to send to which people.  You have spectacular parks in your system, that if packaged with a gourmet picnic (find a sponsor for the food -- sandwich shop, caterer, supermarket, etc) would make a great prize to motivate visitors to share information with you, too.

The second idea is the soothing nature sounds that play from their website.  I've been listening to it the entire time I've been writing and am feeling all "ohm-like."  Sound is a nice addition to a website as long as it's not intrusive and the visitor can control or mute the sound.  (Notice the little wind chime on Breyer's site, bottom right allowing you to control the audio). Children laughing, birds chirping, waves gently crashing, crowds cheering, pool splashin -- could all be a fun way to bring your parks to someone's desktop.