If you’re ready to take control of your fundraising, multiply your efforts, and have more fun in the process, then it’s time to focus on groups. Any talented RTA can sell group business, but you have to make it your goal, invest some energy and actively look for group leads.
So where can you find group prospects? Un-tapped group business is literally everywhere in your community. Local clubs, associations, charities, non-profits, sports-oriented groups, churches and other organizations are all candidates for group travel. If you’re committed to searching for group opportunities, you will find them, book exciting business and reap the rewards.
THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS
To spark your imagination, following are just a few of the groups you can target to boost your sales.
Country Club Golf Groups:
Try teaming up with a golf pro at one of your local country clubs and sell him or her on the idea of helping organize a “golf dream cruise”, complete with customized shore excursions to tropical golf courses. The golf pro and country club can help you promote the cruise to club members. You can also sell this cruise concept to a golf league or the owner of a golf equipment shop.
Radio Listener Groups:
Identify the most popular radio station in your market that appeals to potential cruise customers. Then contact the station’s top DJ about co-sponsoring a fabulous cruise for their listeners. It can become an annual event, and the on-air advertising opportunities are amazing. The DJ can promote the cruise anytime, and you enjoy free or economical advertising.
Football Fans:
Now is the perfect time to organize a cruise for football fans who support NFL or college teams. A cruise can be scheduled anytime during the season, but they are especially successful when a team is visiting a city with a cruise departure port. For instance, when NFL teams visit Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, LA or Houston (Galveston), set up a cruise for the visiting fans that sails on Monday. For colleges that play at the University of Miami, or get invited to a bowl game, schedule a cruise to leave the following day.
Fund-Raising Cruises:
Every charity and non-profit group needs to raise funds. With a fund-raising cruise, the guests can enjoy a great vacation while supporting a worthwhile cause. You can tailor the cruise in many ways. The price of each ticket and be nominally increased to fund a donation. You can create mini-incentives for members to sell cruises. And, if the group books 15 people, the free ticket can be sold or raffles off as a group donation.
The Possibilities Continue........
Professional Associations for Women
Community fund raising drives for the YMCA, United Way, etc.
High School and Military reunions
Volunteer Organizations
Square dancing, salsa, ballroom dancing groups
VFW, Shriners, Kiwanis
Weight-loss and fitness groups
Motor coach tour groups
School groups
Here are three easy ways to get started.
First, look at your database which includes all of your past customers, friends and relatives. Identify all clients who you know or believe are part of a group.
Second, ask your current customers if they belong to any groups.
Third, ask co-workers, friends and family members for group ideas.
Then get on the phone and start selling your great group cruises!
