A Great Way to Help Your Store and Community

I ran in a local 5 mile race this weekend that included around 1,500 participants, plus all of the spectators and volunteers. Numerous local businesses sponsored the race in some way, shape or form and I thought what a great opportunity it would be for our customers - parcel shipping center and moving & storage facility owners - to get involved.

Nearly all communities have a local road race every year that requires support from a wide range of businesses and individuals.

Make it a point to contact the race director to find out how you can help, and in the process promote your business. Here are some ideas:

1. Find out what the cost is to be a sponsor. There usually are varying levels of commitment, but you might be able to get your company logo/info on the:

1) back of the race shirt

2) race entry form

3) race's website

2. Race directors are always looking for items to put in the goody bag/race packet given to the participants. Have your company info printed on a water bottle, fridge magnet, pen or other promotional item and the race director likely will include it in the goody bag at no cost to you!

3. Get some people together and work one of the water stops. Runners will appreciate and remember your assistance and sense of community.

I'm sure you can come up with even more ideas on how to use the race to your advantage while helping out at the local event. Using the race yesterday as an example, if only 5 percent of the 1,500 runners and walkers used your products and services due to your involvement in the race it would equal 75 customers. That's a nice total for a small investment, plus you'll be establishing yourself as a "store of the community".

Don Provident, Marketing Supervisor - Supply Side USA