As most of you know, I am working with BVL to meet their fundraising goals and I wanted to share this email that Mary Harrar, BVL’s executive Director is sending out.
I have added to the marketing portion of her blog to expand on the benefits of “story telling” as a marketing tool.
So here it is:
Amidst the turmoil in this modern world, as Americans, we have so much to be thankful for. Our freedom, our rights and our democracy!
Protected by our service men and women, who have fought bravely to assure our freedom and guarantee our liberty, our veterans deserve support as they transition back to their families, friends and civilian life. Join the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) and help brighten their days.
This year Strike Ten Entertainment and BVL, bowling’s own and oldest charity, has mounted the “BVL Month in America” fundraising campaign. If you haven’t gotten in on all the great elements of this promotion (all FREE by the way) just email her: mary@bvl.org and she will rush a package of promotional tools to you.
Even if you don’t have the kit or forgot to order it, you can still raise money for BVL over the Thanksgiving weekend.
- Just pass the hat and ask people to give you a $1 or $5 or $10 to help our brave disabled vets.
- Or maybe increase your price by $3 or $4 on a Pizza Pins N Pop package.
- Or offer to give away $25 in free bowling to a random drawing to anyone who contributes $1 or more to BVL AND GIVES YOU THEIR EMAIL
You can communicate this effort through a series of Facebook and email blasts posts talking about the first Thanksgiving; which President started it; what it really means to YOU; and how your center is committed to the values of Thanksgiving and your community. Don’t just tell about the specials you are going to run, (although you can add that at the end of your post or refer them to a landing page on your website), but tell a story about why you want to give back to the community and how thankful you are to be part of whatever community, town, city or village you are located as well as raising money for BVL.
Maybe tell your own story how you got into the bowling business. Just be authentic and “keep it real.”
Your community will embrace your authenticity, your remembrance of our American heroes, and your appreciation of family and thankfulness. If you are doing something this thanksgiving for homeless people, or contributing to a soup kitchen or collecting old coats, tell people this story!
They will appreciate what you say more than you will ever know because while you are building upon your (brand) story, you are creating a meaningful perception in their minds that will get them to like and trust you.
From there to increasing sales will then just be a short elevator ride for these folks who now view you and your center in a very positive light; or in a light that reinforces their already positive feelings about your center
For those of you who need more soldier pins for your promotion, please email Mary Harrar at mary@bvl.org or call her at 703.934.6039.
Best wishes for a Happy and Joyous Thanksgiving
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