This is a busy time of the year for all of us. I know i have been busy in my special client land helping them to plan their marketing programs. And the holiday season has slowly come up on us. Hey, Its here! Cold weather, snow, holiday TV commercials and all the goodies that the season has to offer...including more customers.And that's a good thing.
But we need to guard against working so hard in the business that we postpone working on the business.
So here's a few suggestions that you might want to consider getting "planned out" before long.
1. I will assume that whatever Thanksgiving promotions you have going, that you have already communicated it and your customers know about it. and this year with many stores starting 'Black Friday" on Thursday night at 6pm, you're late night Thanksgiving night may be a little softer. why not send out an email saying that "Thanksgiving is for families and after the Turkey and Football, why not come out To Happy Lanes for family fun and happy memories."
2. Christmas week is not the slam dunk it used to be. With gas prices down, lots of people going to Grandma's house or spending their discretionary income on presents and gift giving could just cut into Christmas week bowling. Make sure you have some great offers for families and for the kids who are out of school (especially high school and college students).
3. New Year's Eve parties are usually a big hit at most centers and we sometimes take them for granted saying, "oh we will sell those out." Start selling early. Start going back to last years party goers and get those reservations and deposits in as early as possible. and keep selling in center. Put those fliers out on the settees every night, weekends, birthday parties, company parties, etc.
4,January and February have become prime time short season league starting points. Check your lane availability and wherever you have 6pm openings, start to develop programs for 8 to 10 weeks. Go back to have a ball programs, "Free 8 week bowling" with an option to get a plastic or inexpensive urethane ball, then roll them into a 10 week for $10 program. consider adult child programs for Saturdays or Sundays at about 3pm or 4pm. Don't forget to check with the Kids Bowl Free folks for new "done for you" league marketing programs. They have been tested and tweaked and are proven winners,
5. Martin Luther King holiday will also creep up on you. This three day weekend gives you the opportunity to contact church youth groups, boy scouts, girl scouts, school clubs and groups and invite them into Happy Lanes for a 'lock in" You can charge $20 to $25 a head and give $5 or $10 back to the organization
So get up early, plan it out, practice it and then execute like the professional you are.
