Little Red's Big Ideas

No Lion! This is Love?

No matter how loud their roar, even the most hard to tame customers can be transformed into fans for life as demonstrated in this amazing video from Columbia... Who loves you this much?

Share the "Dream for Kids"

I came across an organization called Dream for Kids which works under the following mission statement: 

Our mission is to empower young people of all abilities through dynamic leadership programs and life-changing activities that inspire them to fearlessly pursue their dreams and compassionately change the world.While I don't know much about the organization personally, I encourage you to check out their website which highlights a program called "Extreme Recess," dedicated to (and I'm quoting their website, here) giving children with physical and/or developmental challenges the chance to participate in adventure activities such as water skiing, snow skiing, kayaking, rock climbing, hand cycling, horseback riding, scuba diving, camping as well as many more life changing opportunities. 

Hmmm sounds a lot like therapeutic recreation.  Maybe we need to do a bit of cross marketing.

Their website has great ideas and information about youth-oriented leadership programs, fundraisers and fascinating events, like their (watch the video) Embrace Race attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records 24 hour hugging record. 

They also have a blog with some great statistics from the Cone Corporate Citizen Report that you can use as you develop your cause marketing and sponsorship packages. 

The Cone Report, measures American attitudes toward corporate and business support of social issues.  The study clearly proves that employees, investors, and customers have issued a mandate for immediate corporate action on social issues:

• 80% of those surveyed said corporate commitment to social issues wins trust in that company.
• 86% would switch from one brand to another of the same price or quality if the other brand is associated with a cause.
• 74% reported a company's commitment to social issues influenced what products and services they recommended to other people.
• 70% suggested good corporate citizenship influenced their decisions about what stocks and mutual funds to invest in.
• 81% reported that it affected their decision about where to work.

In this age of instant messaging and increased consumer awareness, open and clear corporate communication to the public is essential. However, accountability to the integrity of business practices is part of that responsibility.

The Cone study further found that:

• 80% of Americans can name companies that stood out in their minds as good corporate citizens.
• 97% strongly value a company's fair priced products and services
• 93% value a corporation's human rights and manufacturing practices.

It's good to know that we, as park and recreation professionals are part of a broad, global community committed to making children's dreams come true. 

Ode to My Clients - A LinkedIn Poem

I came across a tempting LinkedIn question from Mick Monroe of the Strategic Alliances Program at The National Association of Neighborhood Chambers of Commerce.  I don't know much about the organization but I do love a challenge.  Mick is putting together a directory of people who are the best of the best in their field.  As one of the few marketing firms dedicated to parks and recreation, camps and libraries I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring.  But, I also encourage you to do the same. 

Let Mick and the world know that you are the "best resource in your community creating community through people, parks and programs."  You can share your passion and expertise related to your specific background, awards, education, etc.  But, please don't wait; I bet Mick won't hear from many park and recreation agencies or camps so it should be easy to make your mark.  (I know many of you like a challenge too.)

Anyway, here's what I submitted.  Enjoy.

An Ode to My Customers

My niche is narrow, my customers great
When it comes to government marketing I think I'm first rate.

I promote camps and libraries, parks and recreation
As an expert in your group I'd sure feel elation.

My clients serve their communities with passion galore
But their resources are tight, they can always use more.

Whether camps or athletics, trails or parks
They build healthy bodies, communities and hearts

So as an expert in the field I elevate their brand
As an out-of-the-box marketer I help them make a stand.

I write and I speak (with energy I burst)
I even train staff to to put customers first.

For over 15 years I've worked hard to teach,
that a targeted audiences is best to reach.

I bring an entrepreneurial spirit to government groups
Yes, its a challenge, but I'll jump through their hoops!

My fees are quite low because my clients aren't rich.
But I wouldn't change a thing; I sure love my niche.

So thanks to my clients, my audiences and readers,
As a marketer I feel lucky to serve our community's leaders

Health Quotes

Is your voicemail message drawing yawns from callers?  Why not add a short quotation to your message.  Always let people know how they can bypass the message in the future, change your quote frequently and get feedback from callers once you connect.  I regularly post quotes related to parks, recreation and community at this section of my blog.  So check back often or, better yet, subscribe -- it's free and you'll get instant notification when I add new material. 

The greatest wealth is health.  ~Virgil

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.  ~World Health Organization, 1948

The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience.  Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around.... Throughout history, "tender loving care" has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing.  ~Larry Dossey

In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired.  ~Author Unknown

The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.
~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990

Diseases of the soul are more dangerous and more numerous than those of the body.  ~Cicero

Water, air, and cleanliness are the chief articles in my pharmacopoeia.  ~Napoleon I

From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.  ~Catalan Proverb

If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.  ~Elbert Hubbard

Lover of Parks Needed in Denver

I couldn't help but check out the story behind this headline from the Rocky Mountain News: Lover of Parks Needed to Fill Crucial City Role.  First, I have to say I was thrilled that a newspaper reporter considers the job of a Parks and Recreation Director to be crucial.  Second, I was more thrilled to read this reporter, Mary Chandler's passionate support of parks as evident in her list of five things that the city should look for in finding someone to manage these dear assets (AKA Denver's Parks). In other words, according to this journalist, no need to apply for this high profile Park and Recreation position in the Mile High City (or any city, really) job unless you absolutely, positively:

1. Know how important these open spaces are as the density of the city increases. A century ago, parks were considered backyards for city residents who didn't have their own. That need is growing with the boom in mid- and high-rise condos and apartments downtown and nearby.
2. Are a good manager, who can juggle the duties necessary to budget effectively, look for partnerships and, in essence, get out of the way of the parks employees who know what they are doing. Or at least those who remain. As in other city departments, the veterans are leaving. That's scary. It's crucial to develop new staff who have the parks in their blood.
3. Can pick "private partners" carefully and with an eye toward the city setting the ground rules. How did the Civic Center Conservancy's Daniel Libeskind proposals become more than a whisper, when there were still no design guidelines in place? Talk about horse before cart. The manager is the park defender.
4. Will not make neighborhoods feel as if they are the enemy, something this administration too often has done. Yes, there can be the recalcitrant who never want anything to change, but it becomes more prevalent the more people feel shut out. It is mandatory to keep people informed of plans and why changes really are being proposed. To do otherwise breeds suspicion, the sense many feel when hearing about neighborhood issues and the city.
5. Will be upfront about the word that has fueled recent proposals on gifts, alcohol and concerts: money. If the city wants the parks to pay for themselves, say so. Put it on the ballot, and let Denver voters have a voice. Just because other communities have turned parks into revenue streams doesn't mean it's right for this.

As a park and recreation leader how will do you fit the bill?  Do you agree with these requirements for a large urban park and recreation department?  Why or why not?