Question of the Week

Ron Goch
The Telios Group
Email Ron

Strategy for Complimentary Tickets

December 29th 2008

Q. What strategy would you recommend for giving away tickets in the community to fill unsold seats at athletic events?

A. With the struggling economy and many non-profit organizations struggling to maintain their cash donations, sports teams that have available ticket inventory could partner with non-profit organizations in their community and donate tickets – or have a corporate partner underwrite donated tickets – so non-profit organizations could use tickets as fundraising opportunity. (more…)

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Promotional Partnership with Bowling Center

December 22nd 2008

Q. Are you aware of any promotional partnerships between bowling centers and college or professional sports teams?

A. I did see a promotion conducted in Louisiana - “Bowling for Bowl Tickets” - that was an enter-to-win contest conducted by a television station in partnership with a bowling center.

Mascot (human) bowling has been a popular promotion with college and promotional sports teams over the years, and you may want to visit GameOps.com to learn more about this as well as other fun and entertaining sports promotions.

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Twitter for College Athletics Fans

December 15th 2008

Q. A friend shared with me that many professional sports teams are using Twitter as a part of their social media to communicate scores, ticket specials and other team news and updates. Do you feel this is also something college athletics could benefit from using for its fans?

A. There’s no question college athletic programs can benefit from using Twitter and you can find many professional sports examples on Twitter to get you started. You can follow The Telios Group on Twitter by clicking here to see examples of updates and ticket promotions being posted by some of the professional sports teams we’re following.

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Furniture Store Contest at Basketball

December 8th 2008

Q. Is there a contest or promotion you could recommend hosting at basketball games for a furniture store sponsorship?

A. Two of my favorite furniture store contests and promotions are the “Couch Potato Shot of the Game” and the “Best Seats in the House.” Each have been around a long time, crowd favorites, and if you’re not presently conducting them – and haven’t in recent years – I recommend both.

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Stocking Stuffer Advertising Alternatives

December 1st 2008

Q. With tight advertising budgets, what alternatives would you offer for marketing and promoting stocking stuffer ticket packages versus the traditional newspaper, radio and television advertising?

A. I’d recommend utilizing a prominent location on your website; include in your eNewsletters; in-game public address announcements and reader board mentions; tag your seat backs with mini flyers; include in your event programs; drop-ins during radio and television broadcasts; and provide information to your (more…)

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Practicing Voice Mail Messages

November 24th 2008

Q. As a ticket sales rep, my weakness is leaving voice mail messages and I’m wondering what advice you may have to assist me with improving?

A. Daily role-playing is one of the best practices for improving your technique and comfort level with successfully leaving effective voice mail messages. (more…)

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Assist Clients During Downturn

November 17th 2008

Q. During these times of economic downturn, what do you recommend to sports teams?

A. It’s important for team execs to always reach out throughout the year - but especially during this downturn of the economy - to corporate partners, season ticket holders, suite holders, and group leaders to offer your assistance. (more…)

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Value of Blogs Versus Status Updates

November 10th 2008

Q. What are your thoughts on the value of blogs versus social network status updates?

A. I’ve been blogging since 2006, posting hundreds of entries over that time.

I’ve only been involved in online social networks this year, and in all that time, I haven’t posted a “status update.” (more…)

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Maintaining a Positive Attitude

November 3rd 2008

Q. How do you maintain a positive attitude during challenging times?

A. I understand there will be challenges sprinkled in with all the fun stuff, and I try to do my very best to anticipate the challenges and deal with them the best I can.

I’ve always believed that things happen - good and not so good - for a reason, and so I accept whatever is thrown my way. (more…)

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Future of Social Networking

October 27th 2008

Q. Is social networking a business fad or a strategy you see continuing to grow as it has the last few years?

A. I’m amazed at the growth of social networking, and how it’s not only appealing to teens, but statistics show the baby boomers are one of the fastest growing demographics across all social networking. (more…)

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Successful Volleyball Promotions

October 20th 2008

Q. What successful volleyball match promotions would you recommend for engaging and exciting fans, and is there one promotion you’d recommend for Halloween that involves fan participation?

A. I’m a big fan of the traditional T-shirt toss and pizza cheer-off promotions to get fans on their feet cheering, and the ever popular kids candy dash is popular with the youth every Halloween. Cover the court with candy, and let the kids c

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Customer Service Book Recommendation

October 13th 2008

Q. If you had to choose one book among “The Starbucks Experience,” “The New Gold Standard,” and “The Nordstrom Way,” which one would you choose?

A. Luckily I didn’t have to choose only one and have enjoyed reading all three. Each are excellent reads that offer outstanding customer service strategies for any business. (more…)

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Fast Forward 10 Years

October 6th 2008

Q. What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

A. I see myself doing only things that I passionately enjoy, and much of the time that involves assisting others in some way.

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The 3 Big Questions

September 29th 2008

Q. Have you read “The 3 Big Questions for Frantic Family,” a leadership fable by Patrick Lencioni, and if you did, is it a book you’d recommend to other executives?

A. I have not read Patrick’s latest book, but I did recently pick it up and have read each of his other five leadership fables, and I’m looking forward to diving into this one in the weeks ahead.

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Inaugural Event Marketing

September 22nd 2008

Q. We will be hosting a first-time golf tournament fundraiser that we’re hopeful will be an in-going annual fundraiser. Some committee members are encouraging us to state “First Annual Golf Tournament” in our advertising so people know this will be an annual event. I’d prefer “inaugural” versus “first annual.” What do you recommend?

A. I recommend using “inaugural” because that’s exactly what it is, and next year’s event would be the “second annual.” It’s not an annual event until year two and beyond.

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Sample Participant Waiver Form

September 15th 2008

Q. Could you please share an event participant waiver form that is accessible to review the language information included to develop our own waiver form?

A. Here’s the Disney Sports Waiver and Permission Form that Disney makes available to participants that you may find to be a helpful example for an event waiver form.

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More Than One Social Network

September 8th 2008

Q. You’ve recommended to those not currently participating in social networking to seriously consider joining a social network, and you recommended LinkedIn and Facebook. Are there any other social networks you have experience with that you’d recommend, and is it best to develop profiles on multiple social networks?

A. I’ve had the opportunity over the past year to familiarize myself with LinkedIn and have enjoyed my experiences on this business social network. I’ve also posted a profile on Plaxo, and although I’ve had positive experiences, I have not been as active or engaged with users as I have with LinkedIn. (more…)

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The Definition of Success

September 1st 2008

Q. I’ve heard many people describe what success means to them. How would you describe success for you?

A. There are many definitions of success, and if you asked me several years ago – or even a few years ago – I likely would have shared a different answer.

Although success is defined in many different ways by many different people, success for me comes down to asking myself three simple questions each day – Am I passionate about what I’m doing and am I enjoying what I do? Am I significantly impacting others in a positive way? Did I do all I could to be the best I could be in all I attempted to accomplish?

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A New Online Travel Resource

August 25th 2008

Q. There are so many online travel resources today. Besides the traditional travel sites, is there a non-traditional or new online travel site you’d recommend someone include in their search for the best travel prices?

A. Although it’s not new, many may not be using it today, so I’d recommend you check out Kayack if it’s not an online resource you presently use for airline, hotel and rental car price comparing.

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Monthly eNewsletter Recommendation

August 18th 2008

Q. What electronic newsletter company would you recommend to someone with the desire to create a new monthly electronic newsletter?

A. I recommend you check out Constant Contact. It’s user-friendly and many small and large companies, as well as individuals, groups and associations use it.

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Gas With Ticket Purchase

August 11th 2008

Q. With gas prices being so high, it seems many businesses are giving away gas as well as conducting enter to win contests for scooters. Have sports teams jumped on this promotion as well?

A. These days, we might be more hard-pressed to find a business that isn’t offering an enter-to-win gas or scooter contest. The Texas Rangers began offering free gas with each ticket purchase back in June and are running this ticket promotion through Aug 24.

You can access this promotion and other single-game ticket promotions the Rangers are offering here.

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Experiences Social Networking

August 4th 2008

Q. You shared in your July 21 Question of the Week blog post that you’ve joined the social networking craze. Do you have any recommendations for someone like myself who is looking to explore social networking for the first time?

A. Don’t hesitate and jump in with both feet! Most of the social networks are very user-friendly, and each have their own unique offerings, but all have one thing in common, they connect people.

Depending on your goals and objectives, and if you’re doing this primarily for business or personal social networking, you will want to review those networks that are available and select which meets your goals and objectives best.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed and have invested the most time on LinkedIn (although not a great deal of time the last few months) and Facebook (more for family, friends and associates).

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Successfully Working With the Media

July 28th 2008

Q. What is your advice for successfully working with the media?

A. I’ve had three rules for successfully working with the media and they are: 1. Be prepared; 2. Always tell the truth; and 3. Avoid using “off he record.”

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Social Networking for Sports Business

July 21st 2008

Q. How effective are the various business and general social networking sites for generating business for sports teams?

A. It’s amazing to me how many social networks exist today and the popularity of many of the. In the last year, I’ve joined four social networks, and two of the four (Facebook and MySpace) I’ve only recently joined and built a profile.

I’ve enjoyed my experiences on LinkedIn and Plaxo for a variety of reasons, and I use the networks for connecting with people, staying connected with people, re-connecting with friends and associates, and assisting people who reach out to me with questions or guidance.

I’d recommend both LinkedIn and Plaxo for business social networking, and I’ve had nothing but good experiences using Facebook for general social networking with family and friends. MySpace is next on my list to better understand its capabilities and the opportunities that exist with that network.

The bottom line, though, is we’re just seeing an early preview of what’s to come with social networking in the future. I believe it will play a major factor in most businesses in the future.

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Best Book of The Summer

July 14th 2008

Q. What is the best business book you’ve read so far this summer that you’ recommend to others?

A. It’s a toss up between the Sales Bible by Gitomer and ProActive Sales Management by Miller.

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Compensating Mascots for Appearances

July 7th 2008

Q. How would you recommend handling compensation for mascot appearances? We have never paid our mascots for non athletic events in the summer. But we are struggling to keep up the demand for appearances and getting mascots to remain in town to handle the appearances. We currently pay for their mileage but not the appearance. What do you recommend?

A. I’d recommend offering your mascots who participate in your simmer programs the opportunity to attend summer school and provide a tuition waiver as the compensation for summer appearances.

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Fourth of July Ticket Specials

June 30th 2008

Q. Could you provide a few examples of how sports teams may be leveraging Fourth of July to attract fans besides fireworks?

A. Although the WNBA does not play a game on July 4, four teams (Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Antonio and Seattle) host games on July 3 and five teams (Atlanta, Houston, Indiana, Phoenix and Seattle) hosts games on July 5.

The Los Angeles Sparks are offering a special family plan for four tickets and four combo meals for only $50. The Indiana Fever are also offering a family plan that ranges from $10 to $79 (depending on seat preference) and includes tickets, hot dogs, chips, a soft drink, and T-shirts. The Phoenix Mercury are offering a Daddy’s Date Night Pack that includes tickets, hot dogs, soft drinks, and a basketball.

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Canada Day Ticket Special

June 23rd 2008

Q. Have you come across a ticket special that a sports team is offering for Canada Day?

A. First, an early happy Canada Day (it’s not until July 1) to each of our fellow Canadian readers. The Seattle Mariners will host the Toronto Blue Jays on July 1, and have a special offer for all Canadian residents in honor of Canada Day.

The game is being tabbed the “Battle of the Border,” and the Mariners are offering a special ticket price of $14 (regularly $20) on view reserved seating and a $25 ticket (regularly $40) for field seating. In addition, fans receive a free “Mariners Canada Day” T-shirt with each special ticket purchase.

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Maximize Your Vacation Time

June 16th 2008

Q. What are your thoughts on utilizing vacation days and the message that may be sent to the boss, employer, and co-workers when all vacation days are utilized annually?

A. As someone who once went a stretch of 11 years (yes, 11 consecutive years) without taking one vacation or sick day, I’m proud to say I fully maximize and enjoy my vacation days. (more…)

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Hit a Homerun with Dads

June 9th 2008

Q. Could you share one of your favorite Father’s Day ticket specials and events that other sports teams could offer during Father’s Day or any time during the year?

A. The Buffalo Bisons are hosting the “Bisons Father Day Festivities,” which includes the Bisons annual “Play Catch with Dad” opportunity on the field following the game on Father’s Day, June 15.

In addition to creating the special on-field experience for Dad and the kids, the Bisons do a great job of offering a family experience by creating a Father’s Day ticket package that includes four game tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, and of course a Buffalo Bisons neck tie for Dad…all for the family-friendly price of $56. (more…)

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Summer Reading Recommendations

June 2nd 2008

Q. Summer is here and I’d like to know what books you recommend?

A. Here are four books to get you started: “The Last Lecture,” by Randy Pausch; “Enjoy the Ride,” by Steve Gilliland; “The Answer,” by John Assaraf and Murray Smith; and “Crazy Busy,” by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.

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