A photo party makes a great consolation prize
Reader Emma recently hosted a giveaway contest to grow her e-mail newsletter list (a great idea!). But she wasn't sure what to offer as a thank-you to those who didn't win:
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I also want to send a welcome/thank you email to all the people who subscribed to newsletter to enter the giveaway contest, but not sure what to include in it yet (was thinking I’d offer the discount but now not...)
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She and I talked a bit about discounting before. I'm not a fan of devaluing your work, but definitely a fan of creative barter, such as for video testimonials or introductions to referrals.
For a consolation prize, a photo party is not a bad idea:
* One hour
* Location of your choosing (the park, or wherever you have good light)
* Serve some light refreshments (bonus if homemade)
* Make mini-shoot portraits of everyone who attends (if they entered your giveaway, they're hot leads, right?)
* Do it all for free. They only have to RSVP.
Then send reminders out the week and day before the party.
For whoever shows up (whether that's one person or a dozen), give them the red carpet treatment for that hour. Laugh, ask questions, be curious, get to know them, make it social and fun and light, no sales pitch; just a really nice, good experience for all.
That way you're not lowering the value of your work - you're giving a red carpet VIP experience, and getting invaluable face time with people who could be your next ideal clients.
Are you booked solid for the next 13 weeks with a waiting list forming? If not, drop me an e-mail at james@banderaoutlaw.com and let's talk about ideas.
James Michael Taylor
www.parttimephoto.com
