February Fun

LOVE CONNECTION.
For Valentine’s Day, work a deal with the local phone company to setup telephones at a high-traffic location, and allow listeners to place three-minute calls for free.

VALENTINE GREETINGS.
Set up an answering machine and let listeners call in dedications for playback on Valentine’s Day. The outgoing message on the machine can include a plug for aparticipating sponsor, who also gets mentions on the promos. Turn this into a contest byawarding some of the callers prizes appropriate to the day.

SPRING CLEANING.
Callers register for a chance to win a free deep cleaning for their homeor business, provided by a local sponsoring janitorial or housekeeping service.

WINTER LIQUIDATION.
Stores are clearing out snow blowers, shovels, winter clothes, winter implements. Help them!

EXPO SHOWS.
Now is the time to plan one or more revenue-generating shows - Bridal Fair, Fitness Fair, Home Show, Outdoor Expo, Farm Fair, etc. Sell booths and line up entertainment (jugglers, magicians, mimes, etc. - to add to the atmosphere).

ALWAYS BUY [YOUR AREA] MONTH.
Coordinate with companies that are owned and operated in your region to present a salute to local products and services. Run a trivia contestabout the region, with the prizes supplied by these local businesses.

HALF PRICE CARNIVAL.
Set up a special trade show to which each participating merchant brings only items to sell at 50% off list price. This is good for clothing and other soft-goodsretailers in January—one of their slowest months.

I didn't make these up. They come from Jay Mitchell's terrific Small Market Radio Newsletter (click to grab a free sample issue).