Skillbuilding (p.85)

1. A popular local Mexican restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary next year. What activities and special events would you recommend to attract more customers and media coverage? 

• The Mexican restaurant should have a fiesta-themed event with music, contests, games and activities for all ages to enjoy. This way the event would be more family-oriented. They may also want to consider featuring a sample table or buffet with everything on their menu to help generate even more business and build a bigger customer base. Another customer-building idea would be to provide incentive for them to return- like offering coupons, special offers and gift cards available only to those who attend the event.

2. Surveys indicate that the topic of health generates a lot of media interest. How would a manufacturer of a vacuum cleaners use this "hook" to generate some publicity for the company and its products? 

• The manufacturer of the vacuum cleaner should find a way to develop and market his product as the most efficient cleaning tool. Then they might consider running a series of advertisements using the angle that by using their product in your home or business, you are creating the most healthy and clean living/working environment that you can possibly have. A major way to do this would be to show comparisons to other products and their capabilities. 

3. A national pizza chain is celebrating its 25th anniversary and wants to create a highly visual publicity stunt that will attract media coverage. What would you recommend? 

• The company should create 25 abnormally large pizzas and feature an eating contest: one 30-inch pizza per person. The contest winner could receive 25 years (in honor of its silver anniversary) free pizza and recognition at the chain's headquarters and on their website; the second and third place winners could receive $100 & $50 gift cards respectively. Not to mention that each of these people will receive free press coverage and local (maybe national) recognition for their incredible eating feats!