Little Red's Big Ideas

November Events - Give Thanks

Gobble up these celebrations from Chase's Calendar.  Just when you  thought it was all about turkeys and stuffing, it's good to know that there's a month dedicated to fantastic causes like adoption and diabetes.  Connect yourself to these national events and invite the media to help you tell your story.

November

• Adoption Month, Natl
• AIDS Awareness Month, Natl
• Alzheimer's Disease Month, Natl
• American Diabetes Month
• American Indian Heritage Month, Natl
• Aviation History Month
• Celebrate Empty Nester Month
• COPD Awareness Month, Natl
• Diabetic Eye Disease Month
• Epilepsy Awareness Month
• Family Caregivers Month, Natl
• Family Stories Month
• Georgia Pecan Month, Natl
• Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
• Hospice Month, Natl
• I Am So Thankful Month
• Inspirational Role Models Month, Natl
• Learn Chinese Month
• Lifewriting Month, Natl
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month
• Marrow Awareness Month, Natl
• Microfinance Month, Intl
• Peanut Butter Lovers' Month
• Pet Cancer Awareness Month
• Pomegranate Month, Natl
• Prematurity Awareness Month
• Roasting Month, Natl
• Scholarship Month, Natl
• Vegan Month

Bright Ideas to Light up the Night

 
 
I've worked in the promotional products business for a long, long, time.  Way before there were fax machines ("What's a fax machine?" my younger readers ask.)  Way, way before the Internet and iPods.  If you've heard me speak (as many of my readers have), you know that I've sold promotional items (they were called "advertising specialties" back in the day) since I was a little girl.  I share this history with you, not to bore you to tears, but as an introduction to one of my favorite suppliers. 

Clegg has been delighting me for over 10 years.  I remember my excitement the first time I ever opened a "rnging phone card"and am still thrilled by their multi-sensory innovation and creativity.  Today it's not too novel to come across greeting cards that talk, sing and light-up.  However, Clegg still continues to deliver unique promotional products that add light and sound to any event or campaign.  If you'd like to see a sample of ANY items on the flyer above (or any of the hundreds of items on the Clegg website) please contact [email protected] or give him a ring at 800-IADVISU (800)423-8478. He's at your service!

Hauntingly Great Deals on Halloween Bags

Halloween is big business.  Besides Christmas, it is the "biggest shopping day of the year."  Nothing is more adorable little ones parading through your community centers, schools, camps and neighborhoods dressed as little ghouls and goblins, wizards and vampires. Whether at an event you sponsor or during neighborhood trick-or-treating one thing is universal -- everyone needs a goodie bag.  So, why not make sure that the goodie bag your community carries is one that includes your agency's contact information and safety tips.  As an act of goodwill or an event souvenir, treat bags are an inexpensive, much appreciated necessity. 

After combing our resources, we've found a fantastic, super-speedy supplier that is as reliable as they are affordable.  Take a look at this flyer and as soon as you're ready to place an order or request a sample email [email protected]or, better yet, give him a howl by calling 800-IADVISU (800)423-8478.  Check out these other Halloween ideas, too. 

 

New Census Data - Recession Affects EVERY Aspect of Community Life

How has the recession impacted your community?

• Are your "revenue generating programs" generating less and less revenue?
• Have your low and no-cost programs seen greater numbers than ever before?
• Were your free concerts and festivals filled to capacity as more and more people were forced to fore-go costly vacations in lieu of free family activities?

The recession has not receded (contrary to what some bankers, politicians or retailers might have us believe.)  USA Today recently ran a series of stories based on the recently released census numbers (2009 census -- the 2010 census data will be releases in the Spring of 2010.) 

These stories looked at the many ways Americans are dealing with their new financial realities.  These statistics will come in handy and should be shared with decision-makers as you lobby to protect your programs and facilities.  After all, your programs and places are safety nets for many families looking and needing places for children and teens to spend non-school hours.  The new reality is that people are being evicted, parents are being forced to work two or three jobs to make ends meet, layoffs require people to spend long days and nights searching for new jobs; and stay-at-home-mom are rejoin the workforce to make ends meet.

Here are links to some of the stories that can be applied to your camps, parks and recreation agencies.  Share them with board members, commissioner and community leaders to promote your critical need. 

• A state-by-state look at Poverty
• Number of people in poverty reaches highest level in 51 years
• County-by-county look at US Population Migration
• "LIving in sin" is on the rise
• Income gap between rich and poor widens

Add you comments below.

What the heck is Pickleball?

I try to stay in the know. I like to think that I keep up on what's happening in the world of parks and recreation.  So when, during one of my recent marketing workshops, a recreation programmer mentioned a game called "Pickleball" I felt a little out-of-the loop.  Rather than publicly admit (hey, I have my pride) that I had never heard of a game played with burger condiments -- I did the next best thing...

I  jumped on-line the first chance I got to find out what the heck she was talking about.  Since then I've thankfully learned that Pickleball is named after the inventor's cocker spaniel not the dill variety. I also learned that, according to Wikipedia, "Pickleball is a relatively new racquet sport which combines  elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The sport is played on a court with the same dimensions as a badminton court. The net is lower than most other racquet sports allowing for faster play. The game is played with a hard paddle and a wiffle ball, making the technique required for pickleball different than other sports."

But, as I've traveled the country over the past months, I've also asked many camp, park and recreation programmers if they are aware of Pickleball, especially since it's been around since the late 80's.  While most had not heard of this game with the funny name, others told me that the sport is especially popular among seniors.

It made me realize that, as budgets are cut and travel expenses eliminated -- we have to work extra hard to stay up on what's new, what's hot, what's in and what's out.  For those unable to afford the time or funds to attend conferences, workshops and meetings with other park and recreation professionals -- it will be necessary to work extra hard to stay informed. 

As you look to innovate new programs -- especially for your growing baby boomer population I encourage you to explore not only Pickleball, but other emerging programs that may have been created, adapted or enhanced for aging athletes. 

For those out-of-the Pickleball loop, here are some links to bring you up to speed -- especially in light of the fact that Pickleball already has its own Associations -- the USA Picklebal Association and World Pickleball Federation (move over USTA).  There's even an International Pickleball week which occurs every June.

Share your experiences with Pickleball, as well as other unique programs by commenting below.

How to Hire an Intern

This summer I had an amazing intern from Liberty University, a small college in Virginia.  Julianna Rickwald came to me as an enthusiastic public relations major who needed to complete over 100 internship hours as part of her graduation requirements.  I've been asked how I found her; what I did to train her; how others can find a Julianna clone.  In other words, "Do I have a secret internship formula?"

In brief, I found Julianna the old-fashioned way, using the best marketing tool on the planet - networking.  And I'm not talking about Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter.  I'm talking about the type of networking that happens every day in your parks, at your programs and on your sports fields. I'm referring to the type of solutions that seem to fall into your lap when you get to know people; share contacts, connections and ultimately solutions. 

Julianna is the daughter of one of my dog park friends.  Her mom, Michelle is an energetic, passionate realtor in my community (I first learned this because Michelle has a car decal on her SUV that reads, "Michelle Rickwald, Realtor with her contact information.  I mention this only becuase vehicle advertising is also a fantastic old-school promotional tool.)  

Dog park conversations are often about dogs. But as time goes on and relationships grow, even dog lovers move beyond kibble, vets and groomers and small-talk about other things -- sports (Go Chargers!) kids, weather, etc. 

To make a long story short, Michelle often spoke about her college age kids and happened to mention that her middle daughter, Julianna, was looking for an internship in marketing. I must admit that I didn't jump at the chance.  I've never "hired" an intern before because I worried that it was more trouble than it was worth.  I had always imagined lots of paperwork and micro-managing a less-than-qualified student. 

Boy, was I wrong!  Not only did Julianna prove to be an amazing writer and assistant; she was self-directed and charming.  The paperwork was minimal and Julianna allowed me to have an amazing stress-free summer including an entire month out of the country. 

When looking for an intern I suggest going beyond the park and recreation programs and turn to marketing, public relations and advertising students.  Almost every college in the country has students (and professors) who need to need or want internship hours to complete program requirements.  You have events, programs and facilities that could use a fresh marketing approach.  Together you are a match made in heaven!

Check out these articles to learn more about finding and hiring interns. 

• Designing an Effective Internship Program posted at internweb.com

• Keys to Running a Successful Internship Program by Krysten Applebaum at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce blog

• How to Hire an Intern by Melanie Brooks posted at workawesome.com

• Make Your Internship Successful – Employer Tools posted at youthfriends.org

By the way -- Julianna will be looking for a real job soon.  She graduates in June and would love to combine her PR and advertising skills with an organization that is committed to fitness, nutrition or healthy living.  She's willing to explore just about any opportunity in any part of the country (or world?) If you'd like her contact info -- send me an email at [email protected] and I'll forward your info to Julianna.

Have you had success (or struggles) with interns?  Share your story here...

Think Outside the Trophy! Better Awards and Recognition Gifts

Fall means football -- not to mention, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, tennis, volleyball and some sports I've barely heard of (pickleball, anyone?) 

Besides driving athletes to and from practice, games and tournaments; the people on the sidelines are just as important to your programs as the athletes themselves.  Most park and recreation and community sports programs wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers -- team managers, moms, dads, coaches and referees.  This year, rather than the typical trophy, why not look at a functional appreciation gift for your volunteer MVPs (Most Valuable Parents)?   

Folding Chairs - Help people relax in style on the field, at the game or at the beach. More than a chair, it features 2 cup holders, a zippered pocket and its own carrying case. At about $20 including your custom imprint it is a perfect gift or award for coaches, team   managers and volunteers. 

Warm their hearts with Stadium Blankets - Cool, even frigid temperatures can turn a fun  sporting event into an uncomfortable outing for those on the sidelines.  Stadium blankets are a natural and greatly appreciated thank you gift or fundraising item for anyone involved in autumn and winter activities.  Starting at around $15.00 in small quantities, blankets come in many varieties from woven tapestries to fleece.  Call Andy to brainstorm which blank might be right for your budget and climate. 

Rainy Day People - Don't let the rain dampen the spirits of spectators or volunteers.  Rain ponchos and umbrellascan be custom printed with your agency name, website and tagline and make a wonderful gift, concession or fundraiser.  Email [email protected] or call (800)423-8478 to learn more about any of these ideas OR to request a sample.  He's got you covered (sorry -- I couldn't resist!)

Snacks, Anyone? - Often it's the job of the parents to provide drinks and snacks for players.  Here's a fun idea that will keep your agency name and contact information in front of parents throughout the  season. Give each team manager, coach or captain a large insulated cooler (imprinted, of course, with your name and website.)  The cooler rotates among the Snack Moms/Dads who fill it each week with nutritious treats. 

These ideas are just the beginning.  As a current team mom (currently volleyball) I know that I would love a functional gift rather than another certificate or trophy.  You can search our huge database of promo items OR give us a call.  Again, Andy's your guy if you want ideas, pricing or samples.  He at your service and loves a challenge.  Get in touch by calling him at 800-423-8478 (that 800-IADVISU).