Little Red's Big Ideas

Tools to Creatively Critique Your Marketing Tools

The Midstates Camping Conference Leadership Institutes are a unique opportunity to share ideas, dig into critical camp issues and spend time with other camp professionals in smaller, more intimate settings.  This year, I decided to do something a little different and created a consultative training atmostphere in which attendees could bring their marketing pieces and get some objective suggestions from their peers about ways to improve effectiveness.  The program sparked lively discussion and honest input -- as well as some truly innovative ideas.  Although it would be impossible to duplicate the energy of the session, I'm happy to post the handouts used to guide our discussions. 

Download Creative Critique

"Parks and Recreation" Sitcom Launches Spoof Website

I don't know about you but I'm anxiously awaiting the debut of Amy Poehler's new sitcom "Parks and Recreation" scheduled to premier April 9 on NBC.  The show is produced in the same "mockumentary" style and by the same production team as NBC''s "The Office."  Set in the fictitious town of Pawnee, Indiana, the program follows the trials, tribulations and (I'm hoping) occasional triumphs of Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler.) 

My hats off to the show's producers for their commitment to the "mockumentary" genre.  For example, they have even created a spoof website for the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department which looks surprising similar to many real park and recreation sites.  Check out the site at www.pawneeindiana.com  where you can read about the imaginary town's history, Knope's vision (it's hilarious in a subtle way) nd how they deal with critters like raccoons and off-leash dogs.  If you visit the site, be prepared to laugh out loud at they comedy and at yourself.

In my community of Carlsbad, California my local park and recreation friends are getting together to watch the premiere.   Why not organize a premiere party of your own?

Make Me an Offer I Can't Refuse

The American Camp Association's Tri State Conference is a highlight of my spring speaking schedule.  I love the east coast honesty, passion and confidence.  This year I participated in a pre-conference event aimed specifically at those in the day camp business, especially those in parks and recreation.  During regular conference hours I am thrilled to present two new programs, both which address critical marketing strategies for these tough economic times. 

For the first time ever, I've put together a program that focuses solely on one very important part of developing more effective marketing materials -- the offer or call to action.  I'm happy to share the enhanced version of these handouts from this session for those who attended the session as well as those who with they had. 

This document includes more than 60 specific compelling offers to inspire your prospects to try, buy and re-buy your products, camps and services. By incorporating just one of these ideas into your next marketing campaign you will likely motivate those that might need a friendly nudge (or a really big push) to check you out. 

 Download Make Me an Offer with Definitions

After reviewing the list, please add a few of your own! Sharing is good for the soul.

Have a Ball Watching this Video

I just recieved a link to review a very fun and creative YouTube video promoting Oceanside, California's greatest natural resource and tourist magnet.  See for yourself how adding a little humor and some special effects can transform a basic marketing appeal into a dynamic, memorable message.

CPRS - Talkin' 'Bout My Generation

Boomers and Xers outnumbered Millennials, who got a chance to havee their say during a recent workshop a the California Park and Recreation's 2009 Conference in Santa Clara.  The audience, seated from oldest (most mature as they preferred to be called) to youngest -- learned the difference between Milestone Marketing and Generational Marketing during a fast-paced session full of laughter and truth.  (It's funny how the two often go hand-in-hand.)  For those who attended, and those who didn't, I'm happy to post these handouts from the session.  Full of tips and strategies, to reach everyone across the generational spectrum, I especially encourage you to review the information with front-line staff and volunteers.

Download Talkin' 'Bout My Generation 2009

CPRS - Let's Go Blog Wild

Blogging.  Should you or shouldn't you?  If you don't blog now will you forever feel behind the "eight   ball?"  Those were some of the questions pondered during my recent workshop at the California Parks and Recreation Society's 2009 Conference in Santa Clara.  For those in attendance, I'm happy to share the handouts from the session for your review.  If you're reading this you've already found my blog.  I encourage you to snoop around and see, not only what's happening at "little red's BIG Ideas," but also look at the many other unique and compelling blogs posted here, at Typepad's homepage.

Download Blog_Wild_20091

So, how ready are you to start a blog?  Or, do you already have one?  Promote it in my COMMENTS below.

CPRS 2009: Sponsors - How to Get Your Foot in the Door

My thanks to the more than 100 park and recreation professionals who attended an early morning Sponsorship workshop last Thursday.  While everyone is looking for alternative revenue from both donations and sponsorships, sponsor dollars require real, measurable ROI (return on investment).  Workshop attendees played the "Sponsor Matchgame" to illustrate how sponsor resources and needs must be matched to their own in order to successfully "sell" sponsorship opportunities in today's super competitive environment.

To help you out, I'm happy to share the handouts from this workshop complete with templates and a press release perfect for promoting your sponsorship products.

CPRS - Marketing to Diverse Audiences: 12 Cutting Edge Strategies

While speaking to an audience of about 150 park and recreation professionals from California's cities,   counties, districts and agencies - it occurred to me that, when it comes to the
Golden State, there's no such thing as a NON diverse community.  According to the California Department of Finance, it's estimated that by 2010, only 30%of all Californians will identify themselves as "Caucasian" or ethnically white.be  Multi-culturalism is part of California's rich history.  Making a commitment to program and promote to the diverse groups that live, work and play in your communities is no longer an option.  Rather it is the key to surviving and thriving in dynamic times such as these. 

Use the handouts below to review information shared at the recent California Park and Recreation Conference in Santa Clara. 

Download Diversity_NRPA_20083

Please comment below to share what your're doing in your community to embrace diverse audiences.  Are you going beyond translating brochures into second or third languages (a great step, indeed).

CPRS 2009 - The Brilliance of Branding

Branding is not a new concept (especially to ranchers and their livestock).  And just like those ranchers, brands help identify your programs and products among similar programs and products.  During the California Park and Recreation Society's 2009 conference I presented my program The Brilliance of Branding to an enthusiastic crowd.  You can downlaod a copy of this handouts below.

 

 

Download Brands_2009

So what exactly is "Branding?"  

§         A name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.

§         Legal term is trademark

§         A brand may identify one item, a family of items, or all items of that seller. If used for the firm as a whole, the preferred term is trade name.

 

To determine your brand identity or image spend some time exploring the aswers to these questions:

What’s Your Image?

How do people “see” you?

How do people describe you?

How do people see your agency?

What do people perceive your “brand?” (Do you have a “brand?”)

What is your “tagline?” Do you have a tagline?

How would you like them to see you?

Who would you like people to see your agency?

How would you like people to perceive your brand?

The handouts offer many more tools to build your brand.  Please let me know what types of things you're doing to build your brand.

CPRS 2009 - Schmoozapalooza 2.0 Creating Community in the Digital Age

Please be patient with me.  I promised to post handouts from the seven (yes, you read right -- seven) workshops I presented this week at the 2009 Carlifornia Park and Recreation Society's 2009 Conference.  I promise to keep that promise and am working on it between my duties as a Mom, daughter, aunt, dog owner and that's just my personal life.  So, rather than taking the time to write about my over-scheduled schedule -- I' just post the handouts.

This one accompanied my brand new program, Schmoozapalooza 2.0 Creating Community in the Digital Age.  The last page of the handout is especially useful for those trying  to unravel the tangled social networking landscape and determine which sites must become part of their marketing communications strategy.  After reviewing the handouts, if you could use further assistance, shoot me an email  at jodi@advisorsmarketing.com  and I'll be happy to help. 

Download Schmoozapalooza_2.0