Cater to the dorms on Sunday night. Dormitory cafeterias are usually closed on Sunday nights. Therefore, contact the Dorm Manager, and get approval to circulate Sunday Night Specials throughout the building. Football Sunday's are another great event to market in the dormitories, as well as off campus. With approval, doorhang or distribute weekly specials.
Late Night Delivery Challenge: Dorm versus Dorm. This is a great "awareness" plan. Donate a portion of your proceeds to the winning dormitory (that with the greater sales) and present the check to the Dormitory Manager. This is great press for the local and school newspapers. The key is providing advanced notice to the Dormitory residents, and ensuring that you have the staff to deliver to them on time during the challenge.
Summer Camp – most universities will rent their dorm rooms for summer events when the students are out on vacation. Contact the Dormitory Manager (or the Campus Supervisor) to determine the summer schedule. Trade shows, conferences and conventions also house participants in the dormitories.
Orientation Week: Welcome the new freshmen class with your coupons and magnets to last them through the year. Create a calendar featuring coupons each month, or a ‘While you were out’ telephone message pad highlighting your coupons.
Fraternity and Sorority Events
Contact the Greek Council and get their annual calendar. Contact the Fraternal and Sorority Presidents to coordinate with their special activities and fundraisers. Target events like Greek Week, and events around the football and basketball season. These groups volunteer their time for special causes, and that is another area to brainstorm with the Chapter Presidents.
Sporting Events
If you have the physical resources, contact the Sports Director or Vendor Administrator for stadium events. Look into a kiosk – rent or move an oven into this space and sell your product at the concession stand. You may be able to set up a freestanding kiosk in the entrance areas as well, but the disadvantage is the ability to sell a "fresh-out-of-the-oven" product. Distribute after-the-game coupons or tailgating coupons for the next home game with permission from the school.
Get involved with local events on campus
Other activities and events occur all year. Support Student run activities, fairs, outings, and weekend events. Contact the Student Services, the Director of the Student Union, and other volunteer organizations around campus to generate LSM ideas. Purchase their calendars to track activities.
Support the Recruiting and Employment Placement Office
Support this office with recruiting events – serve your pizza at the job fairs, and while you're there, do some recruiting for part-time delivery drivers.
Campus Bookstores
Coordinate a contest with the Bookstore at the beginning of the semester, or work with the store manager to get your coupons in the merchandise bags for every book purchase.
"The Free Refill Campus Cup"
Sell your "logo" cups to students, and allow them to purchase pizza at the regular price, but the soft drinks (if you have a syrup fountain system) are free. The cost of the soda is pennies, but the free advertising of these cups floating around campus is priceless. Cups are good for the school year. Sell the cups at sporting events, in dormitory's and student housing complexes within your trade area. Next year, choose a new design, and let the LSM begin again.
"Finals Week"
Stay open late and offer "Study Break Specials". If feasible, stay open 24 hours during finals week.
Open Registration for the Next Semester
Students wait in line for hours during open registration. Win them over by handing out coupons, with free drinks or magnets during registration. If your store uses a major soda vendor, they may prorate a portion of your purchases into a local marketing fund. Contact the Office of the Registrar and your soda sales representative.
Department/College meetings and clubs
Contact the Department Heads, Chairmen, or Student Presidents, and purchase a calendar of their annual activities.
Do you have an LSM idea that fits under this category?
Submit your ideas and we'll add them to the list, of course, giving you the credit! Send us your name, company and any contact information in which you would like to share to:
