Just saved a client about $50 in shipping charges on their Contest Box order.  They chose UPS 3-Day Select as their shipping method.  But, we’re in Michigan and they are within our 1-Day UPS Ground Zone.  We’ll ship their order today, Monday, and they’ll have it in Wisconsin on Tuesday!  It’s fun to save people money, especially when they don’t expect it!

Unique Mom and Kid Studio…

Challenge: I am opening a new arts enrichment, dance, and fitness studio in July that caters to Moms and Children 3 months to 10 years. What would be the best way to run a contest? We want to promote before July to get new students. Also, our location in July will only be open when we are teaching class.

First off, congratulations on your new business! I visited your website and I think you’ve got a winner on your hands. The only thing that could be better than a visit to your studio, would be to do it with a bunch of friends.

For your contest, why not offer a “Summer Party” at your studio for say…6 – 12 moms and their munchkins! I would also consider a First Runner-Up Prize of perhaps 12 gift certificates for a complimentary visit for one of your many programs.

Your business is so unique, I’m sure you’ll get plenty word of mouth advertising, plus this will help keep your expenses down. You already have a number of good images and text on your website that can be used on your Contest Boxes to make them stand out and get your message across.

You definitely want to get as many Contest Boxes as you can out in your immediate trading area. I would approach local independent business owners about placing your box in their business. If the business is owned by, or caters to moms, all the better. You may already know some business owners in your area that would love to help and tie-in with your new business.

And don’t forget to keep all your entry forms. You can use them for future contacts and promotions.

Another Rush Order!

4:46PM…Friday…before the Labor Day Weekend…Yes! We got the order, and we got ‘r shipped! It’s now 5:00PM I hear that UPS diesel sound! Gotta go!

Another Quick Delivery

The call came in today, Wednesday afternoon at 5:16 Eastern time. (Yes, we work after 5PM!!!)
“Gotta have 10 contest boxes in Colorado this Friday!”
Wow! UPS will be here any minute!!! I started to pack up the boxes, and Ingrid filled out the UPS form online. As I sealed the carton with a strip of packing tape, I could hear the diesel of the UPS truck. …come on… When Brian our UPS guy showed up, Kelly was able to chit chat with him just long enogh for the printer to print out the UPS 2nd Day Air label! Whew! Pulled off another miracle! And another happy client in Colorado!

Need Ideas For A Health Fair

Can you help me?  I’m trying to get people to refer me to people they may know who have health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, need energy, sexual dysfunction etc. Have any ideas. Would like to order some boxes for health fair event coming up soon.

ContestBoxes.com replies: I would suggest you use your boxes as registration points to gather the names, addresses, and most importantly, the e-mail addresses of those people that visit your booth. It’s very non-threatening to ask people, “Here, why don’t you sign up for our newsletter. We email it out each month. There’s some great tips in each issue, and we’re even giving away some pretty nice prizes!”

If you look at our blank entry forms, you’ll see they have a line for name, address, phone, and e-mail addresses. By filling out the form, and giving you their e-mail address, visitors are giving you permission to contact them in the future. There’s also a line for “Notes” if people are interested in a particular area of your expertise.

These addresses are great if you have a monthly newsletter you email out to your patients and prospects. If you can build your email list, you’ll naturally build your practice. Not overnight mind you, but it will grow.

As far as prizes go, I would stick to health related products and services. Here are a few prizes that might work for you:

[ ] Free week membership at a local gym
[ ] Heart-friendly dinner for two at an upscale restaurant
[ ] Hour consultation with a nutritionist
[ ] Free massage
[ ] Free screening at your office
[ ] $25 gift card for a local grocer with great produce
[ ] A year’s membership to FitnessJournal.com
[ ] T-Shirts with your message to the first 100 that sign up.

You’ll notice I mentioned t-shirts for the first 100 that sign up. Personally, I think everybody likes to win something, even if it is a t-shirt. Not bad advertising either to have 100 folks walking around town with your message on the back. After all, with HIPPA, you can’t really advertise your clients can you!

I’m sure you’ll be handing out business cards, and brochures. I would encourage you to consider offering a promotional item as well. Some that I think would work well for you include:
[ ] Refrigerator magnet…maybe the message would be “What are you doing here?” or “You better be getting the good stuff!”
[ ] Write-On, Wipe-Off Memo Board. These also have magnets for the fridge. Great for leaving notes for the kids, or busy moms and dads.
[ ] Key Fob. One thing about car keys…You never leave home without them!
[ ] Magnetic letter opener. Just pop your business card in to this gem. They’ll see it every day when they open their mail.

Well, I hope that helps get you going in the right direction. If you have any comments, or questions, please feel free to email or call our office at 616-247-3797