January

Start the year off right with ideas for January, first quarter, the “Big Game,” and more!

 

 

January is…

Book Blitz Month • Celebration of Life Month • Get Organized Month • International Brain Teaser Month • International Creativity Month • International Wayfinding Month • National Bath Safety Month • National Be On-Purpose Month • National Blood Donor Month • National Clean Up Your Computer Month • National Glaucoma Awareness Month • National Hot Tea Month •National Hobby Month • National Mentoring Month • National Oatmeal Month • National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month • National Poverty In America Awareness Month • National Radon Action Month • National Skating Month • National Slavery And Human Trafficking Prevention Month • National Soup Month • National Stalking Awareness Month • Shape Up US Month • Teen Driving Awareness Month • Worldwide Rising Star Month

 

 

 JANUARY AND FIRST QUARTER IDEAS…

 

 

CAR DEALER COUNTDOWN

It’s one more post-New Year’s Day countdown – this one for the first five days of the year. Dealer offers descending discounts = $5,000 on the first day, $4,000 the second day, and eventually $1,000 on last day of 5-day promotion. Obviously promotion can work on the last 5 days of the year as well. (First Quarter 2017)

 

SALES DEPARTMENT SLOGAN OF THE YEAR

Steal this from Joe Maddon, the manager of the Chicago Cubs who, each year, has his team embrace a slogan. In 2015 it was “Respect 90.” In 2016 it was “Embrace the Target.” Craft an inspiring slogan (“Make One More Call Today”) that can serve as a motivational tool as well as recurring theme for your sales meetings. (First Quarter 2017)

 

GET GIRLIER EARLIER

Sell this concept to a business catering to women: clothing store, beauty store, gym, salon, etc. The pitch: lots of big events coming up in the year, why wait till then to start looking your best/buy what you need. Buy this month and save/look your best starting tomorrow, etc. (First Quarter 2017)

 

GIVE A QUARTER, GET A QUARTER OFF

A 25-cent donation to St. Jude (or your favorite charity) earns you a 25% off discount coupon – good for 30 days. Sell to multiple merchants. Use on air promos and an online directory of participating clients to promote. The off-air portion could also contain notes about the charities and sponsor links. Bonus points for posting a quick video of sponsor saying why they support the charity. (First Quarter 2017)

 

GIFT CARD BONUS DAYS

Target retailers (no pun intended) that offer gift card exchange programs to promote their service. Similarly contact services like cardpool.com and cardcash.com with a combination of on-air and digital exposure. Many consumers are unaware that these services exist. Additionally, local merchants accepting bank gift cards for example could offer an incentive for early redemption – from plus-up to a ‘gift’ – perhaps somethings that are left over from the holidays. (First Quarter 2017)

 

THE YEAR’S JUST BEGUN AND ALREADY IT’S ALL GOING DOWNHILL

Give away ski passes, weekend vacation to ski resort or mountain-biking location. (First Quarter 2016)

 

SIXTEEN FOR SIXTEEN (Update with year i.e. 17 for 17, etc.)

Online contest where a different prize (at least $150 value) is given away each week for 16 weeks via random drawing. Sell to multiple clients who provide the prizes. (First Quarter 2016)

 

JANU/FEBU-WEARY

Sell entertainment-restaurant-related businesses on a concept that they provide the needed relief from cabin-fever or the winter blues. In addition to copy that pitches their offerings, offer first quarter discounts, specials, etc. (First Quarter 2016)

 

WINTER PICK ME UP PICK-UP

Sell a restaurant with carry-out a package where they offer a different carry-out special every Monday or Tuesday night (or other slow night). Call it the “WXXX Winter Pick Me Up Pick Up” – just be sure it’s a quality business as you’ll be attaching your station’s name to it. (First Quarter 2016)

 

SNOW-BALL

First quarter concert; look for affordable that can fill whatever venue you’re working with. Sell sponsorships. Give away tickets on air (van stops may be hard in some areas due to weather). (First Quarter 2015)

 

CAB-ING FEVER

Don’t worry about cold weather driving – cab it to work or where you need to go. Sell this to a cab or limo company where one listener wins up to two rides per week during through the end of March  – or whenever the bad weather starts to taper off. You can set limits on fare, distance, etc. (First Quarter 2015)

 

TRY A NEW RESTAURANT IN JANUARY (BOBO)

Sell multiple restaurants a schedule that includes a month’s worth of 15-second spots promoting their restaurant as a new restaurant listeners should try in January and agrees to the BOGO incentive. (First Quarter 2015)

 

STRIKE IT RICH

Sell to your state lottery or ‘quick cash’ or pawn shop; give away lottery tickets each morning for the length of the sponsorship. These can be the latest scratch-off game or where multiple listeners each give one number and station buys ticket; any winnings are shared with that morning’s players.  (First Quarter 2015)

 

KEYS TO THE KEYS

Try a car dealer or multiple sponsors where the grand prize is a trip for two to the Florida Keys. You can play this out with real keys and a contest-ending remote or text key words to the station to be entered in a random drawing. (First Quarter 2015)

 

I LOVE WINTER. NO, REALLY!

Sell multiple winter-appropriate sponsors on a first quarter promotions where listeners win passes for ice skating, skiing, a trip to a winter lodge, etc. (First Quarter 2014)

 

FRENCH QUARTER IN THE FIRST QUARTER

Create an off air, sales-only promotion where advertisers who spend a certain amount of money in the first quarter receive a trip to New Orleans with their sales rep. There can be a built-in sales incentive as well. (First Quarter 2014)

 

WHITE OUT

Hooky name for a first quarter clearance sale; anything with a white tag is priced to go out the door. (First Quarter 2014)

 

S’NO THANKS

Arrange a weekend giveaway at a skiing lodge with lift tickets and accommodations. Those who like the snow will say thanks for the tickets; those who don’t will say thanks for the hot tub/spa experience. (First Quarter 2014)

 

CABIN FERVOR

The alternative to cabin fever is cabin fervor where listeners can win prizes to help them enjoy the great indoors – from electronics to furniture to kitchen appliances.  Pick one theme and sell to multiple sponsors. Make it an annual event with a different theme each year for maximum client opportunities. (First Quarter 2014)

 

HOMETOWN BUCKET LISTFind 13 cool things to do in town and give away passes or arrange for a special or exclusive way for listeners to enjoy them. Sell a blanket sponsorship that covers the cost or sell packages to the places where listeners will be going, or a combination.

NO HOLIDAY HANGOVER

Offer listeners help as their holiday credit card bills come in by making payments: $25-100 for example (actually checks written to winners). Sell sponsorships to a quick loan/ quick check cashing business, bank, pawn shop, etc.

 

JANU-WEAR-Y

Sell a clothing store a month-long promotion where different apparel is featured each week. Incorporate the website for visuals.

 

GET IN GEAR IN THE NEW YEAR #1

Sell a bicycle/motorcycle dealer on promoting bikes in what is likely their slow season; can include everything from buying a new bike to service.

 

GET IN GEAR IN THE NEW YEAR #2

Clever name for a sale or sales effort for sports gear/equipment retailer. Can include giveaways.

 

BE A MEDIA KING OR QUEEN IN 2014

Involve multiple sponsors in a media upgrade grand prize: premium cable subscription, new cell phone, new tablet, etc. Give away to one winner at the end of the month.

 

FIRST DATE

Sell to upscale restaurant that provides special dinner for two on first Saturday night of the year of the year. Use a famous line from a romantic comedy or schmaltzy movie as the sounder.

 

‘PHYSICAL’ CLIFFTo celebrate not going over the fiscal cliff (or to soften the blow if we did), give away “physical cliff” items like passes for rock wall climbing, hiking equipment so you can scale your own cliff, etc. Sell to a sponsor specializing in athletic equipment or outdoors products.

 

FIRST BILLS OF THE YEAR

Listeners call on hearing the “happy new year” sounder. 13^th caller (for 2013) wins $50 bills. Sell to ‘quick cash’ business.

 

FIRST TEXT OF THE YEAR

Invite listeners to be the first to text the station “Happy New Year” on the first for a year’s worth of a co-sponsors prize.

LUCKY 13 2013 is your lucky year because the 13^th day of each month has 13 winners (or sale as you see appropriate). Lots of sales opportunities with a casino being an obvious target (13 winners get food vouchers, show ticket, etc.).   FREE MUSIC FOR A YEARWin a year of downloads (music). Perhaps every Monday (Free Music Monday) give away download cards.

RESOLUTION HELPER

Sell various sponsors on giving away things related to New Year’s Resolutions: trial memberships at a gym or weight loss center for those resolving to loose weight, ‘green grocer’ coupons for better eating, etc.

 

THRIFTY THURSDAYS

If you’re not already running a local coupon initiative, the first week of January would be a good time to begin one.  Offer a new incentive each Thursday.

 

NEW YEAR’S PASSPORT

Sell to multiple merchants. Listeners download a ‘passport’ from your website and visit participating clients’ stores to have their passports stamped (no purchase necessary). Each passport is good for 10% off (you could vary by sponsor) during January. At the end of the month, listeners can drop their fully stamped passports off at a remote (large public area like a mall). One listeners’ passport is randomly drawn to win $1000.

 

NEW REAR IN THE NEW YEAR

Different name for you traditional “lose weight/join a gym” promotion. Could also use to sell a transmission shop on a free check-up promotion.

 

JANU-WEAR-IT

Sell a clothing store a promotion where a different item is discounted each week in January.  Listeners can see the items on station and merchant website and register to win a free winter wardrobe.

 

PARTY 9-1-1

Use as a spot campaign slogan/idea for a party store that has hard to find items/is open late for last-minute New Year’s Eve and Superbowl parties.  Add a ‘register on line to win $500 credit” for future party needs.

 

THE DRESS WHISPERER

Use as a spot campaign slogan/idea for a dry cleaner that specializes in stain removal from expensive garments and boxing formal wear or special clothes so they are protected and ready to wear months from now at the next big event.

 

NEW EAR’S DAY

Sell a jewelry store on using this day to promote an earring giveaway and sale this month.

 

NEW EAR’S DAY (alternate)

Sell to a plastic surgeon who’ll give you some new ears, nose, boobs, etc.

 

BE YOUR OWN BOSS THIS YEAR

Sell an ‘Almost everything you need to start your own small business’ promotion to multiple sponsors: real estate agency that supply 6-months rent-free location, computer store that supplies hardware, vo-tech that teaches basic accounting, a seminar with a ‘launch a business’ consultant, free advertising on the station, etc. Alternately, work with a corporation that offers appropriate franchise opportunities.

 

SMILE AGAIN IN 2010

Sell a cosmetic dentist on giving away a dental make-over.

 

WIN A DEN IN 2010

Sell multiple merchants a promotion that includes new den furnishings.

 

LOOKIN’ FINE IN 2009

Sell a male and female makeover package to one or more clients. Listeners submit pictures of themselves on our website. We choose 5 finalists of each gender and listeners vote for who gets the makeover packages. Get individual makeover items or coupons for everyone who enters.

 

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

Organize your town’s “polar bear plunge.” As you broadcast from the event, be standing by with warm blankets, hot chocolate…and medical personnel. Make you sure invite the local TV stations.

 

NEW YEAR – NEW YOU (weeklong sales and programming event)
Good multi-week sales promotion. Accept “New Year’s Resolutions” via e-mail and fax for first two weeks of the year. Then contact clients to help fulfill the resolutions: weight loss places, stop smoking companies, etc. Clients with unusual businesses are invited to participate and station promos can help “encourage” listeners to consider those opportunities.

 

SECOND CHANCE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Sell this to a restaurant or club for a few weeks after New Year’s – a party for everyone who didn’t/couldn’t celebrate New Year’s Eve on the 31^st – or who had such a good time they want to do it again! Supply noisemakers, hats, etc.

LIVE FREE FOR A YEARStation pays one winner’s mortgage or rent for a year (feel free to specify a maximum). Sell this to a bank, mortgage broker, quick loan business, etc..

 

PERSON OF THE DAY (WEEK)

Salute a different person each day or week who is doing something special for the community. Print them a nice certificate and give them a special if small award from the co-sponsor (example – coffee shop sponsors and awards a $20 gift card). You can sell to multiple sponsors.

 

CABIN FEVER APPETIZER CRAWL

Sell to 10 restaurants that agree to supply free appetizers (deserts, etc.) in a central location like a mall with listeners bringing canned donations to replenish local food bank drain after holidays. Could also work as an “each weekend in January” event with listeners brining food to restaurant.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BABY!

Sell this to multiple sponsors (kids’ clothes, doctor’s group, bank, etc.). Listeners who have a baby born in January can register for grand prize put together from these sponsors. All listeners can register for discount coupons to these suppliers via your website.

 

GET FIRED UP

Sell to fireplace dealer. Listeners register for fireplace make-over or a new fireplace (including virtual fireplace) by sharing what they’re fired up about in 2010.

 

BEST YEAR EVER

Multi-sponsor event focusing on life’s “upgrades” like a new wardrobe, dining certificates, car lease, airline tickets (or miles), etc. Listeners register online (and at clients if you wish). Winner drawn on last day of January.

 

MONTHLY MAKE-OVERS

Sell 12 different clients on “WXXX’s Year of the Make Over” promotion. Each client gets one month for their own make-over promotion. Examples: personal (dental, body), home (bathroom, yard), car (different lease car each month), etc.

 

20 IN 11

Name for first quarter sales package (you supply the hook): the first 20 clients purchasing this package get to go on station-sponsored client trip to upscale destination.  Alternatively, offer the first 20 clients a day’s service of a social media expert who reviews and adds a station-client component to the client’s social media efforts.

 

7 IN 11

Arrange a promotion with 7-11 where listeners download a coupon each month from the station site to get a free coffee (free upsize, or special of the month, etc.); the coupon is good on the 7^th day of the month only.

 

REMOTE RETREATS

“Retreat” as in “pleasant getaway.” Brick-and-mortar trend for 2011: adding services, advice, environment to lure otherwise online shoppers. Add ‘spa-like’ elements to your remotes: gourmet coffee and teas, health drinks, an ‘airport-like’ masseuse (everyone gets two minutes), shoe shine person, spa recipes, etc. Store should have specialists there to demonstrate, discuss other product uses, displays, offer “retail exclusives,” etc.

 

FIRST BILL OF THE YEAR

Listeners register to have the station pay their first bill of the year. Sell this to a bank, quick loan business, etc.

 

WEEKENDS IN JANUARY ARE GREAT, RIGHT?

Create a theme weekend special for each week in January.  Register listeners each weekend for end of the month drawing for winter destination prize.

 

CULINARY WORLD TOUR

Sell to 12 ethnic restaurants and a travel agent, AAA, etc. Listeners download ‘passports’ from station website that can be stamped at each restaurant. Winner receives 2 tickets (up to $750 or other amount each) to one of these countries and Rosetta Stone-type language course (also a sponsor).  Back out some sponsor money to cover the cost of the tickets. Offer free stamps just for visiting to satisfy ‘no purchase necessary’ rules.

 

JANUARY ‘GREEN’ SALE

Instead of the traditional ‘white’ sale, sell a “green” sale concept to businesses selling environmentally-friendly products.

 

IT’S ONLY JANUARY AND THE YEAR IS ALREADY GOING DOWNHILL

Team with a ski area to offer station discounts on lift tickets. Expand the promotion to include any appropriate vendors. Add online component with links to ski reports, ‘lucky skier of the day” (post randomly chosen, listener-submitted photo; individual wins free lift tickets and store discount).

 

WIN A YEAR’S WORTH OF…

Sell to one or multiple sponsors being sure that what you’re offering free is of real value (groceries, gas, cell phone service, etc.).

 

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT

Plan a year’s worth of once-a-month outings hosted by one of your female talents. Sell night out opportunities to varied sponsors like a bowling alley, billiard parlor, exotic dance studio, gourmet restaurant with cooking class, etc.

 

LEARN TO SKI FREE

Sell to a ski resort or retailer where listeners can sign (show up) to receive discounts for lift tickets and rentals, and a free one-hour group lesson.

 

WILL THIS BE THE YEAR THAT YOU…

Move/buy a home? Buy a new/second car? Need new job skills? Sell individual or multiple merchants within the same category a schedule including web presence. Capitalize on people making plans at the beginning of a year and on economic conditions that present changes/opportunities/necessities.

 

THE “NOBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD BUY A CAR THIS MONTH” SALE

Use this phrase as an attention getter to highlight dealer’s initiatives. People who visit the dealership are qualified to win $1000 so you’d have to be crazy not to stop by and sign up. Spots could include stories of people who’ve done crazy things (riding a rollercoaster non-stop to break a record, etc.).

 

TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOURSELF THIS YEAR

Sell series of ‘how to take care of yourself’ spots to a medical group, walk-in clinic, etc. and post weekly tips online on their own page.

 

THE “I’M GETTING MARRIED AND I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS” WEB PAGE

Pitch wedding-related businesses on an annual contract that has them participating in your on-air and on-line efforts that are appropriate for those getting married as well as the parents of prospective brides and grooms. Spots have a common theme of “2009 – YOUR year” (or similar) and include mentions of participating sponsors and direction to your on-line directory which includes links and photos. Optional remotes, bridal fair could be part of package.

 

FOOD COURT FESTIVAL

To lure shoppers to a mall in a traditionally non-busy time, mall supplies station with food court vouchers good at any mall restaurant this month. Tie in with a remote, food tasting, and a local celebrity chef. Other potential tie-ins include cookware merchants, bookstores featuring cookbooks, etc.

 

MALL BUCKS

Another idea to drive mall traffic in a slow period: mall supplies station with $25 gift cards good at any mall merchant. Can be tied-in to weekend remote or be a stand-alone.

 

THE WXXX FAMILY PIZZA SPECIAL

Pick one night a week (Monday-Wednesday) where pizza sales are slow and offer a special price for a family-size pickup. Run as a live, 5-second spot hourly 6am-8pm. Only sell to one sponsor and ask for at least a 6-month contract.

 

DINING DEALS

Create a series of spots as you might for nightclubs but featuring multiple restaurants in a single spot, each with a single dining deal. Also provide links to the latest deals online.

 

RESTAURANTS TO THE RESCUE

Sell multiple restaurants on the idea of donating 3% of their checks to area food banks. Package includes spots and online that encourage eating at participating restaurants as a way to help fight hunger by replenishing depleted food bank supplies. Print table tent-toppers or menu inserts with the details including our station name. Print “give to a friend’ business cards that can be delivered with the check that describes the promotion and encourages patron to pass this card on to a friend who might not know about it (our name is prominently displayed). As a bonus, station donates 3% of their advertising schedule to food banks, gives them 3% additional spots, etc.

 

CLEAN START TO THE NEW YEAR

Sell this to a cleaning service and a merchant that sells cleaning supplies (from a grocery store to a discounter). Grand prize is a whole house cleaning (interior) from a cleaning service; qualifying prize is a bucket with cleaning supplies like glass cleaner, sponges, carpet cleaner, pair of latex gloves, etc.

 

FAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Sell cable or satellite company a promotion where one fan wins a free subscription to each of the sports packages all year (NHL, NBA, MLB, etc.).

 

ULTIMATE COUCH POTATO PACKAGE

Sell several merchants on creating the ultimate experience for Couch Potatoes who will be logging more time in front of the TV than at any other time of the year. Possible participants Include furniture, electronics, cable, DVD-sellers, snack food vendors, etc..

 

CREDIT CARD HI-LOW

Listeners guess the last 6 digits of a credit card to win fixed amount to use on their credit cards. Alternately guess the amount to the penny of our ‘credit card payment’ to your account. Potential sponsors: banks, gaming locations, mall; potential bonus: sponsors match that amount for use at their business.

 

TAX JUMP

Lots of people expecting a refund will want to file early, so sell tax preparers a schedule starting early this month get the jump on competitors.

 

STOCK MARKET STOCK UP

Sell a grocer, food service, appliance dealer, securities broker a promotion that involves stocking a freezer with food from popular market.

 

PET PHOTOS/VIDEOS CONTEST

Listeners send/upload photos/videos of their pets to compete in categories like “most mischievous cat,” “dog with the biggest eyes,” etc.  Listeners and judges vote for the best.  Potential sponsors: pet related retailer/groomer/vet, photographer/electronics store, framing shop.

 

POST-HOLIDAY RELAXATION PACKAGE

Partner with a local spa/salon to give away a his-and-hers relaxing spa package. One grand prize winner gets that package, and the spa also offers discounts to everyone else who enters.

 

BIGGEST SNOWMAN CONTEST

Listeners compete to see who can make the biggest snowman. Bonus points if they paint your logo on their snowmen. Winner gets snow blower, portable heater or other seasonally-appropriate prize.

 

HOLIDAY GIFT TRADE-IN

Trade in those bad holiday gifts for cool stuff/gift certificates from sponsor(s). Donate the “bad” gifts to Goodwill or other local charity.

 

MAKE-OVER MONDAYS

Start the New Year with a new you. Give away hourly personal makeovers each Monday in January.

 

CREDIT CARD PAY-DOWN

Stage this as the station helping pay off listeners’ holiday credit card bills. Several times a day, read four digits from a fictitious credit card. The first caller to have at least two of the numbers consecutively receives $25; if first caller has 3 consecutive numbers, they win $100; four consecutive numbers wins $1000. Sell to a bank, mall, etc.

 

CAPTION CONTEST

Post a new picture on your website each week and invite listeners to supply the caption. Best one each week wins nice dinner for two and is qualified for the monthly grand prize drawing (digital camera, family portrait, etc.).

 

VACATION SURVIVOR

Register listeners to win a trip to an exotic destination where they have to visit tourist sights, try local sports events, eat strange local foods, etc. Example: Give away a Disney World trip where winners would have to have pictures taken of them hugging a character, riding Dumbo, etc. Or for skiing: picture at the top of the mountain, riding chair lift, etc.

 

NASCAR PIT PASS

Sell this to multiple sponsors for on-air and in-store registration. Give away subscription to NASCAR magazine/racing magazine and qualify listeners to fly-aways to the biggest races of the year.

 

BEST SNOW MAN CONTEST

Listeners take pictures of snowmen they’ve made and e-mail/fax/mail to station. Best picture wins digital camera, trip to warm location, etc.

 

SKI FREE

Make ski reports more interesting by announcing a “secret” mountain, snow amount, even ski term at the end of the report. Later or during next report, ask for the Nth caller to identify word to win free ski passes.

 

“ICE”-O-METRICS

Sell to a gym/fitness center and ice skating rink — a promotion where listeners win their choice of several hours at a skating rink or buffing up on equipment at a gym/center.

 

ODOMETER READINGS
For new/used car dealerships. Dealer supplies a high-mileage used car. Listeners drive their cars onto the lot to compare odometers. Exact match wins new car. If no exact match, closest wins used car or $1000.

 

MAKE THIS A MEMORABLE YEAR

Sell this promotion to a digital camera store. Listeners register to win cameras so they can capture all the memories they’ll make this year. As a grand-prize add-on, include a trip to Disney World or other memorable destination.

 

THIS IS THE YEAR TO BE LESS TIME-STRESSED

Register listeners to win time-saving services. Sell participation packages to maid services, up-scale take-out restaurants or grocery stores, dry cleaners that pick up and deliver, taxi or limo service, and other businesses.

 

THE “NOBODY HAS ANY MONEY LEFT AFTER CHRISTMAS SO WE’LL GIVE YOU SOME COOL THINGS INCLUDING A (INSERT GRAND PRIZE HERE)” WEEKENDS

Each weekend throughout January, offer progressive freebies leading to a related grand prize. For example, the first weekend give away an artist’s CDs.  The next, give away stereos to play them on. Then give away tickets to see the artist somewhere close. Finally, award a grand prize trip for two to see the artist in concert at an exotic location. Also works with groceries (gift certificate, microwave, free groceries for a week, free groceries for a year); cars (gas, lube and oil changes; weekend rental of van for a trip; annual lease of SUV); trips (tanning salon, luggage bag/vacation outfit, overnight at B&B, 3-day trip to Florida). Multiple sponsorships, methodologies.

 

THE “COOLEST MAN/WOMAN” IN TOWN

Sell a promotion to multiple businesses that sell “cool” items: clothing store, electronics dealer with latest items, etc. Via a listen-to-register contest, listeners are eligible to win package of all these “cool” items. Offer one men’s and one women’s package.

 

MY ACHIN’ BACK

Create a promotion for a chiropractor who airs a series of spots on how not to hurt your back doing winter activities. Also post tips and his/her link on your website. Listeners can register to win free items ranging from back-friendly snow shovels to back-friendly chairs.

 

HOT OR COLD CONTEST

Register to hear your named called to win either a skiing trip or trip to Florida, Mexico or other warm weather location. Prime sponsor: ski/pool vendor.

 

POWER PLAY

With fuel prices seeming to go up every year, sell a timely promotion to your local power or gas company with energy saving tips as part of each commercial. Listeners register for drawing for month’s/year’s worth of free power, gas, electric, etc. With the “power play” play on words, a local hockey team can also be made part of the promotion.

 

HEAT WAIVE

Register listeners to win your “Heat Waive” contest and have their heating bills “waived.” Potential sponsors include home contractors specializing in installation/window replacement/etc., local utility company, home improvement stores, heating/air conditioning installers/repair companies.

 

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Anytime listeners win any prize on the station, they are automatically registered to win a Florida (or other warm weather destination) vacation.

 

WXXX CLEARING HOUSE SWEEPSTAKES

Get a “free ride” on the Publishers Clearing House TV schedule. Your listeners may not be winning $21-million (or whatever this year’s amount will be) from Publishers Clearing House, but they could win 21 top CDs, 21 pizzas, 21 bags of chips, 21 liters of soda, 21 movie passes, lunch coupons, etc. And just like on the Super Bowl telecast, show up live to present the winnings! Listeners e-mail, fax, write their registrations, or sign up at participating sponsors.

 

ICE BREAKER

On icy mornings, one member of the morning team cruises the hot zips with spray can of de-icer, bag of sand, scraper, etc. to help listeners get to work. Bonus points for passing out coffee in cups with station logo printed on the cup heat sleeves.

 

DIALING FOR DOLLARS

Help listeners pay off their holiday shopping bills. Mornings at a fixed time, read a random dollar amount. The first caller with a credit card bill for exactly that amount wins, with the station paying the bill. Alternately, pay just a single charge that equals the dollar amount given. The actual bill must be brought to the station to verify the amount and that the charge was made before the amount was read on the air. Potential sponsors include banks, credit card companies, moneylenders, financial planners.

 

HOOP IT UP

Organize a station basketball team and play off the fact that this is the next best thing to the NBA. Challenge area schools and organizations for charity.

 

WINE-ERS NIGHT OUT

Wine tasting event sponsored by restaurant, wine bar, even upscape liquor store.

 

SUPER BOWL 51 (LI) (February 5, 2017 – Houston, TX)

 

 

New for 2018!

THE “YOU’RE THE HALF TIME STAR” WORKOUT

Sell this idea for a spot schedule to a gym, personal trainer, etc. who will create a workout based on the dance moves of the half-time show. If the star performer also has a food or other personal routine, sell a schedule to an additional sponsor-related business as well (health food store for example). Sell the concept prior to the game; the workout itself can be figured out after the performance. (Football 2018)

 

 

Some favorites from years past…

 

THE BIG GAME’S BIGGEST PARTY – 72 HOURS!

Sell this to a sports bar. Plan three separate events, one on the night before, night of and night after the game. Make the first night about winning something for the game – from appetizers the bar makes to a big screen TV. For the second night, offer football related specials through-out the night: “Touchdown Menu” – everything on it is $6 but you can increase the size for a dollar more (‘extra point”). Same for Field Goal Menu – all $3 items,“ or “Instant Replay” could be two for ones, etc. The third night might be Big Game 51 night: Offer specials on 51 items, hold a trivia night where most of the questions involve the game or commercials aired during the game. (Football 2017)

 

 

TOUCHDOWN DANCE-OFF

Ideal for a sports bar: hold a Touchdown Celebration competition with cash and free food as prizes. Station hosts; attendees vote. Consider a fitness instructor as a guest who helps contestants warm up. Show YouTube clips of celebrations as added entertainment. (Football 2017)

 

SUPER BALLS PARTY – VI

Sports bar idea: If you have these teams close by, give away pairs of tickets to future ball games – basketball, baseball, and next year’s football games along with free games of bowling. (Football 2017)

 

SUPER BALLS PARTY – V 2

Sell a bowling alley with a bar; have them charge 51-cents for the first game (51^st big game). Offer a TV viewing party in the bar with prizes for those picking first team to score in each quarter (and similar) to win free games, free locker for a year, etc. (Football 2017)

 

…AND IF YOU HAVE A ROCK STATION: YOUR PERSONAL PARTY CHEERLEADER

Hire actor, server, or actual cheerleader to be on hand for the kick off through the first quarter. Responsibilities – besides wearing a cheerleader outfit – is primarily to mingle and do one cheer should something happen (you can set the ground rules). (Football 2017)

 

 

WHAT THE “L”

For the first time in history, the game will be using Arabic instead of Roman numerals (Super Bowl 50 instead of Super Bowl “L”).  Sell a promotion to a pizza place, bar, etc., where, from the start of the playoffs through the end of the Super Bowl, all Medium (M) of anything/specified items will be instantly upgraded to a Large (L).

 

50 SHADES OF FOOTBALL

Celebrate the 50^th Super Bowl with any of the following ideas: 1) catered event for 50 people to watch the game (could be at a catering hall or private room in restaurant/ sports bar); 2) 50 qualifiers to win a pair of tickets to the Football Hall of Fame (Canton, Ohio) and $500 spending money; 3) 50 qualifiers to win one of five PS4’s or X-Boxes with Madden 16. (Football 2016)

 

PARTY LIKE A MILLIONAIRE

Forget chili and beer – serve up filet mignon and champagne! Sell to restaurant, caterer, upscale supermarket, wine store, etc. Listeners register to win catered party for 10. (Football 2016)

 

BIG GAME SUNDAY-BEFORE

The week before the Super Bowl host a Madden-type marathon at a sports bar or other location. Rules could include each player having 12 downs and highest score wins match. Have brackets for winners and conclude play over the weekend. Prizes can include cash, NFL package for the next year, sporting goods gift store and other appropriate sponsors’ prizes. (Football 2015)

 

AND THE QUARTERBACK THROWS A… CURVE!

Arrange for a sound trigger – from playback of touchdowns (check for rights) to referee’s whistle to some other football SFX.  At the trigger, listeners qualify for a new curved TV the week before the Super Bowl. Multiple sponsorship possible. (Football 2015)

 

NEW YORK SUPERBOWL ALL-DAY PARTY

Listeners register to win a one-day New York experience at home for family and friends for their game day party: bagels with cream cheese, NY style pizza, Kosher hot dogs, New York cheesecake, etc. Add a season of Seinfeld or other New York based show on DVD to get winner in a New York mood before the game.  (Football 2014)

 

BE IN NEW YORK FOR THE BIG GAME          

Fares to NYC are generally cheap (be sure to check Newark). While we don’t have Superbowl tickets (or maybe you do), give away a weekend flight, hotel, and some cash so winners can hang with locals watching the game. (Football 2014)

 

HERE’S A QUARTER (CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES)

Watch-and-win promotion with local TV station where one listener receives a call at the beginning of each quarter from local sports anchors talking about the game/game so far. Co-sponsor with sports bar. Or, consider having the sports anchor call the bar during a non-local commercial break to offer some insight on the game. Could also include text contest. (Football 2014)

 

ALMOST LIKE BEING IN N’AWLINS

Sell a sports bar on hosting a combination Mardi Gras and Superbowl event. Or simply put typically Cajun-associated meals on the menu for the day. Or if you have a Louisiana-specialty restaurant, sell them a promotion where they cater a listeners’ Superbowl party. Or bring the idea of ‘put a little New Orleans in your big game party’ to Popeye’s as copy they could use leading up the game.

 

MAKE THE FOOTBALL SEASON CONTINUE PAST THE SUPERBOWL

Sell a big box or game store on a promotion where listeners win a football game and console. Add a big screen TV if the client is big enough.

 

REAL TIME RATE THE ADS

Arrange for listeners to use radio buttons to rate the ads they see in real time (or if not possible, create a survey that listeners can link to right after the game to vote with the results on the morning show.

 

SUPER TWEETS

Create a Twitter hash tag (with your station name) so listeners can converse with each other about either the game or the ads (talent who are planning to watch the game anyway should participate).  If sports has a heavy presence one of your stations or you have a sports station in the cluster, have your top sports talent Tweeting during the game. Topics could include more than just the game.

 

WHAT’S YOUR POIN T?

Prior to the beginning of the playoffs, have listeners submit online guesses for the total points to be scored in all the playoff games. Sell this to a sports bar, athletic supply store, etc.

 

MAN CAVE MAKEOVER

Sell to multiple appropriate sponsors. Listeners register for a single grand prize including a new flat screen, gender-appropriate video games, one of those “beer-tenders,” a year’s supply of chips and nacho cheese, etc. Give the prize away the week before the Super Bowl.

 

GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT

Post your best football pose online. Winner receives Super Bowl party featuring items from contest sponsors.

 

SUPER BOWL O’ RED

Sell a sports bar (or restaurant with a bar) a promotion where free Texas Chili is offered as an appetizer during all playoff games and the Superbowl.

 

SUPER BOWL OF CHILI

Sell multiple restaurants on entering a chili competition either at a central location or by having listeners vote online. All proceeds from tastings or in-store benefit Special Olympics or other sports-related charity.

 

PICK OR PAY

Sell to a casual restaurant. From first playoff game to Superbowl, Morning show hosts guess scores of one game a weekend. Each Monday, loser takes 10 listeners to lunch at participating sponsor. Listeners sign up to be eligible to win.

 

CLASSIC PLAYS FROM THE PAST

Sell a sports bar sponsorship of a morning show feature where listeners guess the two teams playing based on an audio clip of a famous play. Winners receive free food coupon they can redeem anytime through the Superbowl.

 

TWO MINUTE WHISTLE

Any time within a specified 2-minute window, the station ref’s whistle will blow and the 44^th caller (for the 44^th big game) qualifies to win big game party at their house.

 

TEXT IF YOU LIKE TO TAILGATE

Sell multiple food, beverage and other appropriate merchants for a pre-game tailgate party. Listeners text ‘party’ when they hear the sounder. A text is chosen at random (or first text) to win giant sub, soft drinks, chili, etc.

 

PIG SKIN PARTY

At the sound of the pig snort (or whistle), give away free BBQ lunch with all callers qualified to win enough BBQ and fixings for a party of 10 people.

 

BIG GAME BINGO

Play this at the sports bar that you sold a remote to. Create Bingo-type cards, replacing the numbers with plays that are likely to happen: fumble, bad call, etc. (obviously these should be in random order on each card; using a real card and assigning numbers to equal plays makes it easy). Award prizes for 5 in a row and complete card. Also works for any football game remotes.

 

SUPER BOWL ON THE REALLY BIG SCREEN

Partner with a local movie theater to show the Super Bowl on one (or more) of their giant screens. They give you the tickets, and they make their money on the concessions. Arrange for them to run your ads/billboards/etc. instead of their regular previews.

 

THE ANTI-SUPER BOWL PARTY

What about the people who just don’t care about the “big game”? Get another couple of screens at the same movie theater for them. While the Super Bowl is going on in one theater, you can be playing “chick flicks” and family movies in other theaters.

 

CHILI COOK-OFF

The day before Big Game, host a chili cook-off at an area mall/grocery store/electronics retailer/etc. Listeners sign up ahead of time to participate. Have jocks and local TV sports personalities as the judges. Winner goes home with the grand prize (big screen TV, fully catered Super Bowl party, etc.). All other contestants get runner-up prizes.

 

SUPER BOWL OF MOVIES

Play movie football trivia and give away football movies as prizes.

 

SUPER BOWL SHOOT OUT

Sell this to a sporting goods store, bar or family fun center. Bring Nerf football and target for listeners to throw ball through. Winner receives Super Bowl Party Kit: team jersey, party food or catered Super Bowl party, big screen TV and more.

 

SUPER BOWL POOL

Forget guessing the score — guess how many people will watch, ratings, larger than last year’s audience or not, etc. Closest guess wins new TV from sponsor. Week before, poll listeners as to their favorite snack, beverage, etc. and have listeners guess Monday after game the most popular answers/items.

 

HIS & HER SUPER BOWL PACKAGE
He gets to party with his friends with a big screen TV, beer, and food. She gets picked up by a limo and taken to dinner and a movie with her friends. Qualify listeners at sponsor locations and on-air.

 

SOUP-ER BOWL PARTY
Sell remote to a sports bar and grill holding a Super Bowl party, giving the first 100 (or number matching you frequency) people through the door a certificate for a free bowl of soup. Variation: Sell a kitchen supply store a promotion where all bowls bought during the week of the Super Bowl come with a gift certificate for free soup.

 

PASS THE SOUP SUPER BOWL SUPER PLAY

Sell a restaurant a month-long promotion where they give away free soup with every dinner for anyone bringing in canned soup to be donated to area food bank. Or sell the idea to a bowling alley where cans of soup are exchanged for free games the Saturday before the Super Bowl.

 

SUPER PRIZE BOWL
Quick one-hour remote stop opportunities — or as add-on to current remote package. Bring a giant bowl filled with certificates for various prizes. Register listeners who attend. Several times each hour, names are drawn and winners reach into the bowl and pull out prize certificates for Super Bowl team jerseys, footballs, subscriptions to ESPN magazine or similar. Grand prize: catered Super Bowl party, giant screen TV, etc.

 

SUPER POPCORN BOWL

Quick one-hour remote stop opportunities — or as add-on to current remote package or reason to have large remote at electronics or grocery store. Bring a giant bowl filled with popcorn to every remote. Listeners guess how many kernels are in the bowl. Closest guess wins grand prize of catered Super Bowl party, giant TV, etc.

 

FUN AND GAMES AT A CLIENT’S SUPER BOWL PARTY

Award freebies every time the score changes. Or, update the old “sit in the recliner” bit by drawing another name each time the score changes, giving that person a prize and letting them sit in the recliner. Last person in the recliner at the end of the game wins the recliner. Also a second recliner is awarded in drawing from everyone who registered.

 

KNOW THE PLAY OF THE DAY, WIN A SUPER BOWL PARTY

Each morning the “play of the day” is announced. Later, listeners call with the play and are qualified to win a fully catered party at their house on Super Bowl Sunday. Also listeners can pick up “playbooks” at participating sponsors.

 

THE PARTY’S AT YOUR HOUSE. 

Station awards one randomly drawn winner’s house to receive Super Bowl Party with catered food including soft drinks, snacks, giant sub or pizzas, etc. and a 32” TV to watch the game on. Winners keep the TV when the game’s over (or, scaled back, work with a rental company for the use of the TV for a month). Register at participating electronics stores and supermarkets/caterers/restaurants as well as on-air. Tie in additional sponsors by providing team wear from sporting goods store, decorations from party store, etc. Multiple sales opportunities with participating merchants. Good database builder, especially of men.

 

SUPER BOWL PARTY WHEEL

The week before the game, listeners spin the wheel and collect prizes like carry-out pizzas, party platters and other things they’ll need to throw a great Super Bowl party. All winners qualify for the grand prize drawing for a big screen TV delivered in time for the game. Multiple sponsors possible. Also good add-on to a remote.

 

SUPER BOWL PARTY PATROL

Listeners who are having a Super Bowl Party register with the station to win visit from the station’s Super Bowl Patrol. Visits feature games and prizes like the “T-shirt pass,” where shirts are awarded to those who can pass them through a target; or the “hundred dollar hike,” where $100 is awarded to anyone hiking a football through a target you bring. Multiple sales tie-ins: fast food, beverages, grocery store party platters, sporting goods stores.

 

ONE MORE FAST-BURNER

Super Tail Gate Party: sell the idea to a client with a big parking lot and big screen TVs where listeners can tailgate for a while and then come inside to watch the game. Offering specials will drive more traffic.

 

BIG GAME AND BIG GAME HUNTERS

Create a promotion for a hunting/sporting goods store that plays off the ‘big game’ theme and name. Host a 5 hour sale (about as long as the TV broadcast) the Saturday before the game. Offer discounts on hunting ‘uniforms,’ team stocking caps, etc.

 

YOU WIN NO MATTER WHO SCORES

Sell this idea to a bar/restaurant that will be competing for Super Bowl viewers. Each time either team scores, a new item is put on special. It can remain throughout the game or last only as long as the score doesn’t change. Also register all customers to win small gift certificate or food item via a drawing each time someone scores.

 

7-11 SUPERBOWL

Sell to a 7-11 or a casino. Listeners register on site and online. If one teams wins by 7 or 11 points, a randomly selected entrant wins grand prize.

 

SUPER BOWL POOL

This pool isn’t for gambling, it’s an actual pool.  Hold a contest where the winner gets a pool for their house. Or host a Super Bowl viewing party at a local (indoor) pool, complete with swimming cocktail waitresses.

 

YOU MAKE THE CALL

Simple game where listeners guess whether the first play of this year’s Super Bowl will be a pass or a run. People send you their contact info along with their guess. You draw one lucky contestant on the Friday morning before the big game. If that person guesses correctly, they win the prize. Could do the same thing with who’ll win the coin toss, which team will score first, etc. Since this prize will be awarded after the game, it doesn’t matter if it’s tied to football or not.  Simple way to add to your database.

 

SUPER BOWL ON THE REALLY BIG SCREEN

Partner with a local movie theater to show the Super Bowl on one (or more) of their giant screens. They give you the tickets, and they make their money on the concessions. Arrange for them to run your ads/billboards/etc. instead of their regular previews.

 

THE ANTI-SUPER BOWL PARTY

What about the people who just don’t care about the “big game”? Get another couple of screens at the same movie theater for them. While the Super Bowl is going on in one theater, you can be playing “chick flicks” and family movies in other theaters.

 

CHILI COOK-OFF

Host a chili cook-off at mall/grocery store/electronics retailer/etc. day before the game. Listeners sign up ahead of time to participate. Station talent and local TV sports personalities are the judges. Winner receives sponsor-related grand prize of big screen TV, fully catered Super Bowl party, etc.). All other contestants get runner-up prizes.

 

WIN YOUR OWN HALFTIME SHOW

Get a band or mobile DJ to set up and perform at listeners’ Super Bowl halftime party. Sponsor could be club where band or DJ normally plays.

 

PRE-GAME TAILGATE PARTY AT YOUR HOUSE

Sell a car dealer on bringing a big pickup to winner’s house. Include food, soft drinks, folding chairs, etc. Option: winner gets to keep the truck.

 

SIT ON THE BENCH THIS SUPER BOWL

Sell promotion to furniture store where winning listener wins nice bench suitable for any room in the house – but certainly for watching the game. Include a team jersey of the winner’s choice.

 

SUPER BOWL IN A BOWL

Take a very large fishbowl filled with two different colored marbles (jelly beans, etc.) in the two colors of the two Super Bowl teams to remotes and appearances through day before Super Bowl Sunday. Listeners submit guesses along with database information. Winner receives appropriate prizes.

 

TAILGATE FLY AWAY

Takes a bit of arranging but a cool idea. Send a pair of listeners to Tampa Bay for the pre-and post-game hype. Rent a limo for the day and take listeners from airport to tailgate party in stadium parking lot. Then to a sports bar with big screen TV while the game is being played, then to a spot that will be a post-game hot spot, then finally fly back home where they can tell everyone they went to the big game.

 

TODAY’S SUPER BOWL PARTY BROUGHT TO YOU BY (WINNER’S NAME)

Give away a Super Bowl party at a sports bar in the name of a winner who can invite 15 friends. Bar puts winner’s name on marquis, gives away free hors d’oeuvres (“compliments” of your winner). Bar salutes winner at halftime with a big thanks, etc.

 

BALL AT THE HALL

Sell to a catering hall, bar, or restaurant with a party room. Nth caller at the sound of the chef calling an audible (“Hors d’oeuvre on a platter, dining room left, caller 9, now at 333-3333. Hut. Hut.”) qualifies for Super Bowl party for 20 with food.

 

FIRST AND TEN

At designated hours, have listeners write down the titles and artists of the next 10 songs you play to qualify for a Super Bowl party.

 

SUPER BOWL OF MOVIES

Play movie football trivia and give away football movies as prizes.

 

IT TAKES FOUR QUARTERS TO WIN

Each day for five days, previous Super Bowl games are selected and “end of quarter” scores are announced. Listeners keep track of scores and, at the end of the week, e-mail the scores. A drawing is held from all correct entries to win a Super Bowl party at their house. Mix the quarters and games up each time you announce a score. Add SFX, commentary for fun and interest. Sell sponsorships.

 

SUPER BOWL SHOOT OUT

Sell this to a sporting goods store, bar or family fun center. Bring Nerf football and target for listeners to throw ball through. Winner receives Super Bowl Party Kit: team jersey, party food or catered Super Bowl party, big screen TV and more.

 

WEBSITE PREFERENCE BOWL

Couple weeks before the game, poll listeners for their favorite snack, beverage, etc. Week before the game, have listeners guess most popular answers/items and win ample supply of what they guessed correctly. Sell to convenience store.

 

SUPER BOWL POOL

Forget guessing the score – guess how many people will watch (ratings contest). Closest guess wins new TV from sponsor for next year’s game.

 

SOUP-ER BOWL PARTY
Sell remote to a sports bar and grill holding a Super Bowl party, giving the first 100 (or number matching you frequency) people through the door a certificate for a free bowl of soup. Variation: Sell a kitchen supply store a promotion where all bowls bought during the week of the Super Bowl come with a gift certificate for free soup.

 

PASS THE SOUP SUPER BOWL SUPER PLAY

Sell restaurant month-long promotion where they give free soup with every dinner for anyone bringing canned soup for area food bank. Or sell the idea to a bowling alley where cans of soup are exchanged for free games the Saturday before the Super Bowl.

 

SUPER PRIZE BOWL
Sell one-hour remote stops or sell add-on to current remote package. Bring giant bowl filled with certificates for various prizes. Register listeners who attend. Several times each hour, draw names to reach into the bowl to pull out prize certificates for Super Bowl team jerseys, footballs, subscriptions to sports magazines, etc. Grand prize: catered Super Bowl party, giant screen TV, etc.

 

SUPER POPCORN BOWL

Quick one-hour remote stop opportunities – or as add-on to current remote package or reason to have large remote at electronics or grocery store. Bring a giant bowl filled with popcorn to every remote. Listeners guess how many kernels are in the bowl. Closest guess wins grand prize of catered Super Bowl party, giant TV, etc.

 

FUN AND GAMES AT A CLIENT’S SUPER BOWL PARTY

Award freebies every time the score changes. Or, update the old “sit in the recliner” bit by drawing another name each time the score changes, giving that person a prize and letting them sit in the recliner. Last person in the recliner at the end of the game wins the recliner. Also a second recliner is awarded in drawing from everyone who registered.

 

KNOW THE PLAY, WIN A PARTY

Each morning the “play of the day” is announced.  Later, listeners call with the play and are qualified to win a fully catered party at their house on Super Bowl Sunday. Also listeners can pick up “playbooks” at participating sponsors.

 

THE PARTY’S AT YOUR HOUSE

Station awards one randomly drawn winner’s house to receive Super Bowl party with catered food including soft drinks, snacks, giant sub or pizzas, etc. and a giant TV to watch the game on. Winners keep the TV when the game’s over (or, scaled back, work with a rental company for the use of the TV for a month). Register at participating electronics stores and supermarkets, caterers, restaurants as well as on air. Tie in additional sponsors by providing team wear from sporting goods store, decorations from party store, etc. Multiple sales opportunities with participating merchants. Good database builder, especially of men.

 

SUPER BOWL PARTY WHEEL

The week before the game, listeners spin the wheel and collect prizes like carry-out pizzas, party platters and other things they’ll need to throw a great Super Bowl party. All winners qualify for the Grand Prize drawing for a big-screen TV delivered in time for the game. Multiple sponsors possible. Also good add-on to a remote.

 

SUPER BOWL PARTY PATROL

Listeners hosting Super Bowl Parties register with station to win visit from the station’s Super Bowl Patrol. Visits feature games and prizes like the “T-shirt pass,” where shirts are awarded to those who can pass them through a target; or the “hundred dollar hike,” where $100 is awarded to anyone hiking a football through a target you bring. Multiple sales tie-ins: fast food, beverages, grocery store party platters, sporting goods stores.

 

FOOTBALL 101

Have a local football celebrity, TV sports anchor or jock who’s an avid football fan hold clinic Saturday morning prior to the game explaining basic strategies.

 

SUPER BOWLING SUNDAY

For moms and kids and those not interested in the Super Bowl. Or hold in the afternoon prior to the football game. Offer free bowling, special prices at concession stand, shoe rental. Add fun things for kids to do (clowns, face painting, etc.). Register for coupons good for future discounts at the lanes.

 

 

 

 

Month-Specific Events…

 

INAUGURATION

 

HAIL TO THE CHEF

Sell a local restaurant on having an “eat like the President” special menu for the week/month. Make a mashup menu of some of the past inauguration meals (this keeps you from any potential ‘current’ fallout). Here’s a resource: http://www.thedailymeal.com/first-bites-presidential-inauguration-meals-through-years-slideshow?utm_source=aol%2Bkitchen%2Bdaily&utm_medium=partner

 

 

 

NATIONAL BATH SAFETY MONTH

Sell safety/awareness campaign to bathroom specialist, walk in clinic, etc.

 

BOOK BLITZ MONTH

To help authors improve their relationships with the media. www.GoodMorningWorld.org Turn this into an opportunity to showcase local (or state) writers. Team with a bookstore to co-sponsor authors’ readings of their works one night a week. Or invite local authors to send a blurb of their work and post it on your website. Co-sponsor a creative writing clinic or a lecture by a local author on writing tips. Sell a promotion to a bookstore where works of local authors are featured and discounted. Notify other media of anything you do and consider inviting them to be a promotional partner.

 

CELEBRATION OF LIFE MONTH

Month for celebrating the gift of life, including the benefits of living life in America. Celebrate 31 (one a day) great things about your community/state with a new :60 promo daily. Potential sponsors: institutional advertisers, large local church, psychologist group/mental wellness center, family run business, etc. Or invite listeners to share things in their lives they celebrate or their hopes for the year and make promos out of them to run through the month. Or invite psychologist on the morning show who suggests things listeners can celebrate everyday.

 

GET ORGANIZED MONTH

Is your New Year’s resolution to get more organized? This is an opportunity to streamline your life, create more time, lower your stress and increase your profit. www.NAPO.net  Have a local organizational expert as a morning show guest to give tips on being more organized. Give away Palm Pilots, Day Timers, rentals on storage units, or full home/office organization (a la “Clean Sweep” TV show).

 

INTERNATIONAL BRAIN TEASER MONTH

Start the year out right and celebrate “thinking fun” all month long. Post a new brainteaser online each day for the month. No prize necessary. Sell page sponsorship to game store, doctors’ group, hospital, etc. www.logicpuzzlemuseum.org There are lots of places online like this http://sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/02/24/exercise-your-brains-visual-logic-brain-teaser/ to find ideas.

 

INTERNATIONAL CREATIVITY MONTH

Month to remind individuals/organizations to capitalize on the power of creativity and fresh approaches to problem solving. Sales sponsors client/prospect workshop on how to benefit from radio’s theater of the mind, creative copy and campaigns we create, etc. Bring audio samples, your production dir., etc. Distribute “creativity checklist” containing “fill in the blanks” for things like target, benefits to customer, etc. and creative ideas for communicating them. Or, sell co-sponsorship to a “Creative Kids” competition, where children are invited to come up with creative solutions to local, national or world challenges, problems, and opportunities. Potential tie-ins: private schools (like Montessori schools), community colleges, local utility, City Housing Board, etc. www.CreativityMonth.com

 

INTERNATIONAL WAYFINDING MONTH

Celebrating the spatial and environmental information systems that help you find your way in the built environment (airports, parking lots, museums, etc.). www.SEGD.org Have a scavenger hunt where listeners stop by various sponsor locations to pick up clues and prizes. Give away a GPS system to the winner.

 

NATIONAL BE ON-PURPOSE MONTH

Month dedicated to putting your good intentions into action, personally and professionally.  Team with an office supply store to give away PDAs or other computer organizers/software. Morning show speaks to a management consultant who offers helpful advice on accomplishing goals and provides month-long tips on a sponsored web page. Sales hosts a breakfast seminar for clients and prospects featuring a guest speaker who lectures on being more productive. Sell a promotion to a bookstore that offers discounts on all self-help books.

 

NATIONAL CLEAN UP YOUR COMPUTER MONTH

To give computer users simple ideas to increase the efficiency of their systems. Sell a month-long series of on-air and website tips sponsored by any business dealing with computers. Or sell a workshop to a computer dealer/repair store where listeners can bring in their computers and learn how to clean up drives, files, etc. Register all who attend to win new computer, upgrade, etc. Or tie-in a cleaning service and a computer professional and create a “clean up your computer and your whole house” promotion. www.SpecterWeb.com

 

NATIONAL GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH

Offer free glaucoma screening. Or work with eyeglass retailer for free vision testing and discounts if glasses are needed. www.PreventBlindness.org

 

NATIONAL HOBBY MONTH

On-air and on-line promotion campaign for hobby, toy or craft store that combines spots with multiple online videos on a particular hobby – why it’s popular, what you can do, others enjoying the hobby, and some step-by-step instructional videos.

 

NATIONAL HOT TEA MONTH

To celebrate one of nature’s most popular, soothing and relaxing beverages; the only beverage in America commonly served hot or iced, anytime, anywhere, for any occasion. Sell a coffee shop a month-long tea promotion where each morning the morning show has a new word that starts with the letter T (actually you can announce it all day as part of a spot bank). Customers can use the day’s T-word for special discounts.

 

NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

To raise awareness of mentoring, especially for young people, and to help match mentors with youth. www.nationalmentoringmonth.org Talk to educators about existing programs, needs, how people can volunteer, etc. Sponsor a workshop at a mall or bookstore on how to mentor. Have a member of the staff volunteer to mentor a student/group of students in a particular area for a month or quarter and report progress periodically on the air. Sell a promotion to a business that can hold an open house for would-be mentors in various fields or hold a mentoring sign-up weekend at a mall or similar venue. Talk to listeners who have been mentors or who have been mentored.

 

NATIONAL PERSONAL SELF-DEFENSE AWARENESS MONTH

Sell promotion to provider of this type of service: karate, etc. Include a guest shot on the morning show, demonstration/free half-hour mass lesson at a mall, and free copies of Jackie Chan movies! Or do a women’s self-defense night at sponsor locations throughout the month. www.NSDI.org

 

NATIONAL POVERTY IN AMERICA AWARENESS MONTH

To heighten public awareness of poverty and social injustice in America. www.PovertyUSA.org Contact this group for a spokesperson to interview. Hold a post-holidays coat and warm clothes drive to help needy, or hold a food drive to replenish supplies at area food banks. Sell collection points or a corporate sponsor. Or hold an on-air auction of donated merchandise to raise funds for a local charitable organization.

 

NATIONAL RADON ACTION MONTH

To raise awareness of effects of radon. www.EPA.gov Sell an awareness campaign to distributor of radon detection devices.

 

NATIONAL SKATING MONTH

US Figure Skating member clubs and Basic Skill Programs reach out to new members. www.USFSA.org Hold “WXXX Skating Day” at local rink. Offer PSAs to promote the event if it’s available in your community. Hold ice-skating party at local rink, with the morning team hosting/skating/DJ-ing.

 

NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH

By Presidential Proclamation.

 

NATIONAL STALKING AWARENESS MONTH

By Presidential Proclamation.

 

NATIONAL SOUP MONTH

Sell a grocer, farmer’s market, even a restaurant on holding a “How to Make Super Soup” class. Hold one a week during the month. OK to charge for the class. Restaurant could give participants a coupon for free soup with purchase upon completing the class, grocery store could print out recipe card and shopping list, etc. Add a food bank tie-in like asking attendees to bring a can of soup to class.

 

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER BLOOD DONOR MONTH

A time to highlight the importance of giving life through the donation of blood, and to honor past and present donors. www.organdonor.gov

 

OATMEAL MONTH

Celebrates this low-fat, healthy food. Charity idea: collect boxes of oatmeal to donate to food banks whose supplies have been depleted by the holidays. Have a member of the staff serve oatmeal as part of a soup kitchen’s or public school’s breakfast program. Sell an oatmeal recipe contest to a grocery store using your website as a significant part of the promotion. Sell a breakfast restaurant a promotion where diners receive discounts on oatmeal for the month; include an optional morning show broadcast. Sell a grocer on van stop promotion where oatmeal is served to commuters. Take a poll: Which is more popular, instant or cooked, plain or flavored, favorite/interesting toppings, etc. Talk to the “oat expert” at Quaker about benefits, recipes: www.QuakerOatmeal.com

 

SHAPE UP US MONTH

Free state-by-state healthy lifestyle events to create awareness about heart disease prevention for students, parents, teachers and families. www.ShapeUpArizona.com

 

TEEN DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH

Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death among drivers 16 to 25 years of age. In their first years as drivers, young adults are almost 10 times more likely to be in a crash than any other drivers. The NTSI wants to help change teens’ negative driving habits through understanding how values, attitudes, responsibility and choice all play a part in driving safety. Sell a ‘public service’ campaign to an insurance agency, doctor’s group, etc. www.ntsi.com

 

WORLDWIDE RISING STAR MONTH

A month for urging everyone to reach for the stars by designing a personal life plan.  It takes place in January because this is the month for reviewing the past year and designing, revising or redesigning your life plan for the current year. Talk to ‘life coach’ about possibilities. www.risingstarmonth.info