Increasing Revenue & Giving Back with Fundraisers
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Hospitality businesses often grapple with the ebb and flow of customer traffic. While peak hours can be exhilarating, slower periods can pose challenges. However, these quieter moments can be transformed into opportunities for growth and community engagement through strategic fundraising partnerships. By collaborating with local schools, universities, and nonprofits, hospitality establishments can not only boost their bottom line but also strengthen their community ties.
A Win-Win Partnership
Fundraisers offer a mutually beneficial alliance. While hospitality venues experience increased foot traffic, sales, and positive brand exposure, partnered organizations receive vital financial support and community endorsement. This collaborative approach extends beyond traditional business transactions, fostering a sense of shared purpose.
By introducing the business to a new customer base, fundraisers expand the potential clientele. Friends and supporters of the partnered organization are likely to attend, creating an opportunity to convert them into loyal patrons. This approach showcases the establishment's offerings while demonstrating a commitment to the community without incurring additional costs.
Leveraging Community Connections
Fundraisers often enjoy extensive promotion within the community by the partnered organizations. This organic marketing approach amplifies the business's reach at minimal expense. By working closely with organizers, businesses can maximize the impact of these promotional efforts. This grassroots marketing strategy generates positive word-of-mouth and strengthens the business's local presence.
Community involvement is a powerful tool for building brand reputation. Consumers increasingly appreciate businesses that support local causes. By participating in fundraisers, establishments position themselves as integral members of the community, fostering goodwill, loyalty, and a strong customer base.
Reaching out
Begin by connecting with local PTAs, sports teams, shelters, and various community organizations, including special interest groups and political fundraisers for local government. Building relationships with these groups is crucial, and establishing a consistent communication cadence with each, along with creating a dedicated information section on your website, will help keep them informed about opportunities. The approach will vary depending on the type of venue.
Fast casual restaurants can focus on PTAs and sports teams as their primary niche groups, offering a percentage of sales (such as 10-15%) back to these organizations during specific events or time frames, which can effectively drive traffic during off-peak hours. For larger spaces like breweries and full-service restaurants, hosting events tailored to fundraising efforts can provide a space for community members to gather and support their causes, making the event both social and purposeful. One of the standout features of GoTab is the ability to set up private menus, which is invaluable for fundraising events as it allows you to set unique prices, track sales easily, and offer exclusive menu items for the event. This feature not only adds a sense of occasion and exclusivity but also ensures transparency and effectiveness in the fundraising efforts, helping your venue support local community causes while driving traffic, increasing sales, and building lasting relationships within the community.
Turning Ideas into Action
To successfully execute a fundraiser, follow these steps:
Establish Clear Terms: Define the fundraiser details, including the percentage of sales donated or a fixed amount. Agree on the date, time, and any special menu offerings.
Create a Joint Marketing Plan: Collaborate with the organization to maximize attendance through combined marketing efforts.
Optimize the Guest Experience: Ensure the establishment is prepared to handle increased customer traffic. Prioritize efficient service and high-quality offerings.
Track Sales Accurately: Implement a system to monitor sales generated by the fundraiser. This data is essential for reporting to the partnered organization.
Express Gratitude: Thank the organization and community for their support. Share the total amount raised and highlight the event's success.
By embracing fundraisers, hospitality businesses can not only increase revenue but also become cherished members of their communities. This strategic approach transforms slow periods into opportunities for growth and strengthens the business's overall success.
Discover how our POS system can streamline your fundraiser process.
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