From Game Show to Sales
By Ryan Vickers
Ryan Vickers, COME ON DOWN!
In December 2015, the North American world heard those words broadcast on television – words that I had heard four months before in a small studio in Los Angeles, California, USA, but was contractually sworn to secrecy. I was a contestant on the game show The Price is Right, and my winnings actually were dive-related – I used the money that I won to go on a lovely diving trip for my thirty-ninth birthday.
I hear you saying, “Hey, Ryan!” Enough with your game show addiction. This is a dive magazine!”
Well, let us hold on for just a quick second. I want to suggest some ways that the format of a game show can help grow your scuba business!
IDEA ONE: At the pool
For some divers, the value of a pool session, whether for sharpening up those skills or just blowing bubbles after a hard day at work, cannot be given a price. But for others, they need a reason to go to a pool session.
What if we suddenly brought a game show to the pool? This could definitely motivate divers to come out for a fun “game show night.” Games like The Price is Right’s bidding rounds could be used to make sure that divers “guess” how much is still in their tank, which, of course, they already know because they are consistently checking it RIGHT? Then there are athletic Ninja Warrior tasks, for example, donning and doffing your gear in the shallow end. This could all be encompassed in an Amazing Race-themed event while participating in teams.
What is the value of this, you ask? You do bill for pools, correct? You sell air fills! Prizes can be coupons for shop purchases. While at the pool, you can promote courses, trips, equipment, services and more! Just pick one per session.
IDEA TWO: The dryland “pub quiz”
I recently travelled on Canada’s VIA Rail network from Churchill, Manitoba, to Winnipeg, Manitoba. For those who are not aware, that is far from a “short hop train ride.” In fact, it is a wonderfully relaxing 45-hour journey. However, some travellers start developing cabin fever by the second evening on the train. Inspiration struck, and I pulled out my packs of trivia questions that I had stashed away as part of my upcoming work commitment, and I started a trivia game. A great night was had by all in the train’s dining car.
Hopefully, what I did on the spur of the moment might give you some ideas – take some time to write a few questions here and there, and maybe you will end up playing Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Scuba Edition quicker than you know! When conducting a “pub quiz” night, questions are traditionally read one at a time and teams of 4-10 people can discuss answers. After a few rounds of eight to ten questions, teams pass their answers to another team, who then mark them and hand them back.
What is the value of this, you ask? Hold the game in your shop; divers love to look at new gear. If you have prizes, they can be coupons for shop purchases. While at the shop, you can promote courses, trips, equipment, services and more! Just pick one per session.
IDEA THREE: In-store contests
There are so many things that are iconic about game shows… but there is something about a wheel that is borderline hypnotic. Why not have a straightforward dive-related trivia question that could be answered to win a prize? This, then, would entitle the customer, a current or a future diver, to spin and win. One piece of advice: Try to give away prizes that require a purchase, for example, 10% off an advanced course. You will still make a sale! For many people, a simple (and quite basic) spin forms the concept of a lottery game show.
IDEA FOUR: Go “all in”
Sometimes, it is worth just going for the big one. Why not have an entire game show night? Break out the “game show music,” have your contestants dress like they are playing for a million bucks and step it up in the tech department. Many inspirations, such as game show audio, video, and simulations of the games themselves, can be found by searching the internet. Just take some time to ensure you find the one(s) that are the best for you! I have done many “game show marathons” over the years for corporate clients across Canada with great success – and you can too!
Remember, our mission is in our name – ScubaBiz.Help!
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