Fundraising Manual
By Talisman the Hypnotist
http://klanestrotalisman.blogspot.com/
This book is published by Smashwords
ISBN:
978-1-4523-2079-3
Title:
Fundraising Manual
Author:
Talisman
Publisher:
Smashwords, Inc.
Copyright ©2010
Talisman
Brian Carpenter
CBA, Cht, MH, NLP,
tal·is·man
noun \ˈta-ləs-mən, -ləz-\
something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects *
Something that apparently has magic power.*
An Orange County born entertainer, Talisman's professional credits include: Certification as Master Hypnotist and Hypnotherapist from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. Talisman is also a Certified Balloon Artist from Qualatex, a manufacturer of balloons.
Certified Balloon Artist, Certified Hypnotherapist, Master Hypnotist, NLP Practitioner,
Phone Number 805-280-9181
E-Mail: Klanestrotalisman@gmail.com
Table of Contents
Introduction
Project Team
Networking
Guideposts
Projected Ticket Sales Earnings
Ad Layouts and Rates Benchmark
Souvenir Program
Benefits to Advertisers
Dedication Page
Options Available to Businesses
Auction
Coat Check
Referral
50/50 Draw
Pledge Contest
Ticket Stub
VIP Pass
Door Prize
Extra Ten
Family Market
Newspaper Advertising
Other Events
Frequent Flyer Promotion
Post Show
Promote the Day
Simple 3 Step
Ticket Giveaway Promotion
Box Office Sales
Corporate Sales
Determine Ticket Sales Quotas
Arming Your Ticket Sales Force
Door to Door
Event Sales
Fact Sheet
WHO IS Talisman?
Group Sales
In School Sales
Mail Order Sales
Membership Sales
Printing your tickets
Retail Sales
Sales Booster
SALES TIPS & TECHNIQUES
Sales Journal
Shopping Mall Sales
Telephone Sales
Ticket Pricing
Tools to Develop Trust
Press Releases
Entertainment Schedule Announcement
Fun With Hypnosis Show
The Stage or Performing Area
BOOK BONUS Creating Harmonious Relationships Through Rapport
BOOK BONUS: Five Steps to Producing Profitable Relationships
How To Choose Your Meeting Site
How to Hire Entertainment for your Event
Four Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Stage Hypnotist
Understanding Your Entertainers Contract
Introduction
We have
provided you with this detailed step-by-step guide to promoting
Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater. If you follow
the suggestions given on the enclosed pages, your group will make
money! And... the amount you’ll earn is limited only by your
willingness to put the suggestions to work.
Read the enclosed suggestions carefully and discuss as a group. Make sure that everyone involved with this project understands the goals and objectives. Your reward for a hard-fought, successful promotional campaign will be an evening of top-rate entertainment at a profit to your group of several thousand dollars!
Talisman's Show is
very funny, clean and you're the star of the show! Everyone is always
happy they have participated and respond with a wonderful feeling of
well being.
Please Enjoy this Fundraising Manual for Smashwords and also check out my other book available in e-book form at:
http://bit.ly/AllAboutHypnosis
http://smashwords.com/b/29946
.
Review
by: Alexander
Stone
on Nov. 14, 2010 :
(
5 STARS *****)
Book is quite amusing, and really help in solving
the mystery of hypnosis and also answers some myths about this
tech.
I like that author says that every person below IQ 60 can be
hypnotized.
Very Good Book Must read to understand the concept.
Praise For the Fundraising Manual
aljursikat says:
Great post and a very good convention of great minds thinking a like and sharing the wealth of their immense mental skills in the world dominated by technological embellishments that make life significantly better and more efficient. I think on our most basic level we are creative beings and as we grow older we tend to get pulled or pushed away from that. Well we need to develop more and more WIKIs like this, nice information. Aljur of Sikat ang Pinoy
Posted 04:01, 9 Jan 2010
helenbella says:
I
definitely agree with aljur. Today many nonsense show plague the mass
media like Jackass, Wild Boys and Blind Date that corrupts the mental
faculties of the youth. A good clean show that propagates creativity
and originality will enhance the rationality of children and adults
alike.
In custom
essays
I have read, the mass media especially television, the radio and the
internet greatly influences millions of viewers and listeners every
day and this fact have a great impact on the masses perception of
reality. I hope that you continue with this innovative endeavour.
Keep up the good work, guys!
Posted 01:41, 13 Jan 2010
Many institutions limit access to their online information. Making this information available will be an asset to all. Custom Research Papers
The first thing to do is assess your project team. Decide what your available manpower is, and organize them to fulfill the tasks associated with promoting and publicizing the show. The number of people in your team will help you determine the best and most practical methods of promotion.
The organization chart pictured here indicates the various areas in which you will need people to be in charge. If your manpower is limited, one person may have to handle more than one position.
MAKE NO MISTAKE… this is a fundraising project which requires a team of enthusiastic and motivated people led by an equally motivated Project Coordinator. A lazy or careless attitude will directly effect your moneyraising potential.
Project
Coordinator
An
enthusiastic, goal oriented individual who is excited about this
project and wants to make it a success. This person will first
thoroughly read the Project Book to gain a complete understanding of
every aspect of the project, and will oversee all areas of the
campaign.
Advertising
Director
A
sales-oriented individual who who will carry out the promotional
campaign as it has been developed through your planning meetings.
Will delegate and monitor all areas of advertising and ticket sales.
Stage
Director
A
hands on person who will be responsible for making sure the stage and
auditorium are ready forTalisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner
Theater performance on show day. Will coordinate the activities of
the ushers, cashiers and stage crew. See the TECHNICAL INFORMATION
and SHOW DAY sections.
Ticket
Sales Manager
|An
efficient and well organized individual responsible for the
recruitment of ticket sellers, determining the location of your
advance ticket sales depot, record keeping of advanced ticket sales,
free ticket distribution, etc. See the section of TICKET SALES
STRATEGIES.
Poster
and Flyer Manager
Responsible
for the distribution of posters, flyers and other forms of printed
advertising. The ADVERTISING TOOLS section deals with this area.
Media
and Specialty Sales Manager
Responsible
for notifying the media, placing newspaper, radio and/or television
advertising and promoting the show through unique and innovative
ideas as outlined in the TICKET SALES STRATEGIES and PROMOTIONAL
STRATEGIES sections.
Travel
Coordinator
Responsible
for insuring the succesfull arrival of Talisman the Leprechaun King,
arranging accomidations during his visit, and insuring his succesful
departure to his next destination.
Cashier
You
will most likely need 2 people to act as ticket-takers/sellers at the
door on the day of the show. They should be ready to open the theatre
doors ONE HOUR prior to posted showtime, and prepared with a cash
drawer, float and lock-box for ticket stubs.
Ushers
2
to 4 people are needed to help people find their seats as well
assisting the elderly or handicapped with special seating
requirements.
The ushers should also be prepared to act as show security. Sometimes, especially where the show is required to perform on a gym floor, younger children get excited and venture onto the stage area. AT NO TIME MUST THIS BE PERMITTED TO HAPPEN. The ushers are to ensure that the performing area backstage and dressing room area are kept off limits to unauthorized individuals at all times.
Stage
Crew
You
will need perhaps only one person to assist with chair set up and for
general clean up depending on your individual needs.
Ticket
Sellers
The
bread and butter of your advance ticket sales campaign. They are
responsible for making personal contacts and the selling of tickets.
The more ticket sellers you have, the greater your sales potential.
See section on TICKET SALES STRATEGIES for details.
Are you a Winning Team?
Here are a few guideposts to help you ensure that your PROJECT TEAM can put game plans into action.
1. PICK YOUR PROJECT TEAM LEADER. Successful Project Teams usually select their own leaders, people they know will give 110% to the project.
2. HAVE KEY PROJECT PERSONNEL. On board from the outset,your Project Coordinator, Advertising Director and other key members of your team should be established from the beginning of your commitment to this project.
3. SET GOAL DATES FOR KEY OBJECTIVES. You should have a series of target dates. A deadline to get your publicity distributed. A deadline to have your show SOUVENIR PROGRAM advertising sold. A deadline to have a given number of tickets sold. Etc.
4. GIVE ONE HUNDRED-AND-TEN PER CENT ASSIGNMENT. Team members must be excited about this project.
5. PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS MUST COMMIT THEIR FUNCTION. Each team member should and must adhere to their target goals without exception. If commitments are conditional, you've got a committee.
6. REMEMBER THE SOCIAL ELEMENT. Spirit is all important. Think: "We're in it together" and "Mission Impossible." High spirits are not accidental. The challenge of the project is central. Beyond that, the successful team leader facilitates what psychologists call "bonding" via "signing-up"ceremonies upon joining the team, frequent milestone celebrations,awards for successes, etc.
KEEP THIS PROJECT FUN!
Networking
Talisman the Leprechaun Kings's Dinner Theater can help bring in financial support and new contacts into your organization.
Don’t get overly extravagant. don’t go for the Lobster Dinner when the chicken will do.
The National Society of Fund Raising Executives dictionary defines a special event as “a function designed to attract and involve people in an organization.”
Use Talisman's Hypnosis Shows as an opportunity to recruit volunteers or even prospective donors for future fund raising
One Key to success is to make sure on the day of the show that the committee member’s responsibility is to network, to bring people to your organization.
The day after the show a thank you should be mailed to every participant, donor or sponsor. It tells how much money was raised and what it will fund, and it invites the recipient to join in the planning committee for next years event.
Successful event don’t happen by magic. They take planning and thought. Funds raised through special events are not raised in one day, but rather as a result of months of work. Getting overly caught up in the planning and day of event logistics can, if we let it, keep us from achieving the immediate and long-term goals of recruiting more and more people to raise more and more funds.
As soon as you have a date publish it put it on the internet. Print it in your newsletter. and inform the board of directors.
Many Major metropolitan areas and cities have listings of upcoming events. Make sure that you’ve checked these listings to avoid conflicts with other events. Then make sure ti add your event to the calendar.
You need good volunteer leadership at the highest level to have your event succeed. These Leaders will open doors, they will motivate your staff and volunteers. EVERYONE is responsible for the outcome of the show , Board of directors, event chair, committee members and you. Make sure you keep to your budget, keep plans moving forward, and alert leadership when problems arise
Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater can be a magnet, attracting major corporate sponsorship
Projected
Ticket Sales Earnings
Talisman's
Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Theater.
In
all cases, the average ticket price is $55 minus $15 for dinner for
$40 profit for each seat
(A) SMALL facility (200 - 300 seats)
a) 1/2-sold house = 100 - 150 tickets ... $4,000 - $6,000
b) 3/4-sold house = 150 - 225 tickets ... $6,000 - $9,000
c) sold-out house = 200 - 300 tickets ... $8,000 - $12,000
(B) MEDIUM facility (300 - 600 seats)
a) 1/2-sold house = 150 - 300 tickets ... $6,000 - $12,000
b) 3/4-sold house = 225 - 450 tickets ... $9,000 - $18,000
c) sold-out house = 300 - 600 tickets ... $12,000 - $24,000
(C) LARGE facility (600 - 900 seats)
a) 1/2-sold house = 300 - 450 tickets ... $12,000 - $18,000
b) 1/4-sold house = 450 - 675 tickets ... $18,000 - $27,000
c) sold-out house = 600 - 900 tickets ... $24,000 - $36,000
Deduct expenses such as show fee, hall rental, your advertising budget, catering expenses, and DJ (if you want a dance after the show) from the total sales figures above to arrive at your net profit.
Dinner can cost $15 and up per ticket.
There can only be one Dinner Theatre a night.
To increase your profits from ticket sales, you can charge more for tickets, hold the show in a larger facility, or both.
Your earnings potential will be significantly increased by undertaking some or all of the PIGGY-BACK FUNDRAISERS outlined in this manual. Their inclusion into your promotional campaign is highly recommended.
Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show
In all cases, the average ticket price is $10.
(A) SMALL facility (200 - 300 seats)
a) 1/2-sold house = 100 - 150 tickets ... $1,000 - $1,500
b) 3/4-sold house = 150 - 225 tickets ... $1,500 - $2,250
c) sold-out house = 200 - 300 tickets ... $2,000 - $3,000
(B) MEDIUM facility (300 - 600 seats)
a) 1/2-sold house = 150 - 300 tickets ... $1,500 - $3,000
b) 3/4-sold house = 225 - 450 tickets ... $2,250 - $4,500
c) sold-out house = 300 - 600 tickets ... $3,000 - $6,000
(C) LARGE facility (600 - 900 seats)
a) 1/2-sold house = 300 - 450 tickets ... $3,000 - $4,500
b) 1/4-sold house = 450 - 675 tickets ... $4,450 - $6,675
c) sold-out house = 600 - 900 tickets ... $6,000 - $9,000
Deduct expenses such as show fee, hall rental and your advertising budget from the total sales figures above to arrive at your net profit.
In the case of two shows, the above figures can be doubled.
To increase your profits from ticket sales, you can charge more for tickets, hold the show in a larger facility, or both.
Your earnings potential will be significantly increased by undertaking some or all of the PIGGY-BACK FUNDRAISERS outlined in this manual. Their inclusion into your promotional campaign is highly recommended.
Ad Layouts and Rates Benchmark
When Setting your goals, you will find it useful to know the number spaces available and how many you want to sell.
Use This as a benchmark, and fill in your own prices.
Ad
Size_________ Amount_________# Needed_________ Total
Back
Cover______ $500____________1________________$500
Inside
Front______$400____________ 1_______________$400
Inside
Back______$300____________1________________ $300
Full
Page_______$200____________4________________$800
1/2
Page_______$100____________6________________$600
1/4
Page________$75____________8________________ $600
1/3
Page________$50___________ 10________________ $500
Bus
Card_______ $25___________ 10______________$500
Dedication_______$15___________30______________$450
Total Incoming
Budget Goal $4650
Souvenir Program
A Souvenir Program which you distribute free to members of the audience attending Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater can cover all of your base cost... even make you a profit ... before you have sold so much as a singe show ticket.
In addition to being a memorable keepsake of the performance, the Souvenir Program contains advertising for various stores and services in your local business community ... advertising for which you have been paid.
At least 6 weeks before the show your Advertising Director and Group Representatives, armed with this information need to make calls on businesses in your community.
Often the best candidates for the Souvenir Program are businesses who sell products or services to the family market, such as video rental, grocery, shopping mall, realtor, car dealer, dry cleaning, furniture store, gas station, etc.
Explain to the business owner or manager that you are sponsoring Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater as a fundraiser project and tell them what the funds raised will be used towards. Tell them that this show will also provide a promotional opportunity for their business, and point out all of the benefits to them when they advertise in the show Souvenir Program.
Benefits to Advertisers
For a very low cost, their ad reaches a large consumer group (number depends upon the size of your auditorium, how many performances, etc.)
If their business sells goods or services primarily to the family market, their ad directly reaches their target group, providing excellent value for their advertising dollar.
It is very good public relations for their business as it demonstrates their willingness to support a worthwhile community project.
Their ad is a tax-deductible as a business expense.
Because the show program will be taken home as a souvenir of the event your ad will continue working for you long after the event, and far longer than a mailed flyer or daily newspaper ad.
The show sponsors will receive a file listing the names, e-mail and address of everyone that attended the show. This is the best asset of any business.
As further incentive, you might also offer businesses a number of tickets to the show depending upon the size of their ad.
Instead of regular ads, suggest to businesses that they run a COUPON ad. That way their ad will produce direct and measurable results for them.
Make a presentation to an entire group of business owners at Rotary Club luncheons, Chamber of Commerce meetings and so on. This is very efficient way to reach this market and interest them in the souvenir program, VIP Pass, Corporate Donations and other forms of participation in your venture.
Make sure that you print enough copies of the program to give one each to everyone that attends the show, plus a few extras that you can leave as “counter copies” with merchants who have purchased advertising space.
If printers in your area are too expensive, you can cut costs by doing the photocopying, collating, folding and stapling yourselves. you might even be able to sell or trade some advertising space to your printer for a better deal.
It is nice idea to save some space in the program for your own group to write a nice Thank You note to the businesses who have supported the venture and public who have attended the show.
Dedication Page
Not all of the businesses you approach will want to, or can afford to place a display ad or even a business card ad in your SOUVENIR PROGRAM.
Make sure that you offer these businesses a low cost alternative, by way of a dedication page.
An inexpensive, one-line listing on a page within the SOUVENIR PROGRAM entitled “Special Thanks” can give these businesses representation and demonstrate their willingness to support their community. This will create a positive, memorable impression for that business.
You might also consider offering this Special Thanks listing as an Extra-Value to ALL of your supporters. In addition to their paid display advertising display ad elsewhere in the program, advertisers receive a FREE LISTING on the Dedication Page.
Options Available to Businesses
Maximum-rate Display ad.
Full page, inside front or back cover.
Low Cost Display ad.
Half Page, 1/3 page, 1/4 page and 1/6 page
Low Cost Business Card ad.
Minimum Rate Dedication Page listing.
Block Ticket purchase.
For store promotions, as employee gifts, etc.
Individual Ticket purchase.
For own family or to sponsor a needy family.
Straight Donation.
Counter Top Flyers/Posters.
Displayed in the store premises.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsorship.
A collection of all services, advertising, ticket advertising, souvenir advertising, and block tickets.
Now that you have some idea of what you can offer to the business, start your selling at the TOP of the list, with the most expensive option, and work your way DOWN.
By approaching a business owner in this fashion you can generally be confident of walking away with some form of assistance which is both manageable for the business and helpful to your cause.
Certainly you should have no trouble convincing any business that is willing to purchase an ad in the Souvenir program to also put up your posters and flyers: as increased show attendance provides them with a better advertising benefit.
Offering packages can be a really easy way to save on time and effort, and still receive the same amount of money.
An example would be offering the following packages to your sponsors.
Platinum
Exclusive “Co-sponsorship” recognition
Full page back cover and/or front page ad
Your Corporate Logo on ALL, posters, flyers, newspaper ads, radio, and all media
A lobby display table or banner at event
Special thanks mention onstage
50 Free show tickets (for their use as employee rewards, re- sale or prize giveaways to customers, etc)
Exclusive “Coupon Stub” on the back of every ticket
Gold
Full front back page interior Program Ad
Your Corporate Logo on all Posters and Flyers
25 Free show tickets (for their use as employee rewards, re-sale or prize giveaways to customers, etc)
Exclusive V.I.P. Ticket Raffle Sponsorship.
Silver
Full page program Ad
10 Free show tickets (for their use as employee rewards, re-sale or prize giveaways to customers, etc)
Bronze
Half page Program Ad
5 Free show tickets (for their use as employee rewards, re-sale or prize giveaways to customers, etc)
Auction
The Idea is to run an Auction following an evening performance of Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater. Items for this auction are donated by your local business community. These can be either goods or sevices, which you then auction-off to the audience after the show.
Get a trained auctioneer to donate time for this event. A professional will ensure you of maximum earnings, plus add an element of fun and excitement to the proceedings.
Participating businesses benefit from the product advertising they receive during the auction, as well as the great public relations boost they gain by helping your group’s cause.
Coat Check
Set up a coat-check in the lobby on show day to help people put their heavy coats in a safe place. Use a “By Donation” box to collect money, rather than charging a fee.
A good attendance on a cold or wet day will produce excellent results from this easy to run piggyback fundraiser.
It is easy to get a hold of double-drawing tickets to give to the attendees so they can retrieve their coats.
Referral
your group may know of similar organizations in other communities who could benefit from hosting a Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater.
We provide sponsors with a $100 rebate for every referral that produces a booking for our show.
You can qualify for this by:
Contacting other organizations on our behalf.
Providing us with contact information so we can approach them.
This networking opportunity could earn you several hundred dollars!
50/50 Draw
Selling tickets on a 50/50 draw can often generate a surprisingly substantial amount of extra profit, especially when run at shows which are filled to capacity
Ticket prices generally run around $1. The tickets are sold just before the show begins and during intermission, with the draw made immediately upon the show’s conclusion.
The proceeds from this ticket sale are split equally with the winning ticket-holder, which is why it is called a “50/50” draw.
You could also have a DoorPrize raffle where the ticket owner receives a prize.
Pledge Contest
Run a celebrity pledge drive and raise extra money while promoting the show at the same time.
People pledge $1 or more to their favorite celebrity at the end of the campaign the celebrity with the most money raised in pledges gets to ... Be Hypnotized!!!
Ticket Stub
The blank back of your show tickets is an example of wasted space which can be turned into a revenue source with some creative thinking and a little leg-work
For a nominal advertising fee, print a coupon on the back of your tickets. One business could purchase the exclusive advertisning rights to your ticket-backs, or you could offer the opportunity to several businesses.
Video sores, restaurant, and countless other retailers of products or services can benefit from this low-cost coupon advertising
Promote this sale alongside your Souvenir Program advertising to businesses.
For people to take advantage of the coupon, they will have to retain their ticket. IF you require ticket collection on show day for record-keeping purposes, print tickets that have tear-off portions.
There is a very simple strategy to get your printing done for FREE!.
Beyond free actually. You’re about to learn how printing your show tickets can be just like printing money.
There are two sides to every ticket.
Side A contains all the information about your event.
Side B contains an advertising message this message has been bought and paid for by a business, corporation, realtor, service provider... literally any company, individual or organization that could benefit by having their message in the hands of those attending your event.
The most effective form of ticket-back advertising is a coupon
This means that, beyond gaining admittance to the show, the ticket can further be redeemed at the advertiser’s place of business. This “direct response” adbertising generates a flood of traffic for the business owner, which makes it an easy sell because the business gets a direct and measurable R.O.I.(return on investment) on that advertising.
Some real world examples of this technique are reproduced on the next page. Study them, then let your ticket-printing MAKE you money instead of costing you!
VIP Pass
Create a limited number of V.I.P. Passes that include special features such as products or services donated by your group members and/or local business community. Items such as chauffeur/limousine ride to the show, Formal wear rental, hair styling, portrait photography session, movie passes, etc. are just a few suggestions.
Several one-of-a-kind show tickets may then be offered for direct sale, auction, pledge support etc. Selling just ten pairs of tickets at $100 each can go long way towards covering your base costs.
Some form of recognition for the generous support of the extra value purchasers should be given, either by way of special thanks given at the show, dedication page in the Souvenir Program, Certificate of Appreciation, etc.
OR...
Rather than selling the VIP tickets to individuals, sell them to business as a sponsorship opportunity
Then, raffle off these sponsored tickets! They’ve already been paid for by the businesses ... now you’ve got extra raffle revenue coming in as well. In essence you’re being paid twice!!
It makes perfectly easy add-on when selling your regular tickets ... “we’re also raffling off 10 V.I.P. Passes. For only $2, you get a chance to upgrade your ticket to V.I.P. status which gives you preferred seating at the show, etc,etc....”
Each ticket carries a “This V.I.P. Ticket Sponsored by” line, along with the business logo. You’ll also want to promote the sponsoring business in other ways, during your V.I.P. Ticket Raffle and other pre show advertising, to maximize the benefit and value to the participating businesses.
Door PrizeHere is a great way to create EXTRA-VALUE to your show tickets which will
in turn improve sales.
Offer a Mental / Hypno-themed door prize and/or door prizes donated by local businesses. By numbering your tickets, or having people write their names on the backs, you can make a draw from the tickets you collect at the show.
Offer people an
opportunity to purchase extra tickets on the
Door prize Draw at
the show. This creates a PIGGY-BACK
FUNDRAISER that will increase
your total
Extra Ten
1. RESTAURANT TRAY LINER
Many restaurants have paper tray liners or place-mats that feature advertising or list a calendar of events. If not, print up your own and give to restaurants in your community.
2. BILLBOARDS
Build your own billboard and locate it along a busy street. You can also rent portable signs to display your message, or have businesses with signs donate space to advertise the show.
3. LOUDSPEAKER DRIVE
Equip a car, truck or van with a loudspeaker hooked up to your tape deck and do a rush-hour drive through town. The Radio Announcement audio cassette provided with your project kit is ideal for this purpose.
4. BANNERS
Paint or letter large canvas, nylon or paper banners and hang them up in your community. The show facility, above the street or on the side of a parked semi-trailer are some location ideas to get you started.
5. WINDOW DISPLAY
Using simple props, posters and photos, optical illusions, HypnoDisc, etc, a creative member of your team can put together a highly effective window display. Find a willing store-owner to participate, or utilize a glass cabinet or trophy-case for this purpose.
6. COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Most newspapers print an EVENTS CALENDAR and radio stations broadcast PSA's (public service announcements) for non-profit organizations and community groups. Make sure your show is listed.
7. BOOKMARKS
Use the camera-ready advertising pages in your project kit materials to print up advertising bookmarks which you place in all the libraries and school libraries in your community. Local booksellers may also be pleased to distribute these for you.
8. HYPNODISCS
There may be a quantity of HYPNODISCS included in your project kit. These can be used as free giveaways, or for a contest where collecting all 4 wheels earns the winner a show ticket.
9. HYPNO - FLAGS
Using old broom handles collected by your team cut and paint a number of "magic wands" (black with white tips). Add a cardboard banner and with your show advertising. Placing a twenty or thirty foot row of these "flags" along a boulevard creates a novel and attention-getting display.
10. RUBBER STAMP
An inexpensive way to add show advertising to all of your correspondence! Get several stamps for other members of your team, and have a "stamping" party to put your advertising on flyers sent out by other businesses. Several camera-ready rubber stamp messages are provided with your project kit.
Your community may have some unique elements that offer a number of other great special advertising possibilities. Have a brainstorming session with your team members to come up with methods to get your advertising seen more often . . . with greater impact.
Family Market
EXPAND YOUR FAMILY MARKET
Promoting the show in schools and through community notices is one surefire way to reach the family market with your advertising. Here is another . . .
A good many families make visits to the offices of your local dentist, pediatrician, optometrist, clinic, etc.
These professionals may be happy to display posters and make flyers available in their waiting rooms. For a convenient way of dispensing flyers through counter-top displays, provide the handy TABLE TENT to these offices.
Don't forget these professionals when making the rounds for SOUVENIR PROGRAM advertising and block ticket sales!
Newspaper Advertising
Here is an excellent way for your group to obtain a full-page newspaper ad for Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater ..at no cost whatsoever! It will also earn you extra money.
This is similar in concept to your Souvenir Program. Here, however the advertising space you will be selling to local businesses is in your community newspaper, rather than a show program.
The other difference is that the advertising comes out prior to the show, and the newspaper circulation provides your advertisers a potentially greater market area.
Use this newspaper advertising promotion in conjunction with your Souvenir Program project. They compliment each other nicely and can provide advertisers with a bigger bang for their buck.
Offer to purchase a Full page ad in your local newspaper, then re-sell business card ad spaces to merchants in your community. Make sure the newspaper’s advertising sales manager and editor are aware of your intent; there shouldn’t be any objection.
Set the price you are charging businesses for their adspace in accordance with what you require to cover costs of the full page, plus enough to earn your group some profit on the deal.
Other Events
12 WAYS TO PROMOTE AT OTHER EVENTS
Your group may be involved with other events in the months leading up to the show. These are excellent opportunities to get the word out, especially because this type of advertising is direct, personal and in most cases . . .FREE.
There are many types of activities which groups like yours become involved in. Here is a partial list . . .
charity auction, dance social
mini carnival , hot dog day
track & field day ,community meeting
casino night, fashion show
field trips , sports tournament
bingo, potluck supper
awards night ,bake sale
telethon, talent contest
The ways you can promote the magic show at these other events-are as varied as the events themselves. For example . . .
1. TICKET TABLE
Very little effort is required to set up and operate a ticket-selling table at almost any of your other events.
2. PA. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Have a short radio script read by the dance DJ, auctioneer, awards banquet M.C. or member of your group wherever the occasion permits.
3. FREE TICKET DOOR PRIZES
Make tickets available as door prize giveaways at events hosted by your group or others.
4. FLYERS
Run off some inexpensive flyers to be distributed to all in attendance.
5. POSTERS
Hang posters in the location of any major community gathering or event.
6. "HIT LIST" SIGN-UP
Take a moment during the event's proceedings to introduce the HIT LIST, an amusing way of selecting a local personality to be Hypnotized.
7. SKIT
Get several members of your group together and perform a short skit, sing a song or perform a magic trick to advertise the upcoming show in a unique and very memorable fashion,
9. SCAVENGER HUNT
Hide some free show tickets and provide clues for people to team up and attempt to locate them. A fun event and a nice interlude during a sports day or other activity.
10. TICKET RAFFLE
Raffling off show tickets at other events can both promote the show AND provide an extra revenue source.
11. CENTERPIECES
Make up some table centerpieces with a magic theme for a banquet or dinner social. Small flower pots done up as Top Hats with some magic wands and a few twisted balloon animals can make inexpensive, effective displays.
12. OPTICAL ILLUSION DISPLAY
Construct an attention-getting display of interesting OPTICAL ILLUSIONS. This can be set up at most any event, along with your ticket sales table.
Get your group together for a brainstorming session to come up with other promotional ideas. Often good creativity can be inspired in an informal setting with a relaxed atmosphere.
One of the keys to success with this project is to keep all of your expenses to a minimum. Advertising can be the single biggest expense, yet there is no need for it to get out of control. We recommend that you spend no more than absolutely necessary on paid advertising, and get everything you can for free, through the help of volunteers, donated advertising, tie-in promotions, etc. Here is where your PROJECT TEAM'S creativity will pay big dividends!
Frequent Flyer Promotion
This angle takes its cue from the "Travel Miles" and "Club Points" programs so popular today.
Arrange with several businesses to award free show tickets to their customers who accumulate a certain amount of points, based on purchases.
You sell a block of tickets to these businesses at a discount. Participating merchants determine the point value which enables them to recover their ticket costs.
This promotion is a winner for everyone! the business wins with a customer-incentive promotion that pays for itself the customer wins by earning "free" show tickets . . . your sponsoring group wins with an advertising campaign that has guaranteed ticket sales
Incorporate a Mesmerizing theme, such as "HypnoMiles”: so that this points program strongly identifies Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater.
Post Show
Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater often generates tremendous reviews in the media and through word-of-mouth.
You can harness this publicity to promote your organization and your next event!
Invite the media to the performance through complimentary MEDIA PASSES.
Make sure you have some written material you can give to the reporter at the show, or arrange an interview before the story is published.
The best time to schedule a newspaper interview with Talisman is either 90-minutes prior to showtime, or 20-minutes following the performance.
Promote the Day
Take advantage of any obvious publicity angles that present themselves, such as seasonal holidays and/or events.
Examples of perfect mesmerizing-related show dates are . . .
FRIDAY THE 13th
APRIL FOOL'S DAY
HALLOWEEN
Other seasonal dates may also be highlighted to create more impact for your hypnosis show . . .
MOTHER'S DAY
''Make MOTHER'S DAY magical for mom! After you've conjured-up breakfast in bed for that special lady, treat mom to a truly unique experience by bringing her to Talisman the Leprechaun king's Com edy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theatre. It will be fun for the whole family!"
Even a regular day of the week can be enhanced as a special day for your hypnosis show . . .
MEZMERIZING MONDAY
TWO-FOR TUESDAY
HYPNOTIC WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY NIGHT THEATRE
FRIDAY FUN DAY
SPELLBINDING SATURDAY
SUNDAY FUN DAY
Perhaps even the DATE of your show can be . . .
"3 is a prime number! Three ways to have family fun ... music, mirth and mystery await you on Friday, March 3rd at Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater . . . !"
Use your imagination to make your show date more interesting, more memorable and more likely to boast a SOLD-OUT show!
Simple 3 Step
School sponsors with a large student population (300 or more) can benefit from this approach:
1. Put POSTERS up in the school 2-3 weeks before the show.
2. Make school P.A. announcements.
3. Send TICKET REQUEST FORMS home with each child.
The parent response to the TICKET REQUEST FORM can be enough to fill one or, in some cases, two shows.
While this campaign may work for some, most of our sponsors will wish to adopt as many of the suggestions outlined on these pages as possible, and put together an extensive promotional campaign to ensure their financial success with this project.
Ticket Giveaway Promotion
Always provide a quantity of tickets for free giveaways.
These tickets will have a tremendous advertising benefit, and can also build attendance to the show.
Tickets can be given away on the radio, through the newspaper and at other events.
Radio DJ's giving away tickets on-air promote your show to hundreds, even thousands of listeners. The same kind of results are obtained through free tickets given away in a newspaper contest.
If a shopping mall is holding a big function, such as a fashion show or sale promotion, tickets given away can provide advertising to hundreds of people in attendance.
Make some of your free-giveaway tickets the ('Half-Price" or (2-for-1 variety.) For every one of these tickets used by the winner, one real sale is created.
Box Office Sales
In addition to your other ticket-selling strategies, it is always a good idea to have tickets available right at the facility box-office where Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater will be presented. This approach requires minimal involvement from your group, which is a benefit when you have a limited number of ticket sellers available. Running ticket sales exclusively from the box-office does, however, require an advertising campaign that not only informs the community about the show, but motivates people to buy tickets. That can generally be more difficult, and often more expensive, to achieve.
In the case of a school sponsor, the general office is right at the school and the show usually takes place in the gymnasium/auditorium.
Note: Box-office ticket sales are usually best-suited to well known attractions that have enough drawing power to overcome the inconvenience ticket buyers face when having to make a trip to pur chase tickets.
Corporate Sales
Your business community is an excellent market, frequently resulting in
block ticket sales. This makes for very efficient ticket selling. Many businesses will be pleased to assist your group with its fundraising efforts, especially if there is a benefit to them. Business owners may wish to purchase your show tickets for a variety of reasons.
1. Gifts for employees (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
2. Gifts for business associates
3. Incentives for employee-recognition programs
4. Personal use
5. Tax-deductible charitable expense
6. Public relations benefit (sponsored tickets go to needy families)
7. Promotional use (customer appreciation, special promotions)
Note: It is usually best to contact businesses in person and ask to speak to the manager or president of the company. Besides the tickets, make sure you bring a folder containing the press clippings, poster and all pertinent information about the show, your organization and what the money raised will be used for.
Note:Unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous, you should include all businesses who sponsor tickets on the dedication page of your Souvenir Program.
…PROMOTIONAL GIVEAWAYS
"Come on down to Bestway Electronics for our mesmerizing sales event! AMAZING deals on stereos, VCRs, CD players and more. Plus with every home electronics purchase you'll also receive a free Family Pass to the Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater....!"
...SOCIAL CLUBS
Many businesses have employee social clubs which hold picnics, Christmas parties and other family events throughout the year. This is an excellent market for block ticket sales.
...EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES
Good employee relations is important to all businesses, and many business owners make an effort to build a team atmosphere and create a working environment with a sense of family. Often businesses such as these have employee-incentive programs that recognize and reward staff for a job well done. Again, this is an excellent market for block ticket sales.
...CORPORATE GIFT GIVING
Corporate gift giving is not limited to the Christmas season. For the business owner who often takes clients to lunch, closes deals on the golf course or networks at the hockey game, family passes to the client with children may make the perfect gift!
...SPONSORED TICKETS
Every community seems to have its share of needy and low-income families. You can easily find out who needs assistance in your area by contacting Family & Community Support Services, Food Bank, Welfare Office, churches, service clubs, etc.
Make your appeal to business owners who would like to support this event in their community by way of donation. These businesses can be encouraged to sponsor tickets which can then be distributed to needy families.
Determine Ticket Sales Quotas
How many Ticket Sellers are available?
Your group may have a large membership and can expect everybody to be a part of your ticket sales team. Or, you may have to enlist the help of another group or organization to help you with the selling of tickets. Either way, it is simple math to divide the number of tickets you must sell by the number of ticket sellers you have available to determine how many tickets each must sell.
Set a Goal!
In fact, set two or more targets for your ticket-sellers to aim at. The first will be your break even target . . . the number of tickets you must sell to cover all of your costs. It is a good idea to have a time deadline set for reaching this initial goal.
The second goal to strive for is the profit figure you wish to actually earn from this fundraiser. Your completion date is right up until show day . . . however, through focused efforts and an effective game plan your group may do what many of our sponsors have done . . .SELL OUT well before the day of the performance!
Arming Your Ticket Sales Force
In order for your ticket sellers to make the most of the ticket sales strategies covered in this manual, it is important that they be well prepared.
Product Knowledge
Make sure that your ticket sellers know as much as possible about Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater. The fact sheet we’ve included in the Ticket Sellers Sales Guide section will give them background information, and they should read ALL of the publicity materials that have been provided with this kit including newspaper articles, feature stories, press releases and so on.
They should of course know all the show details such as date and time, ticket pricing, show location, etc.
Positive Attitude
By the time your ticket sellers have become familiar with all the background information about Talisman's Comedy Hypnosis Show and/or Dinner Theater, they should be excited about the quality of the show and very much looking forward to seeing it.
This infectious enthusiasm will spill over when they approach others to buy tickets. Anyone can be a good salesperson for a product they believe in!
MOTIVATION