Little Red's Big Ideas

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 [email protected]with 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. 

 

FREE Book - Creating Effective Trade Show Promotions

Are you taking advantage of your on-site summer marketing opportunities? For example, if you host high-traffic festivals, events, concerts and tournaments you likely allow sponsors to set up table-top displays or booths to promote their product, brand or services.  You may even allow on-site sales or consultation.  If you are not positioning yourself as a sponsor of your own event then you are missing a key (and no-cost) marketing opportunity. 

• Even the most primitive table top "trade show" display staffed with fun-loving, enthusiastic volunteers or professionals can shine light on upcoming events, future programs and general brand awareness.
• Often, your attendees don't even realize WHO is responsible for the event they are attending.
• Trade show booths are a great place to conduct a brief survey, too! 
• When using giveaways tie your promotion into the event, theme or target audience.  In the summer, hand-held fansare a favorite especially with these summer sale prices.  (REGUEST a FLYER/sample or place an order by emailing [email protected].  The front of the fan can be your festival logo and the back can be the schedule of events OR list future events.  Always include a web address for more information.

Whether you display your services along-side vendor booths -- or set-up an area dedicated to promoting yourself and your programs -- as the HOST SPONSOR, don't miss the chance to take credit for the many benefits of community events. 

And to help get you started OR improve current "trade show effectiveness" I'm happy to pass along this link to get a FREE 76-page guide from Skyline Displays called Creating Effective Trade Show Promotions.  It it, you'll be guided through the entire trade show process from setting goals to execution to measuring results. This is the one indispensable tool you need to get the crowds into your booth.  

Request yours today!

Thirsty for Liquidators?

What's a Bubba Keg?  Find out and drink up these thirst-quenching promotional items perfect for saying "Thanks" to staff, campers, athletes, volunteers and anyone else who's out enjoying the many benefits of parks and recreation this summer.  Starting at less than a buck there are items for every budget.  Just in time to celebrate July is Parks and Recreation Month and Summer's ongoing festival season, order beverage holders, water bottles and other refreshing items today in time for your next event. 

Email me [email protected] or click here to view my 14 Favorite Ways to Slurp up Summerincluding the "Mood Bottle," Bubba Keg and lots more. Choose to view in PDF or HTML. 

PLUS when you email Amazing A[email protected], with subject line: I'M THIRSTY FOR SAVINGS he'll give you NEXT QUANTITY PRICING ON ANY BEVERAGE related item.  No limit!  Offer good all summer long!

Five Favorites for the Fourth

There are at least 1776 ways for you, your staff, volunteers, campers and guests to show their American pride this Independence Day.  Here are my Top Five Picks to Celebrate the Fourth.  You can also see 184 other patriotic ideas at our website.  But for now -- enjoy these novel items.  Calling Andy at 760.730.0333 or email: [email protected] for an immediate price quote or to place a quick ship order.  But time is ticking...

Idea # 1 - Flag-waving goes Hands-free -Silly? Sure! FUNctiontional?  You bet! Show your American pride with this crazy head gear. Perfectly priced at about $1.50 per pair, they clip onto cap brims (if you need caps, Andy can help with that, too!) and make great fundraisers, too. Of course you can customize them with you’re your city, event, camp or team logo. Parades, sporting events, festivals, rallies, walk-a-thons and picnics will come alive with these head-on promotions. FREE SAMPLE while supplies last.  Be one of the first 25 people to email andy@advisorsmarketing.com  Subject Line: FREE Flag Sample and recieve a FREE sample of this unique item.

Item #2 - Light up the Night – Kids and kids-at-heart go crazy for these light-up fans which change form American Flag to stars and fireworks. These make a great thank-you gift for volunteers and staff and can be sold to raise some funds.  Click here to learn more.   FREE set up AND batteries included!  What's not to love?

Item # 3 Flashers are Back! - When visibility and safety are key don't settle for boring badges and buttons when you can brighten everyone's day. Volunteers, staff and visitors love to light up the night with items that blink, glow, flash and shine.

Item # 4 - Temporary Tattoos - Super inexpensive, ready for immediate shipment,child safe, applies in seconds, lasts for days and looks great. You can even get tattoos that glow-in-the-dark!  Click here to see all sorts of patriotic ready-to-ship designs. Ultra low quantities but the best deal: buy 1000 of any stock design (up to 4 square inches) for $100! Or create a custom tattoo especially for your event. 10,000 custom tats start around $300. Call Andy for all the details 760-730-0333.  He'll walk you through all the ink.

 

 

Item # 5 - No need to feel strapped!  Lanyards, badge holders, dog leashes and water bottle straps never looked so patriotic.  Whether you need to outfit volunteers with badges, encourage hydration with watter bottle straps or show your American pride all year long – these straps and lanyards are a great solution.  Click on the photo for pricing and more details.

 

Whatever you're looking for we can help.  Email [email protected] before time runs out.

City of Stockton Wins Big

Congratulations to the City of Stockton, California for winning my “little Red's BIG Contest” grand prize: A FREE Day of Training for their entire staff.  While I received dozens of creative and passionate entries from all over the country, the City of Stockton did something that no other organization did:  They created an ongoing campaign consisting of almost, daily, messages from more than a dozen different staff members. 

By doing this they stayed on top of my mind in such a way that I couldn’t help but think of them when it was time to make a decision.  Everyone who entered however will receive a fantastic conciliation prize.  So, don’t worry if you didn’t win (or enter) this contest.  There will be many more to come.  I’ll keep you posted.