If you’re looking for a fast way to generate more event bookings - try this strategy. You can actually increase the amount of advertising you do AND decrease your advertising costs … in fact you can even make advertising a source of revenue instead of an expense.
Put together a group of 10 or more event services professionals. In the example I used in the video, an off-site caterer could partner with;
- Wedding Planners
- Event Producers
- Florists
- Limo Services
- DJ
- Entertainment / Talent Agent
- Tent / Marquee Rental
- Amusement Rentals
- Event Designers
- Event Staffer
- Event Marketers
- Speaker’s Bureau
- Awards / Gift Baskets
Next, contact 3 or 4 of each type of event vendor. Look to partner with the those who demonstrate a level of professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit.
Offer each vendor the opportunity to partner with you and a dozen other non-competing businesses who all share a common target market. Show them how, by combining resources, each member of the group will get more value out of their promotional budgets.
By combining forces with a dozen or so other event businesses - you can bundle ads and direct mail … and get a higher open rate. I used this concept to mail out my material to 5,000 prospects at zero cost to me - and I ended up making over $11,00o. The mailer cost the group $6,000 to print, label and mail. Each of my ten partners contributed $600 - I contributed my time and energy and got the project done.
Remember, most event business owners will never take the time to do this themselves. It’s well worth it to pay 10% of the total cost, just to get it done. Off that one mailer, the photographer booked $2,100, the DJ got two jobs for $800 and my caterer grossed $15,000 and picked up a repeat buyer. Not bad for $600 each!
The secret to making this work is to just do it. Make sure each vendor contributes a very exciting discount or special offer to the group mailer. Your cover letter or brochure cover should read something like, “Over $2,000 in Special Event Services Savings.” Or, “Save Over $2,000 on Your Wedding.”
The event buyer will open, read and save a brochure like that. You’ll have more success in attracting new clients by teaming together.
So, are you going to give it a try? Any questions? Let me know.
Good Luck!
Brian
If you liked this article … please pass it on … post it to Facebook, Twitter, Digg and more. Just click on one of the buttons below. Thanks.
I'd love to know what you think of this post. Leave a comment or question and I promise to respond.
