Time to push the local businesses?

[standman]

Some business's give to charity as a form of advertising as it gets them into the press for free and they look good in the local community.
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[Kiddy Dragon]

Originally Posted by DoomandGloom

Not in a hard way but, I think I'm going to be asking local businesses I buy from if they support the club and, if it's reasonably possible, using someone else who does if they dont.

Time would be better spent before any local election asking which candidates support the club

[DoomandGloom]

First off, not getting into a party political discussion, none of them will help us.
Secondly, I didn't say to blackmail them, I said I'd ask if they are supporters of the club and (without falling out with anyone) put my business elsewhere if I could find someone offering the same service who does support the club. The person/business who supports the club then gets my business and I'll let them know that's why I chose them.

[Ddraigoch]

I agree with D&G and was equally surprised at the stance taken by the club in waiting for people to approach the club, rather than actively seeking out patrons/sponsors.
Before anyone says it, this is not some fantasy sugar daddy appeal.

I appreciate that Geoff is doing most of this on his own with a few willing helpers but we should be even more active in the marketplace. Money doesn't walk into the club and each and every £ is hard earned and thank goodness for Phil Salmon and AEC but we need more Phil Salmon's.

For all of that we need engagement with the wider community and a sense of what we can offer the would be sponsor.

None of this is meant as a criticism of what Geoff brings but an opportunity to provide every fan with something tangible to open the discussions with would be sponsors.

[SE19 Exile]

JCB are a massive company on the industrial estate and have done nothing for the Club as far as I know - won't be buying one of their diggers any time soon.
In all seriousness though I like the OP's sentiment. Even if it's as small a gesture as just displaying a fixture list in the shop window it all helps. Maybe for any donations to raffles or sponsoring a player the Club could give them a poster or sticker to display on their premises. It would also mean you don't have to ask such a question at the counter which some wouldn't necessarily be comfortable with.

[onelegged harry]

Originally Posted by DoomandGloom

Not in a hard way but, I think I'm going to be asking local businesses I buy from if they support the club and, if it's reasonably possible, using someone else who does if they dont.

Yes great idea but before we do any chasing of businesses let us get our house
in order first,last summer we lost bill board advertising due I believe to chasing
new business and perhaps lack of support within the sales team(if there is one
and if not why?)I know of one businessman who despite supporting our team
financially for several years was never asked to renew and please do'nt say he
should have phoned up, sorry but we employ someone to do this and I think
the easiest and first job must be renewals.So how much did we lose through
not renewing billboards (at an average of £1500 each)

[ugarte007]

Isnt the only way they could help through advertising ?

[DoomandGloom]

Originally Posted by onelegged harry

Yes great idea but before we do any chasing of businesses let us get our house
in order first,last summer we lost bill board advertising due I believe to chasing
new business and perhaps lack of support within the sales team(if there is one
and if not why?)I know of one businessman who despite supporting our team
financially for several years was never asked to renew and please do'nt say he
should have phoned up, sorry but we employ someone to do this and I think
the easiest and first job must be renewals.So how much did we lose through
not renewing billboards (at an average of £1500 each)

I heard the same about billboard advertisements and that is undoubtedly a priority, these people have already taken the biggest step and agreed support!! My point, and apologies for not expressing it too well, was that we, the rank and file, should reward those who do help by supporting their services. I guess the club could help us here by sending us, on email to keep costs down, a sponsors business listing for us to head their way. Some publicity about that step would then: a) show something proactive to those that do b) encourage those that don't.

[DoomandGloom]

Originally Posted by ugarte007

Isnt the only way they could help through advertising ?

Already answered above but: posters in the window, sponsorship, advertising, raffle prizes etc.