Imagine capturing a market that is constantly expanding by over 400,000 people a year.
And as each of these customers age, their need for your product or service increases.
Imagine contacting these very customers at the most appropriate time and place. Is it
possible? Most definitely. Is this opportunity available to any business? Yes. And the
company to help you with your advertising campaign is known to virtually every one of
your customers - the Welcome Wagon.
Since 1930, the Welcome Wagon has been welcoming new residents, congratulating new
parents as well as a multitude of other community functions, while promoting local
businesses around North America. And becoming a Welcome Wagon sponsor is
relatively easy.
To start, contact your local Welcome Wagon. Find out which programs your community
is involved with, and which would be most beneficial for you and your business to
participate in. Just some of the programs that may be offered are:
- Community Welcome
- Birth of Baby
- Baby Shower
- Baby Welcome
- Bridal Showcase
- Campus Welcome
- Executive Welcome
- Plus Fifty
- Convention Welcome
Which of these (if any) would be suitable for your home based business? What products
or services do you provide that would benefit the groups represented?
For instance, when I gave birth to my daughter in the
hospital, I received a package from the Welcome Wagon. There were quite a
few items from both local and international businesses that I would not have contacted
otherwise had they not provided a free sample for me to try. Some of the items I received:
- Newborn diaper, from a local diaper warehouse, along with some coupons
- Coupon for two free loaves of bread from a local grocery store
- Diaper rash cream, (Desitin) as well as some coupons
- Flyer from a local Mary Kay consultant, as well as an offer for a free beauty
makeover - to "pamper" me after the birth of my child
- Professional in-home photography shoot for my daughter from Canadian Baby
Photographers, with one 8 by 10 - all for free
- Numerous coupons, offers for free magazines, and baby books from national
retailers.
I contacted every single one of the businesses listed in that gift package - and I am sure
that I am not the only one that did! There was so much free stuff, that it was greatly
appreciated in the hospital. Some of the items that were in the package made for a more
pleasant hospital stay - including things that I had forgotten to bring to the hospital. (Like
diapers!)
However, you must be aware that there may be several guidelines to follow to be able to offer your products in conjunction with the Welcome Wagon. Here are some of the guidelines