5 TIPS FOR RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BAR PROMOTION

While this list could go on and on and on, these are my five top tips for running a successful bar promotion. I'll be publishing my next 5 top tips shortly, so be sure to come back and visit!
 
Plan the Logistics in advance
 
With any promotion, planning is the key. Make a list of all the equipment, glassware, uniforms, promotional material etc needed well in advance and set about preparing a timeline to obtain these bits and pieces. Also look at the schedule you have planned for the night and work out the logistics with staffing and any guests that might be appearing. If you are using audio-visual equipment, make sure it is well tested in advance. Have you booked the band?
 
Budget first, then spend
 
Any promotion needs a return on investment, Work out whether you want your return in cold hard cash on the night of the promotion or whether you will run at a loss to gain exposure, build awareness and collect contact details. Whatever your reason (and either is fine...it's your business!), write down your goal and the cost associated with achieving it. Then price each aspect of the promotion from staffing, equipment, free drinks etc. If it all makes sense and the figures add up, create a system to track each of these parts of the pie as the promotion so that you don't run over budget.
 
Right staff, right result
 
Create a plan for the number of staff required for each part of the promotion and figure this cost into your budget. There may be certain staff members who are more suitable to certain promotions than others.
 
Take a Reality Pill
 
It may be worth your while checking your plan for reality. How realistic is it to achieve your targeted result? Calculate how many custoemrs are needed and how much they each need to spend to make it happen. Is this drastically different to your normal busiest nights? If so, what are you doing differently and additionally to make the promotion work? Its no sin to back pedal before the spending gets out of control. A reality pill can save a lot of money sometimes.
 
Market your backside off
 
If you and your staff are the only ones that know about this promotion, is it really a promotion or is it a spending exercise? A promotion needs to be promoted! This is where your social networking skills come into play and your facebook fan page, twitter page, myspace page, email and text contacts need to be hammered hard. Build up the anticipation of the promotion and run offers for signing up or buying tickets in advance. Do you use external promoters? Ensure to involve them early and give them the tools needed to do the selling for you. Are there any local businesses that could help and benefit accordingly? You've heard of pre-theater dinner combos, what's your opportunity?