ITS HARD TO GIVE THINGS AWAY
Less then a Year ago after tons of works over 7 years by dozens of people
the Red Bank Visitors' center was opened in the Red Bank Railroad Station.
Mr. & Mrs. Barry of the Molly Pitcher made all of the above possible with
$150,000 grant. There was endless work by NJ Transit, Margaret Mass the
executive director, the executive board headed by Mary Eileen and the rest
of us workaholics. What we have now at the Red Bank Railroad Station could
wind up being one of the best visitors' centers in the state.
As a board member of the Red Bank Visitors Center we had to come up with
ways to raise additional monies to keep the facility running. We do get a
very generous grant from the Molly Pitcher and the Oyster Point Hotel
however to expand the services we had to raise more money.
With the knowledge that other stations throughout the state have lease
out the space in those stations to private vendors we felt we could do
something similar.
At this point we are renting out space for $500 a month within the
station and on the platform for local restaurants and businesses to promote
them selves. With yours truly being a Guinea Pig I started last month with a
promotion for Danny's Steakhouse. There is space within the station to place
signs and banners as well as printed literature. Additional promotions
demand more than just handing out things at the station.
First to target market the commuters you have to be there early, like 6
AM to 8 AM to get to the bulk of people catching the trains. Second you have
to offer more than a paper hand out. Most of these NY bound folks avoid the
people on the streets handing out flyers. The answer is to give away a
bargain. For me it was free hot chocolate and a $5 dollar gift certificate
to Danny's.
They avoided me at first until they realized I was really offering them
something for their time, not just another paper handout ad. The hot
chocolate was welcomed in the cold weather and the gift certificate was hard
to say no to. It is hard to give things away to a public that is use to
being pursued until they realize that we the visitors center and the local
businesses are more then willing to give something of value away for their
30 seconds of attention. We will have at least two businesses promoting them
selves starting in March. The give away’s will benefit the commuter, the
businesses and the Red Bank Visitors Center. If you would like to
participate please contact the Red Bank Visitors Center at 743 741 9211. |
