There’s No Trick to this Publicity
Treat
Halloween offers businesses a
chance for community recognition
By : Will Dylan
As we enter the last quarter of the
year, you may find yourself in a scary position: 3
months left in the year, but no money left in your
advertising budget. You plan and plan at the outset of
the year, but invariably one of two things happens in
the first 3 quarters:
1)
You overspend your budget
2)
Sales don’t meet expectations, thus reducing
the amount that you can spend on marketing.
So what can you do now to keep your
businesses name prominent in the community with no
budget? One idea that’s a sure fire hit with parents
in your local area is to offer your services as a
Halloween safety chaperone.
The concept:
October 31st is an
exciting day for kids. They get their hands on large
amounts of candy and they get to run around after dark
with their friends. For parents, however, Halloween is a
time for some concern. They often worry about the safety
of their children on the street at night. Many parents
are unable to accompany their children on their trick or
treat route, and could really use a helping hand in
supervising the little ones. That’s where your
business comes in. Offer your services as a Halloween
safety chaperone in your neighborhood. Explain to
parents that on October 31st, you will be out
in your car in the local area to help keep an eye on the
trick or treaters. Identify your vehicle with a yellow
flashing light on the roof. Let children know that if
they become lost or get separated from their friends, or
have any safety concern at all, they can come to you for
assistance.
Promoting the idea...
How do you promote this valuable community goodwill
gesture? Considering that you are offering your own
personal time for the benefit of the community, your
local paper is the place to start. This will help get
the word out that you’ll be on patrol on Halloween
night. It will also identify your business as one that
is concerned about child safety and portray you as a
community leader. That represents excellent publicity
for your company.
You could also go door to door with
an inexpensive pre-printed flyer and your picture, so
children will know who to look for in case of emergency.
(This also helps parents to feel more comfortable with
you, and certainly positions you as a community leader).
Being a local businessperson often
means being a community leader and volunteering your
time to worthy causes. Child safety on Halloween is a
major topic each year as the end of October draws near.
This year, you can generate some free, positive
publicity for your company, and do a good deed for your
neighbors, all in one evening. And that’s no trick.
