What Small Business Can Learn from Action Sports

Jim Spinello, MediaPost writer, says the summer is one of the busiest seasons of the sports year. Right now, for example, you have the culmination of the NBA and NHL Playoffs, the soccer World Cup, MLB season is in full swing, and that doesn't even include high-profile events in motorsports, tennis, golf, etc. The peak of action sports in the summer is considered by many to be the Summer X Games, taking place in L.A. from July 29 to Aug. 1. It's important to not overlook many of the grassroots tours and other events taking place that are critical to the success of the industry as a whole. The continued survival and evolution of these smaller events makes these smaller events notable from a marketing standpoint, especially when many sponsors have cut back their support during recessionary times. Using these brands and events as a guide, below are the top three lessons that all small business marketing can learn from action sports. 1. Go to where the fans are Social media is the lifeblood of the action sports industry. Whether it's Tony Hawk utilizing his 2.1 million plus followers on Twitter to promote his foundation or Birdhouse tours, or the Vans Warped Tour promoting each stop to its more than 130,000 followers on Facebook, action sports fans are some of the earliest adopters of social media. When television is a driver for sports fans and your sports are rarely on, your fans seek out other channels, i.e., Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or even a brand's own website/microsite. 2. Don't rely on the mainstream media for coverage An increasing number of web users are gravitating toward both brands and websites offering custom, digital content. Digital content is not only an effective way to increase the engagement with fans but it's also cost effective. Best of all, by utilizing existing sports marketing relationships away from the field of play or by creating your own event, custom digital content is entirely ownable. A good example of this is "Red Bull Project X," a snowboarding project the energy drink company created for Shaun White. Red Bull essentially built Shaun his own 550-foot superpipe in the heart of the Silverton, CO, backcountry where he could prepare for the Olympics. While some of the footage did air on NBC, Red Bull extended the life of the project online, generating thousands of views for months to come and creating a lasting brand effect. 3. Take advantage of advancements in technology The common thread of the above lessons is that action sports are driven by technology. The widespread availability and lower costs of HD flipcams, streaming live webcasts, video editing software, etc., allow action sports brands and sports to find new ways to get their voices heard through technology. The rise in the use of iPhones and iPod Touches (to the tune of 80 million) and applications is also creating a fertile new playground for action sports fans. An example of this is the Zumiez Couch Tour. In its 10th year, the tour features skateboarding demonstrations as well as live music performances by bands. What's new to this year's tour is the free Zumiez Couch Tour app. The app allows users to watch each of the 12 stops live on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad through an expanded appcast and webcast that will be streamed live online. These virtual channels are a valuable event marketing tool to reach fans who cannot attend in person. As we've seen throughout history, recessions often open the door to new opportunities. And while these examples only scratch the surface of what types of tools the action sports industry is utilizing, it is vital for small business marketing in all industries to stand up and take notice.

Branding a Small Business

In order to succeed, any sized business will need to properly brand itself. Having a cutting edged branding strategy can help give you the edge on the competition, says business writer Frank Crandell. What exactly is "branding" and how can it impact your business? Branding is simply your promise to future and existing customers. Your brand distinguishes you from your competition and provides information on your products or services. Your brand shows people how your business is operated and how much they need your products and services. You can't expect to make everyone happy or appeal to the masses with any given branding strategy. You can, however, make sure that your message is appealing to your target audiences and those who will most likely want to do business with you. Any branding strategy begins with a great logo. Your logo will appear on your website as well as on all other promotional materials to make your look consistent. Remember that branding is more than just a series of words; it's your corporate identity. Your name and logo should tell people who don't know you something about your business. Thus, your brand must be strong enough to convey a message. When you put a small newspaper ad, your logo is used by people to judge your business. If this looks professional, it attracts people to your business. When developing your identity, identify your target or niche market and ensure that your branding speaks to these people. For instance, if you're near a university or college, your branding should appeal to young adults who will be your major source of income. If you're operating in a downtown district, make branding that will attract office workers and business people. Properly executed branding is what sets small chains and independent retailers apart from the big chains.