Newsagencies are the ideal businesses for connecting with local hobby and special interest clubs given the range of magazines we sell and the connection we have with clubs in other ways.
The types of local clubs and community groups I am thinking of are:
- Knitting.
- Crochet.
- Genealogy.
- History.
- Cooking.
- Stamp collecting.
- Train.
- Gun.
- Hunting.
- Dogs.
- Cats.
- Horses.
- Outdoors – hiking and camping.
- Parents.
- Retiree community activity groups.
- Nationality based groups.
Thinking about the above list, just about every town has a historical society with members. It’s clubs and groups like this which would not usually be on our radar when they should.
We could connect with these businesses in a number of ways:
- Offering discounts to members on magazines and products.
- Getting products from suppliers to give away to the groups.
- Maybe funding a once a year event.
- Giving them a place to meet – some country newsagencies have considerable space out the back.
- Providing free resources – paper, photocopying and the like.
- Hosting a noticeboard for their events and promotion.
- Providing advance access to products of likely interest to them.
This is what being a community business is all about – connecting with the community but in a way which helps them and helps the business. There is no other local business which could connect with many of the community groups I ave listed as well as newsagents could.
I know many newsagents who connect with local groups already. Those who don’t should and those who do could consider enhancing their connection to drive loyalty, word of mouth and, ultimately, sales.
Newsagents can own this immunity connection. This is why we should all engage in it in our local communities – with multiple clubs.
I like some of the ideas here Mark. I’d never thought of doing more with my special interest customers other than selling them magazines.
I am a member of the local historical society and never thought of this.
Mark
It is great to see genealogy and historical groups included in your list of local hobby and special interest clubs.
Newsagents may be interested to know that National Family History Week is being celebrated from 27 July to 5 August this year. Details of other 2012 National Weeks newsagents could participate in are on the federal government’s website.
Most states also celebrate History Week each year (NSW is 8-16 September this year) another excellent time for newsagents to collaborate with local historical societies and genealogy groups.
It goes without saying that I am happy to assist newsagents with supply of our magazine at any time (including direct supply when our distributor has run out of current stock).
Michele it is good to see a publisher in the conversation here. This information from you will be a good help.
Newsagents may also find The National Calendar http://www.nationalcalendar.com.au a helpful guide listing details of national and state events being held for the rest of 2012.
Michele, love global wind day. Is this a dietary theme?? Picking the appropriate event from this calendar that suit our demographics could be great. Thanks for the link