March is…

 

Asset Management Awareness Month • National Caffeine Awareness Month •National Celery Month • National Cheerleading Safety Month • National Craft Month • National Credit Education Month • National Flour Month. •National Frozen Food Month •National Kidney Disease Awareness Month • National Noodle Month • National Nutrition Month • National Peanut Month • National Sauce Month • National Trisomy Awareness Month •National Umbrella Month • National Women’s History Month • National Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Month • National Music in our Schools Month • National Professional Social Work Month •

 

 

St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)

YOUR OWN POT OF GOLD

Sell this to a financial advisor who offers a free, downloadable personal ‘wealth health’ evaluation along with a schedule to promote his expertise and solicit appointments. Turn this into a year-long campaign by changing the theme monthly: tax-related, savings shouldn’t take a summer vacation, back to school expenses can be troublesome – but back to college even more so, etc.  (St. Patrick’s Day 2017)

 

REAL STORY OF ST. PATRICK

Extend St. Patrick’s Day a month before and after for an Irish-themed business with a campaign that includes a series of facts about St. Patrick and later Ireland. Depending on the client, you could include on-line activities like downloadable coloring books, photos of Ireland that the business owner holds the rights to, etc. (St. Patrick’s Day 2017)

 

PADDY’S PATTY PARTY

For bar clients and prospects, use this idea as a sales pitch or promotion: offer free mini sliders (Krystal or White Castle size) as part of the incentive to choose this as the St. Patrick Party location of choice. (St. Patrick’s Day 2017)

  

CELEBRATE THE GREEN ALL SUMMER

Sell to lawn maintenance, garden supply, landscaper, etc. looking for digital component. Listeners post photos of their lawns, landscaping etc. Advertiser selects one to make over and two others to receive a service like a free lawn cut, shrubbery, etc. Adjust prizes based on abilities of sponsor. Sponsor also can text and/or post a daily or weekly tip on the station website. (St. Patrick’s Day 2016)

 

DIY GREEN

Sponsor buys schedule of informative spots such as, ‘benefits of green’ or ‘ways to be green you might not have thought about.’  As the digital component, sponsor posts weekly video of quick green DIY projects and sends daily “Green Tips” text during the month of March. Contract of course can be an annual. (St. Patrick’s Day 2016)

 

MEAN GREENE MACHINE

Sell a John Deere dealer on giving away a tractor. Include remote on giveaway day.  Qualify online each day by identifying where in the world the Big Greene Machine is today (Photoshopped in a different location each day – you can make it obvious or you can supply clues throughout the day or via texts to those who sign up).  As an addition or as an alternate promotion, rent a “money wind tunnel” to give away some extra green or to take on registration remotes. (St. Patrick’s Day 2016)

 

LUCK OF THE GREEN MEETS WEARIN’ OF THE WESTERN

Sell this to a Western Wear store. Store visitors receive a lucky shamrock with a number and a discount. Discounts can be used throughout the month of March. The one lucky number receives a $250 gift certificate via a random drawing on St. Patrick’s Day. (St. Patrick’s Day 2015)

 

SHAMROCKS AND GLAM-ROCKS

Sell a nail salon a promotional idea featuring a special on shamrock nail-art with an accompanying grand prize – like $100 in ‘green’ (gift certificate). (St. Patrick’s Day 2015)

 

ST I-PADDY’S DAY

During March, listeners register when the leprechaun solicits calls and texts. Morning show draws the winner on the morning of the 17^th. (St. Patrick’s Day 2014)

 

EATIN’ O’ THE GREENS

Sell restaurants a promotion where diners receive a free side salad from March 1^st through the 17^th. (St. Patrick’s Day 2014)

 

TRAVELING IRISH RESTAURANT

Irish restaurant agrees to provide mini samples of their Irish stew at each remote in March through St. Patrick’s Day. Sales package includes promos in advance of and during each remote plus optional remote on the 17^th. (St. Patrick’s Day 2014)

 

PRETEND YOU’RE IRISH

Morning show bit where dialogue coach teaches the morning show to speak with an Irish accent. Listeners do their best Irish accents reading fake copy for either Lucky Charms or Guinness. Listeners vote for best; winner receives dinner for 2 at Irish pub. (St. Patrick’s Day 2014)

 

SAINT OR AIN’T

Morning show bit. Pose social dilemma question where listeners could decide whether the behavior in question was the right thing to do or not (ex: you have very strong suspicions that your best friend’s spouse is cheating and you decide to say something – saint or ain’t? (St. Patrick’s Day 2013)

 

EARN YOUR OWN SAINTHOOD

Saints have to do something miraculous in their lives. Listeners call in with their miraculous/saintly behavior (example: man who watched a week of Lifetime movies with his wife who had the flu). (St. Patrick’s Day 2013)

 

HOMETOWN SAINTS

Listeners nominate local do-gooders for sainthood. Nominees (automatically ‘sainted’ by the morning show) win nice prize. (St. Patrick’s Day 2013)

 

GO GREEN ON SAINT PATRICK’S DAY #1

Sell a promotion to a golf course that gives away free greens fees for the day. (St. Patrick’s Day 2013)

 

GO GREEN ON SAINT PATRICK’S DAY #2

Sell a restaurant a promotion where a green side salad comes free with every lunch all week or where their greens are discounted. (St. Patrick’s Day 2013)

 

CALLING ALL SAINTS

Listeners nominate someone deserving of special recognition. Winners are honored on the air and grand prize winner receives special gifts. (St. Patrick’s Day 2012)

 

MEET YOUR FAVORITE SAINT

Listeners register to win a trip to a city with the word “Saint/St.” in it. Some markets may have a potential tie-in with the New Orleans Saints. (St. Patrick’s Day 2012)

 

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: ST. PATRICK’S DAY BAR/REMOTE GAMES

Several games to play at your bar or other remote: 1) Green Beer Relay (teams navigate an obstacle course with a tray full of green beers. Most beer left wins in the glasses wins.  2) St. Pat Trivia, 3) Shillelagh Golf (plastic Shillelagh used as putter with indoor putting cup). (St. Patrick’s Day 2012)

 

YOU DON’T NEED TO BE IRISH TO BE LUCKY

For a merchant with a St. Patrick’s Day sale: listeners pop a green balloon on entering the store to find out what their discount is. Bonus points for adding your call letters to the balloon and stock on which the discount is printed. Super bonus points for signing store-goers up to win gold coin. (St. Patrick’s Day 2012)

 

1. “PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK” DAY

Day to share charities that listeners are involved with, and to encourage others to join in doing good community work. (St. Patrick’s Day 2011)

 

WIN A TRIP TO IRELAND

Sell multiple Irish Pubs and other lounges a month-long promotion where listeners can register online at on a special page and in person daily to win a trip for two to Ireland given away on the last day of the month. Sell ads on the registration page as well as part of on air promos and optional remotes. (St. Patrick’s Day 2011)

 

EMERALD AISLE

Sell a retailer on a St. Patrick’s Day sale where all items in an aisle are marked with green sale tags. Roll a green carpet down the sale aisle. (St. Patrick’s Day 2011)

 

“PADDY’S PATTY”

Sell a hamburger restaurant a special one day promotion where all “patties” are discounted or where something is offered free – like a small green salad. (St. Patrick’s Day 2011)

 

BE A SAINT

Pick a charity and hold a collection drive/fund raising drive the week prior to St. Patrick’s Day and make your presentation on the 17^th.  Sell a title sponsor to benefit a charity their business already supports. (St. Patrick’s Day 2010)

 

GET GREENER THIS YEAR (INVESTMENTS)

Use the holiday as a way to present an investment advisor, bank, or even realtor to listeners. Consider web page of weekly tips. (St. Patrick’s Day 2010)

 

HOW LUCKY WILL YOU BE ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY?

Sell an area casino on giving away a night’s lodging with meals and a show. Qualifying prizes could be rolls of quarters. (St. Patrick’s Day 2010)

 

GO GREEN FOR ST PATRICK AND EVERY DAY THIS YEAR

Use this day to being a business’ green initiative.

 

GREAT GRAMS OF GREEN

Quick contest where listeners guess which of three choices is the correct weight in grams of various green items. Sponsor provides prizes.

 

BAGPIPE LESSONS

Invite a piper to the morning show to give lessons to one of the talent and shoot video. Bagpipes are extremely difficult to learn and manipulate, so the images/sound should be big fun. Have piper play Friends In Low Places and others; hold ‘name that song’ contest.

 

PUB CRAWL

Sell several bars on participating in a pub crawl. Station supplies rented bus and driver to various pubs. Offer different prizes at each location. Listeners can register to win seats on the bus or buy them for charity. Can also work for sports bars.

 

FIND THE LEPRECHAUN

Find the station leprechaun and win a green prize (cash or something valuable that’s green Can be a virtual hunt (anywhere in the world) or local using your street person in leprechaun garb actually hiding in places. Give clues in the form of limericks. First to find him in current location wins. Leprechaun can go to multiple locations throughout the day so you can sell to multiple clients.  Prizes are from clients or cash built into sales package.

 

MAIL US SOMETHING GREEN

Listeners send in weird things you can talk about on the air; weirdest (or randomly drawn) wins “green” (cash).

 

LEPRECHAUN BOWLING

Paint six plastic garden gnomes green and set up bowling “lane” at remotes for first half of March. Knock all down on one throw for CD.

 

1. POTTY’S DAY

During remote, listeners draw prizes out of our “Potty o’ gold” (toilet spray-painted gold).

 

SPEED LUCKY CHARMS SORTING

Get those small (1) serving Lucky Charms boxes and have listeners “Sort out” the moons, stars, etc. into separate bowls. Quickest one wins.

 

PORT-A-POTTY OF GOLD

Spray paint the toilet inside one of these gold and place it somewhere in town. Give clues. First person to locate it wins gold in the amount of your frequency.

 

HANDING OUT THE GREEN

Stunt boy is dressed as St. Patrick handing out the green (cash) to men and women who will touch his shillelagh. (Actually a walking stick/club, but it sounds naughty!)

 

LUCKY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Send listeners to Las Vegas or to an area casino. Award dinner, rolls of quarters, etc. Your lottery could also be a potential sponsor.

 

BLARNEY RUBBLE

Hide a specially painted station stone in a pile of rubble. Or, have blindfolded contestants reach into a large box of stones; anyone pulling out the special stone wins. Sell as a multi-hour remote to a mall, strip mall, or high visibility merchant.

 

GIVE AWAY THE GREEN

For St. Patrick’s Day, give away the green – your frequency in cash every hour. Listeners register at client locations, listen for their names, then call to win.

 

FOUR-LEAF CLOVER DISCOUNTS

Sell to a merchant who hides four-leaf clover cut-outs throughout his store. Shoppers who find them receive discounts.

 

SHAMROCK TREASURE HUNT

Hide logo’d, Shamrock cutouts around town. Each has a specific prize printed on it. Give clues throughout the day helping listeners locate them and turn them in for their rewards.

 

BRING IN THE GREEN

Challenge listeners to bring the largest green item they can find to the station to win a prize. The larger the prize, the more participants you will have. You may want to exclude vehicles from the list; it makes it harder and funnier to see what they come up with. Great morning show bit.

 

KEEP THE PLANET GREEN DAY

Talk about recycling, have schools compete to see who can collect the most cans to recycle, have a spring clean-up at a local park.

 

WORLD’S SMALLEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Hold the world’s smallest (or a one-man) St. Patrick’s Day parade. Invite listeners of Irish descent to join a lunchtime (7:30am?) three-block march. Encourage listeners to bring any instrument they can play including kazoos for a rousing rendition of Danny Boy.

 

WORLD’S BIGGEST ST. PATRICK DAY PARADE

Sell a promotion where listeners register to win a trip to New York City to see the St. Patrick’s Day Parade from a strategic location and include a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

 

GREEN CAB

Team with a taxi company to offer free rides home from anyone who celebrates too much.

 

WILL THE REAL ST. PATRICK (PAT, PATTY) PLEASE STAND UP?

Listeners nominate someone they know – a real Pat or Patrick (find a man and a woman) who lives in the area – who is real “saint,” i.e., someone who does good things for others. Winner receives proclamation from mayor, dinner for two, plaque, etc.

 

GREEN SALE

Merchant holds a “Green Sale” – everything with a green tag is on sale and saves shoppers “green.” Also works for restaurant serving salads, giving away free greens, etc.

 

START ST. PATRICK’S DAY EARLY

Broadcast morning show from Irish Pub (or any restaurant open for breakfast) and feature green eggs and ham, green bagels, etc.  Or send member of the morning show out with green bagels, green donuts, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

MARCH MADNESS

 

 

MARCH DAD-NESS

A bracket-type game where listeners vote for the dad with the best attributes/qualities/community or family activities, etc. The twist: Dads are identified only by a number and not by name. Sell to merchants who will supply prizes. (March Madness 2016)

 

AT-WORK BRACKET BOUNCE BACK

Sell this text contest to 4 or 5 advertisers. During the month of March, three times a day during at work hours, announce a different team as the key word of the hour. Listeners who text that keyword back to you are eligible to win the weekly prize of $500 and everyone (all weeks combined) are eligible to win the bonus grand prize of $1000 at the end of the month. Advertisers are given sponsorship of all return “you’re qualified” text messages for the day (4 days over the contest period with 5 sponsors, 5 days with 4 sponsors). Add some on-air and online promos to support the contest. OR consider running this TFN and just call it the At-Work Bounce Back Bonus. (March Madness 2016)

 

MARCH MADNESS POINTS AND PERKS

Designed for a business with a loyalty program. Offer a $500 prize (or something of significant value) to the client as part of an incentive to increase store visits and membership sign-ups over a 6 week period.  (March Madness 2015)

 

SWEET 16 DEALS

Business marries radio schedule with their email efforts to promote a new deal each day.  16 :10s at the end of a stop set (over 24 hours) would be a way to complete the “16” circle. Because that’s a lot of spots, sell this to one client only and charge a premium price. (March Madness 2015)

 

SWEET 16 PIZZA TOPPING BRACKET

30 days out list 16 toppings to be voted on. Each week eliminate half so that in the last week you’re down to two.  Vote the first week for 4, then 3, 2 and 1 topping. Top topping votes are awarded one chance at the grand prize of pizza for a year (52 pies – you can set limits). (March Madness 2015)

 

MARCH SANITY

Sell the campaign idea to a women’s spa or salon. “There’s no ‘March Madness’ here – just a special time for you to relax…Leave the ‘March Madness’ to someone else…” (March Madness 2015)

 

BASKETBALL FOR ALL

Team with a sporting goods store to collect money for local non-profits where basketball is part of the offerings: PAL, YMCA/YWCA, etc. Consider a phrase like “5% for the kids” (take off on “1% for the planet”). An accompanying remote is a possibility along with a basketball related grand prize (no donation necessary). (March Madness 2015)

 

WING MADNESS – version 1

During the tournament, diners vote for favorite wing sauces. Everyone who enters is eligible to win dozen wings after each round. Pick the final winner and win a year’s supply of wings. (March Madness 2014)

 

WING MADNESS (pricing) – version 2

Sweet 16 Wing-Madness: pricing deal on 16 wings Also 2 free wings with different sauce of diner’s choice. Wing eating contest. (March Madness 2014)

 

FOUL SHOOTING CONTEST

Bring a portable hoop to at every remote during tournament. Each person gets three shots with grand prize drawing form all four brackets (made no shots, made 1 shot, etc.).  (March Madness 2014)

 

ONE ON ONE TOURNAMENT

Hold this on one day at mall, Y or other location where a half basketball court game can be played. (March Madness 2014)

 

GUEST EXPERT

Sports station has ‘try outs’ for one expert from each college in the tournament to guest for 30 minutes on the day their team first plays; those guest announcers whose teams make it to the final 16 and 4 comeback.( March Madness 2014)

 

TEAM JERSEY MADDNESS

Sell a sporting goods store a promotion where all college jerseys are discounted and where listeners register to win four pair or athletic shoes in honor of the Final Four. (March Madness 2013)

 

BASKETBALL ‘QUART’

Sell this to a convenience store/gas station chain or similar. During the month of March, all quart-sized soft drinks are specially priced. Also sign up to win free quart-size drinks for a year plus something basketball related  (March Madness 2013)

 

MOBILE MADDNESS

Station has a new keyword each day during NCAA tournament; can be at appointment time on air or on website. Listeners text keyword to station with randomly selected texter receiving the day’s prize. Sell to multiple sponsors for daily prizes plus a grand prize of $1000 to use to pay your mobile bills. (March Madness 2013)

 

HALF TIME SPECIALS

Sell to a pizza or sandwich shop or bar/grill: half price specials on all orders placed during half time or up until half time; or a different topping on each half a pizza free. (March Madness 2013)

 

MONGREL MADDNESS

Listeners upload photos of their pets (dog and non-dog brackets). Station selects 32 best photos and listeners complete the voting.  Sell to pet-related vendor/business. (2013)

 

MARCH MADDNESS SPECIALS

For bar or restaurant: each night during the NCAA, two items are discounted.  (2012)

 

SWEET 16 SPECIALS

Several ways to go: 16 different specials over the course of the tournament; 16 ounce steak for the price of 12; during games, a different special every 16 minutes. (2012)

 

HIP HOOP

Copy idea for business in basketball-themed competition (like a sports bar); write copy in ‘hip-hop’ or ‘rap’ style that promotes the specials and why this sports bar is the March Madness Headquarters. (2012)

 

MARCH GLADNESS/CHARITY

Sell this 16-day promotion to several community-minded sponsors. Start with 16 local charities, listing online a paragraph on what each does. Match them up in 8 brackets of 2, trying to make the match-ups as even as possible in terms of charity awareness, followers, etc. Each day, listeners vote online for the charity they feel more people need to know about, is needier, want to see move on, etc. Continue with the 8, then 4, then 2 survivors. All charities receive the same cash donation regardless of whether they move on or not.   (2011)

 

MARCH GLADNESS/PRIZES

Sell this 9-day promotion to 16 businesses that each offer a prize described online. Listeners vote for which prize they want/think will get the most votes. Total the votes after 24 hours and randomly draw a winner for each prize from those who voted for it. Enter everyone who voted for the winning prize in a final drawing for $1000 to be held the day after the last prize is awarded. (2011)

 

HOOPS AND HOPS

Sell a sports bar on picking a nightly winner/total points, etc. during March Madness. Winner receive gift certificates.  (2010)

 

BASKET BALL

Sell a basket store (or florist or specialty food store that creates baskets, etc) on registering listeners and giving away baskets to the “final four” from all qualifiers. Could also work with a grocery store giving away a basket of food and donating an equal dollar amount to a local food bank. (2010)

 

SWEET 16 SURVIVOR KIT

Sell multiple merchants on a contest where one winner gets the ultimate TV sports fan prize package: HD widescreen, sports package from cable/satellite, food, etc. (2010)

 

FINAL FOUR

If you have a station basketball team, play your final four games for charity. (2010)

 

MARCH MADNESS MAD SCRAMBLE

Website game where a series of basketball related words are scrambled. Listeners email correct answer for basketball-related prize. Sponsors: electronics, sporting goods, sports bar (place to watch the finals), casino.

 

SUPER HOOPERS

Sell tournament remotes to several sports bars and a beer sponsor. During each 3 hour remote, each person 21 or older gets 15 foul shots with a Nerf basketball set up. Offer 1, 2, 3-point shots. Hold first and second rounds (and sudden death if necessary) to win tickets to Final 4 or other related prize.

 

BEAT THE BUZZER

In each of 3 rounds, 2 listeners can choose 1 (easiest), 2 or 3 (hardest) point questions to be answered before the basketball buzzer sounds (7 seconds). Highest total wins gift certificate from sporting goods store and enters grand prize drawing for tickets to Final 4, basketball party at their house, etc.

 

SHOOT FOR SHOES SO ALL CAN PLAY

Team with a sporting goods store (or any merchant that sells tennis shoes) for a ‘basketball shoes fund raiser.’ Store sets up basketball hoop and, for a donation, customers receive one free throw. Those making it are awarded a discount coupon. All monies go towards buying basketball shoes, equipment for town’s recreation center or to be distributed to needy kids.

 

I HATE TO TELL YOU BUT YOU’RE DRIBBLING

Sell sporting goods store on holding a dribbling obstacle course to win catered Final 4 Party and tickets to next year’s event (or tickets to local basketball game). Alternately co-sponsor a dribbling marathon with a non-profit group for charity; do it in a high visibility location.

 

FOWL SHOOTING

Sell to sports bar. Qualifiers shoot foul shots using frozen chickens. Most in wins trip to one of NCAA tournaments. Potential sponsors: sporting goods store or supermarket.
WIN YOUR HEIGHT IN CDS

You don’t have to be tall as a basketball player to win. Listeners register to win their height in CDs. Add a topical copy point that members of the Final Four are not eligible.

 

FINAL FOUR BASKETBALL SHOOT-OUT

Bring a basketball and portable hoop to a remote. Listeners who make one of four free-throws (or who can just hit the backboard) are entered in a drawing to win giant screen TV or entertainment center to watch the NCAA tournament on. Sponsors: sporting goods stores, TV/appliance dealers, snack foods, soft drinks.

 

FINAL FOUR COUNTRY KILLERS

Weekend “battle of the songs” competition with starting field of 64 being narrowed down to the Final Four and ultimately just one according to listener votes. Competition runs hourly beginning at 6am Monday through midnight Sunday. Potential sponsors include music retailers, electronics stores, sporting goods stores, etc. Everyone who votes is eligible for a trip to next year’s Final Four.

 

DRIBBLING FOR DOLLARS

Sell a dribbling/basketball bouncing marathon remote to a high-traffic location. Two ways to go: 1) to raise money for charity or, 2) to have the last bouncers win prizes ranging from cash to trips to Final Four next year.

 

 

 

Month-Specific Events…

 

 

American Red Cross Month

Highlights works of the Red Cross. Talk to representative about demands made due to with war, terrorist activities and alerts at home, what needs still exist and how listeners can help. If needs warrant, consider a cluster-wide effort. www.RedCross.org

 

Colorectal Cancer EDUCATION AND Awareness Month

To increase awareness of colorectal cancer and encourage people to learn about prevention. www.ppsinc.org Interview doctor on prevention tips, or sell an awareness-themed spot schedule to hospital or doctors’ group. Member of the morning show undergoes exam.

 

CREDIT EDUCATION MONTH

Designed to remind consumers, educators, business leaders and legislators the importance of developing the skills needed to manage finances successfully.

 

Deaf History Month (March 13-April 15)

Observance of three most important anniversaries for deaf Americans: American School for the Deaf (first public school, established April 15, 1817); April 8, 1864, charter signed by President Lincoln for what is now Gallaudet University to grant college degrees to deaf students; March 13, 1988, Deaf President Now movement at Gallaudet. Sell hearing aid dealer, hearing loss specialist, sign language school, etc. a salute to deaf month. www.Folda.net

 

EMPLOYEE SPIRIT MONTH

Month to inspire most vital part of any organization: the employees. For info, free tips, newsletter and employee morale assessment, check www.ConfidenceCenter.com Poll listeners for best place to work and why, awarding prizes for best places. If you have a picked-on stunt person, give them a morale assessment on the air, preferable while they’re on some wild stunt.

 

Humorists Are Artists Month/International Mirth Month

Poll listeners for their favorite comedians, favorite comedies, funniest movies, etc. Draw from all who participate to win free comedy tickets/CD. Sell comedy club/bookstore promotion where jokes are collected from listeners and best ones/joke tellers receive tickets to comedy club, comedy CDs, gift certificates, tickets to taping of a comedy TV show. Post best jokes on website or email jokes to those who request it. Air/post morning show’s “Bad Joke of the Day.”

 

International Ideas Month

Dedicated to encouraging thinkers to get their ideas out in the open. www.SpringboardTraining.com Sell a schedule to a gadgets store or a patent attorney who also appears on the morning show with tips on how to protect your ideas and get them to market. Poll listeners for “things people should invent.”

 

International Listening Awareness Month

Dedicated to learning more about the impact that listening has on all human activity and to promote development of effective listening techniques. www.Listen.org Interview listening coach on how to be a better listener, how to respond to rapid-fire questions. Sell a month-long series of “how to protect your hearing” spots to a doctors’ group or hearing aid company. Play a “memory” game with listeners where a list of 10 items is read and listeners win a prize for recalling 7 or more; could be sold to “memory course” provider.

 

INTERNATIONAL MIRTH MONTH

The merry month of March is set aside to encourage more mirthful moments. Its focus is to show people how to use humor to deal with not-so-funny stuff. Invite an Improv player on the show who can make listeners’ bad situations funny . www.aath.org

 

Irish-American Heritage Month

Salute local and national notables of Irish descent. Sell a promotion to an Irish restaurant that includes special meals, discounted prices, Irish entertainment, remote, etc.

 

MAD FOR PLAID MONTH

Contrary to common belief, plaid doesn’t hail from the British Isles but from Central Europe dating bath to the sixth century. This month celebrates the history and allure of plaid. www.thenationalartsclub.org

 

Music In Our Schools Month

Organize a drive to collect music instruments in good condition to give to needy area schools. Sell this promotion to a music store that agrees to serve as a drop-off point, provide minor refurbishing, register donors for free music lessons/instruments. Or sell it to an institutional/community-minded advertiser. Have member of the air staff present instruments to schools at assemblies. Or sell a promotion to a music store that gives lessons and offers to give free lessons or rentals for six months. Organize all participants into station’s “symphony” and present mini-concert at a senior citizens’ home as a finale. Or invite school bands to record your jingle, which morning show plays several times during the week. Award all who submit free pizza party for the band (sell this to a co-sponsor); best performance wins donation to music program. Have a music instructor/school band leader make a band out of the morning show. More info: Music Educator’s National Conference www.menc.org

 

National Clean Up Your IRS Act Month

Special month to focus on resolving problems with IRS. Specialists offer multiple “clean-up” gifts to taxpayers in need of assistance. Sponsored by American Society of Tax Preparers. www.astps.org Sell schedule to local tax preparers offering “clean up” services. Talk to preparer on-air about ways to get out of IRS trouble.

 

National Craft Month

Talk to listeners with unusual crafts. Sell a one-day a mini craft fair to a craft store or hold a remote with experts in different crafts offering free seminars throughout the day. Create sponsored web page with different crafts for people seeking a new craft/hobby. www.CraftAndHobby.org or www.CraftPlace.org Organize teams of listeners to do craft projects at local senior centers.

 

National Eye Donor Month

www.RestoreSight.org Talk about importance of being an organ donor. Get an ophthalmologist to talk about eye donation.

 

NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH

Kidney disease may be silent for many years before it reaches an advanced stage. The National Kidney Foundation urges everyone to get regular checkups that include tests for blood pressure, blood sugar, urine protein and kidney function. www.kidney.org

 

National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month

This month focuses on raising awareness of and compassion for those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. A series of national events takes place and educational materials and publications are circulated upon request from the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. www.MSFocus.org

 

National Nutrition Month

Sell a grocer/green grocer/health food store a schedule on nutrition or nutritional supplements. Sell a restaurant, doctors’ group or a weight-loss center a schedule that includes posting a “healthy” recipe each day/week on your website. Or sell a weight-loss center a schedule that promotes proper diet as part of its program. Or spotlight area food banks and how listeners can help; tie in corporate sponsors. Sell good-will campaign to area restaurants or grocers that routinely donate leftover food to food banks, soup kitchens, etc. Post volunteer opportunities on your website. www.EatRight.org

 

NATIONAL PEANUT MONTH

Celebrates one of America’s favorite foods.  www.peanutbutterlovers.com. Pass out coffee and peanut butter cookies (or similar) to commuters. Stunt person goes to airport and passes out those ‘airline size’ bags of peanuts to passengers since flight attendants don’t hand them out any more (be sure to secure permission first). Sell nut store promotion where new peanut recipe is posted daily.

 

National Umbrella Month

Obvious promotional opportunity with department store, other vendor. Or stencil inexpensive umbrellas with station logo and pass them out to commuters during rush hour/lunch hour each day it rains this month. Cover the cost of the umbrellas by selling a coupon-sponsorship to a dry cleaner, clothing store that sells raincoats, etc. Give away movies with famous umbrella scenes: Mary Poppins, Singin’ in the Rain, etc. and register listeners to win trips to these films’ locations (London, Hollywood, etc.).

 

National Women’s History Month

Create series of “famous women in history” spots that are sponsored; especially target local business run by women. Morning show feature, spotlighting women who’ve made significant historical contributions. Host a lecture and add a web page about the great women of history. www.nwhp.org

 

Optimism Month

To encourage people to be more optimistic, which improves quality of life. Interview a motivational speaker on the air. Host a “how to be more optimistic in business” presentation. Get tip sheet at www.DrMercer.com and distribute it to listeners via email; re-write it from a business perspective and pass it out to clients and prospects.

 

Play-The-Recorder Month

With a music store, sponsor a learn-to-play-the-recorder workshop. Expert plays hooks on recorder and listeners guess songs for prizes. Or have an instructor appear on the morning show and teach all members how to play “Friends In Low Places” or similar. American Recorder Society: www.AmericanRecorder.org

 

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

To elevate awareness of how to prevent accidental poisoning. www.ppsinc.org Sell a schedule to a company that sells detection devices that alert homeowners to natural gas, carbon monoxide, radon, etc. in the home. Or sell a schedule to a walk-in clinic with a pitch that they’re prepared for any emergency.

 

RED CROSS MONTH

(See American Red Cross Month above.)

 

Save Your Vision Month

To remind Americans of the importance of eye health care and regular exams. Offer glaucoma, eye disease info, sponsored by eye care professional. Also consider safety announcements about wearing protective goggles and sell a series of spots on this subject to a home improvement store or other similar sponsor. www.aoa.org

 

SING WITH YOUR CHILD MONTH

Celebrate the joy of families singing, dancing and making music together.  Family music-making supports child development and helps form lasting family bonds.  Sell mall or similar “Parent Idol” day where a parent and child perform for mall gift certificates. www.musictogether.com/singmonth

 

Social Work Month

Members of the National Association of Social Workers spend the month celebrating the accomplishments of social workers and the services they provide to vulnerable populations. www.naswdc.org Ask for online nominations for “Social Worker of the Week” to be featured on-air and on station website.

 

Workplace Eye WELLNESS Month

Sell a schedule or arrange an interview with an eye doctor who dispels vision myths. Sell a promotion to an eyeglass merchant who offers tips on making home and workplace safer and offers discounts on safety glasses all month. Get tips you can distribute to listeners from Prevent Blindness America www.PreventBlindness.org

 

Youth Art Month

Join with mall to display art from area kids. With an area art school/supply house, co-sponsor two-hour “learn to draw” session for kids or hold a remote with registration for free lessons or art supplies. Or sell them on a series of spots about famous artists, careers in art, etc. www.acminet.org/Youth_Art_Month.htm

 

 

 

SPRING

 

 

SPRING CLEANING

Sell a dry cleaner/laundry on a promotion where specials are offered on cleaning winter garments to be packed away. Add a ‘win free dry cleaning/laundry for a year’ prize.

 

MARCH-ING BAND (v1)

Partner with merchants selling music or instruments and hold a used instrument collection with instruments donated to schools, community band programs. Possible add-on: music scholarship.

 

MARCH-ING BAND (v2)

March battle of the bands with online component: listeners vote for favorite area/regional bands. Winning band gets paid gig at station listener appreciation party or similar. Potential sponsors: beverage companies, clubs, energy drinks.

 

HAND SPRINGS LEAD TO FOOT SPRINGS

Sell nail salon promotion offering free or discounted pedicures with manicures.

 

SP-RRRING

Sell to a jeweler who is promoting spring/summer engagement rings. On a smaller scale, also works as a promotion where free ring tones are given away. (2012)

 

SCHOLARLY SPRING BREAK

For those not partying it up, hold a job fair or career counseling session. Sell to community-minded sponsors, schools, even employment agency. (2012)

 

WE’LL SPRING FOR THE TAX

Sell to a mall or group of merchants; on the first week of spring, the tax on anything purchased is paid for by the merchant. (2012)

 

SPRING ‘BAKE’ (v1)

Target kitchen remodelers with discounts on ovens and other appliances. (2012)

 

SPRING ‘BAKE’ (V2)

Sell a bakery, grocery with a bakery, etc. on a special bake sale during spring break. Alternatively, have them sponsor a ‘best baking recipe’ contest online with store gift certificates and grand prize of new oven, or professional baking tools, or similar.

 

MARCH MEET-UPS

Sell four (one a week) “after work networking meet-ups” wine bars, upscale lounges or coffee shops. You could make them all for business, or do two for business and two for social. Good Facebook/Twitter tie-ins too. (2011)

 

STOPPING THE “MARCH” OF TIME

Sell a dermatologist on giving away Botox treatment or a plastic surgeon on giving away an age-reducing procedure. Or use same idea for a hair salon or hair replacement center. (2011)

 

TIME MARCHES ON

Sell a jeweler on giving away upscale his and her watches, or an antique dealer on giving away an antique timepiece. (2011)

 

MAKE UP GAMES

Spring weather cancels sports games that need to be made up. But this is about cosmetic make ups. Sell product sampling remote to cosmetics store and give away free make ups. (2010)

 

“EYES” OF MARCH

Sell an eye wear store a month long promotion with discounts all month. Host a “best eyes” contest online. Or host “mystery eyes” where a different set of celebrity eyes is posted each day with a prize to one randomly selected correct guesser each day. Or host an eyeglasses drive for needy. (2010)

 

THIS WEATHER’S FOR THE BIRDS

Sell a home improvement store on holding a bird house building clinic and giving away free bird seed. Post listeners’ pictures of birds that visit their houses. Add optional trip giveaway to a warm place. (2010)

 

SPRING STAGING SPECTACULAR

Whether listeners’ are putting homes up for sale or just want a fresh, professional look, give away the services of a home stager. Sell to realtor, furniture store, etc.(2010)

 

FIRST WEENIE/BRAT OF THE SEASON

Create a “Never Too Early to Start Grilling” promotion for store that sells grills, giving away nice gas grill and summer’s supply of hot dogs, brats, etc.  Also sell sponsorships to grocer, outdoor furniture store, even landscaper/lawn service. (2010)

 

VIRTUAL FASHION SHOW/FASHION ACCESSORIES FOR SPRING

Sell a web promotion to a clothing store where several of the station’s talent (or models) model what’s new for spring. Divide the videos into categories – formal, casual, summer, etc. Imbed a number in each video that can be used to receive a discount.

 

NURSERY WITH LANDSCAPING ADVICE/TIPS/VIDEO

Sell a nursery or landscaper on recording a series of ‘how to/when to’ videos that link/stream from your website and are promoted on air. Sell a month/season long campaign with one of your talent as co-host of the videos.

 

“SPRING” SALE

Use this name as a clever tool for pitching a March sale at a mattress store (mattress springs), audio repair shop that puts a special on replacing old springs, spring water, resort with the name ‘spring’ in it, etc.

 

401(k) FIX-UP

Partner with a bank or investment company to “fix” a listener’s broken 401(k) account. The listener who lost the biggest percentage value in their 401(k), IRA, retirement savings, etc. last year wins a cash infusion.

 

HIDE IT UNDER THE MATTRESS

Partner with a bed/furniture store to give away news beds.  Since so many people have lost money in the past year, under the mattress may seem like as good a place as any to stash the cash.

 

KXXX COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN

Group of advertisers each contribute cash for the grand prize: money for college in the form of scholarship.

 

SEND GIRLS SCOUT COOKIES TO OUR TROOPS

Arrange for Girl Scout Troops to sell cookies at sponsor locations with listeners buying boxes of cookies to send to our armed forces overseas.

 

SPRING FLOWERS

Celebrate arrival of spring by teaming with florist to give away spring bouquets. Or sell a promotion to a garden store that offers special prices on bulbs or flowers for planting, has a speaker who shares planting tips, etc.

GET A JUMP ON TAXES

Sell a series of tips and informational spots to tax expert who encourages early filing.

 

STATION GARAGE SALE KIT

Lots of listeners will be holding them through the end of spring. Give away garage sale supplies: stickers with logos on them, change makers/cash boxes, hangars for clothes, etc. “Register” listeners’ garage sales for free posting on our website and chance to be randomly selected to win a station van drive-by with free coffee, donuts and new boom box to play the station on. Sell a schedule to second-hand or consignment store. Organize a drive to pick up unwanted items that can be given to charity.

 

SPRING BREAK FOR ADULTS

Who says you have to be in college to go somewhere warm for a spring break? Sell a promotion to a travel agency, hotel chain, major retailer, etc. where listeners register for a weekend trip to a warm location.

 

SPRING TRAINING

Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers report in the middle of February, full squads a few days later. Sell a remote/promotion to fitness retailer including tips on training at home with weights, home gyms, etc. Award free passes to gymnasiums that coincide with your team’s first day of spring training or register listeners to win opening day passes.

 

SPRING PRICE BREAK

Sell mall or multiple merchants a promotion where prices are discounted (listeners get a spring price break) for a week during March that corresponds with local college spring break.

 

SPRING “BRAKE”

Sell a promotion to a service station or brake dealer. When listeners drive in to have their brakes tested for free, they are automatically registered for a free trip to spring break destination.

 

LOCAL SPRING BREAK

Host a spring party in town with music, food, fun for those who don’t take a spring break vacation.

 

EARTH DAY/SPRING CLEAN UP

Join with city officials to collect cans, plastic bottles and other trash. Possible tie-ins include soft drink bottlers, fast food chains, other businesses interested in/involved in the local environment.

 

SPRING CLEANING

Sell to multiple sponsors who together give away a complete house spring-cleaning: carpet shampooing, maid service, gutter cleaning, windows washing, etc. Listeners can register at any of sponsors plus on the air or on website.

WORLD’S LARGEST CAR WASH

Partner with fire department to hose cars off. Listeners donate whatever they can to the firemen’s charity. Or sell remote to a car wash with listeners registering to win a year of free washes.

 

KITE DAY

Work with local parks department or business with large field or parking area to stage a day of kite flying (get help from your local chapter of The National Kite Flyers Association if you have one). Work with toy stores to supply kite kits for kids. Create station kite with logo; hold contests for biggest kite, kite with best station logo, etc. Good opportunity for sponsor product sampling, vendors and fun for small kids like clowns, face painters, magicians, etc.