Trying something new - I'll let you know how it goes...

DefiningDetails · 05-26-09, 11:04

So, I've been reading a lot of marketing books and papers, and they've given me quite a few good ideas, one which really stood out to me so I figured why not...

I found a charity event that raises money for one of the local hospitals here in Toronto, and offered to donate my 'Italian' package for their silent auction. The charity event is a sailboat race with 60 boats / gala dinner / silent auction so I know that this is the demographic I want to be aiming my crosshairs at. I will have the opportunity to present the prize at the beginning of the Gala in front of the entire audience, and give a 2 minute speech on it (as well as show a PP presentation as there will be a screen and laptop set up). This happens for all the prizes, then dinner and drinks, then the silent auction starts.

I will also get a tax receipt for the value of the prize I donated through my company, which will be approx $1000 (20 hours of work in my 'Italian Package') so I figure I can't lose either way...

Has anyone else done a marketing campaign in this fashion? I am interested in hearing how it went for you! The event is June 25th so there is a bit of time between now and then. I will update this thread with the results once it is all said and done.

D Tailor · 05-26-09, 11:52

In my opinion and experience, I'd say do it because you like the charity or the people involved. If you do charity work for other reasons, like marketing, the Karma bug bites you back.

Early on in my business ventures I would do these style of events thinking I would get great publicity and the phone would just start ringing. In the end, while everyone was super stoked to have won the "no-stops" detail, they never turned into repeat clients and none of the leads generated at the event never turned into what I had expected. I felt disillusioned.

But do it for the right reasons and you'll get more out of it....business wise and personally. Just my thoughts.

DefiningDetails · 05-26-09, 01:08

Totally hear you D Tailor. While I do have some ulterior motives from a business perspective, I am quite excited to have my services be auctioned off to raise money for the hospital. But I wont lie;I picked this specific charity event based on the demographic of attendees...

Great to hear your experience. If you were to go back knowing what you know now, would you have done anything different at the event i.e. how you presented yourself and your company?

brwill2005 · 05-26-09, 03:30

I think silent auctions are an excellent way to market. They are usually for good causes as well. I did one recently to save an old school they want to tear down. Worked out well because the school serves a wealthy community.

D Tailor · 05-26-09, 03:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefiningDetails

Totally hear you D Tailor. While I do have some ulterior motives from a business perspective, I am quite excited to have my services be auctioned off to raise money for the hospital. But I wont lie;I picked this specific charity event based on the demographic of attendees...

Great to hear your experience. If you were to go back knowing what you know now, would you have done anything different at the event i.e. how you presented yourself and your company?

First let me be clear...I think you have a good idea here. It's a great way to target your intended market and promote a positive company image as well.

As for us, we currently do quite a bit of philanthropy (5 separate programs) through our business and I have to say the most rewarding work is and has been that which has been approached with no expectations.

I don't think I would have done anything differently in the past, because I think it would be dishonest for anyone who participates in philanthropy to not think that somehow, someway, it will pay some dividends. I think if I would change anything it was that I only presented myself as a business and I focused on what we do for vehicles. Today I would be sure to tie my business in with my ideas of whatever the cause was. I think people's intentions are transparent (especially to people who have been involved with a cause for while) and (speaking on both the personal and business level) you're likely to generate more interest that will matriculate into business if you come across as authentic and authentically interested/involved.

I would just say the same thing as before if i was talking to myself in the past...make sure you are behind the cause first and put the business advantage behind it all. If you do that, I think you'll come out on top....even if the dividends are good Karma.

Perferd · 05-26-09, 04:01

I think its a great idea bro and wish you well...

As for the deep thinking stuff the only way I see it screwing with you personally or professionally is if you try and do something shady which I know you would never do.

yanks_178 · 05-26-09, 07:21

I did it for our local Pheasant's Forever Banquet.. I got quite a few calls from guys that were there but never from the winner of a detail!!!

Twista616 · 06-01-09, 07:37

For sure: DO IT! I did something similar, except never gave a presentation, which I would LOVE to do!! Great ROI, i jump on it every opportunity i get! Leave some extra cards by the silent auction table, people will take them! Your also a walking advertisement at the auction. take advantage of that!

khyber · 06-02-09, 11:14

I've been approached with that idea, though it didn't work out, but I am currently working on a plan with a friend of mine who has recently founded a non-profit organization, to do a charity fundraiser car wash. It helps him, because although this is not going to fund some multi million dollar organization, it will bring him some much needed money/donations to help bring the nonprofit up to speed, at little or no cost, as he is a good friend of mine, and it benefits me as it spreads the word about me a little bit. We haven't worked out the details, but I feel this isn't too bad of an idea for anyone trying to get into the market. I guess I'll find out though.