It used to be that money was a determining factor of who could get their message out to the masses but with the creation of the Internet in one giant swoop the playing field of getting your word out has been leveled. This is a GREAT thing but it also makes it even more important that you turn on your creative juices and make sure that you aren't even near the box when thinking of new ways to position your company.
So you want to create a successful event either as a fundraiser or a launch party, what's the first step? You need to think on it. You need to throw some ideas around in your mind and see where they take you. You need to come with an idea that hasn't already been done like an auction, and if it has been done you need to come up with a great twist to make people stop in their tracts when they hear about it. One thing you can do is take an event that was successful in the past and revive it with an updated feel and makeover.
Think simple. Think believable. Think big. Think exciting. Think practical. Think interactive. Think location.
Are you trying to create an event to raise money for a charity? People don't mind spending money when they are happy, laughing, enjoying themselves and having a good time. Something about all those endorphins flying around people's brains that make them open their wallets and feel good about spending especially when its going to a good cause.
Who is your targeted audience and what did they love doing when they had kids and even better do they have kids now? Try to create an event where people can relive their childhoods and then share the experience with their own children. If people don't have to get a baby sitter you've just eliminated one of the obstacles to getting them to your event and fund raiser. When you have your idea for your event, close your eyes and picture it playing out in your mind. Start at the finish line and envision all of the people pulling up in their cars. Where are they going to park? Do you have enough parking that is close by and convenient to the event? What are the people wearing? Are they casual, formal, or ready to get messy? Oops someone has to go to the bathroom. Do you have that covered?
If you are hosting a mud football tournament between the fire and police department how are you going to make the mud? What do people love to eat outside when they are watching a football game? How will fans be able to make noise when they are rooting for the chief of police? And how will people be able to remember this great event once it is over? Will they be able to grab a souvenir t'shirt with sponsors listed on the back to where when they go to the dump or their kids soccer games promoting the event for next year?
How did people hear about your event? Did they invite their friends to come with them? Was there an incentive for them to buy their tickets early? Did the fire and police departments help get the word out? Were there prizes or raffles for the crowds?
Go on an on with this line of questioning and try to uncover every piece of information that could possibly happen or make your event great or not so great. Spend a few days imagining your event playing out in your mind and then throw the idea around with some friends and look for their reactions. If you can turn your fundraiser into a community event then the chance for success is higher and people will be expecting it to become an annual event and it will grow and grow year after year!
Questions? Ideas? shoot me an email - jennifer@tylerryangroup.com
