Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Each of your needs requires a different strategy, but some of them will no doubt overlap.

For example, to get more visitors, identify who is your competition (zoos? animal rehab? Animal Planet? Pet stores?) and identify what's unique/special/rewarding about going. Educational? Fun? Healing?

Members/donors require another level of involvement. What benefit will these people receive from this relationship? Will they get behind-the-scenes tours? Private parties?

Sponsors will need both visibility and core value alignment. They'll want to know how their name will be displayed, to what demographic, etc.

Because the park doesn't have a direct benefit (except for people that want to stay at/visit the park), you need to appeal to people who care about the animals. I volunteer with a wild animal rehab organization so I know it's often a struggle to get sufficient funding. (donations-in-kind are easier).

I would also consider establishing a MySpace and Facebook pofile and work them or hire someone to work them for you. With your subject you should be able to attract a graet "friends" list. This is a long term solution and only part of your marketing mix.

Anyway, we have had excellent results doing thsi for clients.

It's best to work with local companies. Visit their websites and find out what kind of charitable organizations they support. You can then tie your presentation to that.

Also learn about the executives as they often have their own pet projects.

Go to this website:
https://www.conworld.net/dmc/default.asp

Find out the DMCs in your area and get on their list of recommended places to visit. You'll be surprised how eager they are to work with you for something unique.

Also, anything you can leave with the hotels in the area will help. I'm stuck in DFW (sorry all you Cowboy fans) this week and if I had time to visit someplace like yours, I would.

Michael

I think a huge draw for animal parks in general are kids. Kids LOVE going to see animals and their parents are more likely to donate to a conservation effort that their kids love to go see. If you offer membership packages, if you have regular events like this, it encourages parents that know their kids will want to come back, to buy membership too.

So maybe play up the kid angle a bit. Have a special event at the park just for kids (i.e. make a little passport book and send the kids off to find all the different animals around the park or have an up-close and personal exhibition where you do a big promotion for kids to be able to pet certain animals etc). That way its educations and fun for the kids, parents love that. You can market it at playgrounds, schools, day care centers supermarkets, anywhere you might find moms/dads and kids.