Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Have you done any social networking with your target audience? I'm assuming it's youth. You need to be where they are. If they are in blogs that are relevant to your business, you should be involved in the conversation as well. Try giving them free advice, tips, etc. If you help them out and prove yourself to be beneficial to them, the kids will be more willing to choose you over your competition.

Also, have you thought about holding 1-day free clinics, or working out something with the schools where you can come in and talk to gym classes about sports safety or something else educational you can speak about as an expert?

You could also start some sort of referral program. Offer special discounts or benefits to any of your current participants who make a recommendation and sign up a friend.

Hope this helps!

Rebecca

Agree that you have to go where your audience is. Visit schools -- with so many discontinuing phys ed classes, you might have to schedule time to talk to classrooms; ask teachers or administrators if parents may be invited for the hour.

During your presentation, take kids through some simple activities that they might experience at camp. Nothing gets them more excited than actually doing things.

When pitching to blogs and publications, target parent-focused outlets.

Great ideas from these folks. Yes, schools have tightened up tremendously due to the many safety issues in today's world. How holding a 'recycle sports equipment' event in conjunction with local youth/social services/park & rec where families can donate used (but still serviceable) sports equipment, which can, in turn be donated to a local/national organization. Get employees to donate time, wear 'company' shirts, etc. Offer quality shirts/shorts with logo at reasonable price (cost) for sale and donate those proceeds, too.

Invite media/press/local radio station to covera nd/or broadcast from the event. Could be a homerun for you...

jag
MarketBase

Since you have a sports camp, focus on the coaches in your target area and testimonials/follow-ups from past attendees. Who has attended your camps and turned (semi-)pro? Can you get them to appear at your camp for a autograph signing? Can you get your sports camp team to play against their team?

The main problem you have with the schools is that you're helping you, not the school. They have no reason to talk with you right now.

One thing that works for businesses in our area, including an outdoor adventure camp, is to pitch it to schools as a fundraiser. You simply donate a portion of the proceeds to the school - 10% is common. A lot of local businesses do this here, from camps to restaurants, amusement parks, etc.

This gets around your for-profit problem as schools are doing everything they can to raise money. It also gets you in the door, as you're helping the school instead of helping just yourself.