ALIGNING WITH CELEBRITIES TO PUBLICIZE YOUR FIGHT OR FITNESS PROGRAMS
When I was 14 years old, my family wanted to celebrate
my mother’s birthday. We decided to go to Benihana of Tokyo, also known
as Benihana. We were told about the experienced chefs cutting and tossing food
through the air into customer’s plates. This was something that I had really
looked forward to seeing.
But as we went downstairs in the restaurant, I
was just as impressed by hundreds of photographs of people who had visited the restaurant. To me, it seemed as though everyone
who had had a famous name, whether it was a government bureaucrat, sports stars and Hollywood stars had visited Washington, DC,
but made their way to Bethesda, Maryland
to visit Benihana and its famed chefs.
As I grew older, of course I found out that Benihana
had locations all over the country and the world, everybody who is somebody has visited a Benihana restaurant at some time
or another.
When I was in college and friends came to DC to
visit me, the first place I wanted to take them was the famous Benihana. Once
we walked down the stairs to the restaurant, they were equally impressed by the celebrities who had dined at Benihana.
Celebrities and your fight business…
No matter if you have a small or large fight related
business, if it is fighting or fitness, celebrities can give your business a shot in the arm. They can boost your popularity
with the public. Everyone likes to go where the crème de la crème of society
ventures. If you have a decent business they may like to workout there. If you
are a small time promoter, then you can reserve free or discounted tickets for them to be part of your event. It is a win-win for you and the celebrities.
Celebrities love to be recognized in public with
the average guy. Have you notice on many occasions the announcer will announce
a famous celebrity in the audience and they will stand up smiling and waving to the multitudes. People love to be associated with a famous celebrity. Often fans will approach their seat or table searching
for an autograph. It is a conversation piece for them for years to come and your
business will be the main focus of it.
If your business is located in a major metropolitan
area, it will be easier to get celebrities to visit your business or event. But
if you reside in a rural area with a small population, celebrities are still willing to visit.
No matter where you are; attracting celebrities takes time and patience. There
are others out there trying to attract the same folks you are trying to reach, but it can be done, think positive.
How would you attract a celebrity to your business?
One of the best ways these days are to search
and see if the celebrity has a website or blog. Usually, website and blogs tell
the person’s schedule and the best way to get in touch with them. A letter
or email is best; show them your website or blog too. You may have something
on your site that may be of interest to them. If they do not have a way to get
in touch with them, try contacting their friend, agent or business associate.
Be truthful.
If your business is slumping, a celebrity can turn it back around. Let
them know that you want them to come in for a free boxing lesson or karate lesson and they will be an honorary member. If
they want you to come and train them at home or at their business, then do it and take a camera person with you. Their presence
may attract the multitudes to your business.
Another way to attract celebrities is major fund
raising events such as a medical related fund raiser such as cancer research or preventing gang related activities. But like everyone in this world a good sporting event such as a boxing or MMA tournament always get them
to come.
What celebrities you should invite?
Those who are popular or have a certain value
to your audience, here are some examples:
- Business
executives such as presidents or major corporations such as IBM or local corporations.
- Politicians-City
councilmen, mayor, local public department heads, state senators, attorney generals, senators, congressman, etc.
- Local
Sports Heroes-College, semi pro and professional football players, Baseball players, etc.
- School
Executives-Principals, board members, superintendents
- Radio
Personalities-DJ’s, Radio station executives. Try to see if they can give you a freebie live remote for your event. Ask for them to get in touch with a recording star for you.
- Television-Stars
of local, regional and national fame. TV news people such as anchor people on
the evening news are good for this type of promotion.
- Movie
Stars-You will have to go through their agent to land a good movie or televisions star.
Check the internet.
This is a short list of the many celebrities that
may help you!
Will they help you for free?
Maybe or maybe not; but if you have the resources,
grease their palms. A few hundred or thousands of dollars may be worth it to
get the attention for your business. Remember, give your service to them for
free and give them an open door, who knows, like Benihana, they may send more celebrities to you and the public will follow. Hang pictures of celebrities in your business!
Be sure to keep you camera around and always…
Keep Your Guard Up, Keep Punching and Snap Those Pictures!
