Thread: Street Teams

I was wondering if anyone else is using the concept of street teams to promote their classes?

I created a "club" for my students...the Bellyvangelists Club. (Yes...I really am that cheesy!). There are no dues or $$ of any kind to join...they just have to tell me they want to join. Members commit to helping to promote the studio and me as a performer. So whenever I have a new flyer/postcard/whatever they have set places that they have committed to bringing it to and making sure it gets up. Makes it easier for me to get the word out around town since I'm only one person and simply can't make it around to everywhere. They've also thought of places that I simply hadn't. They get a 10% "finders fee" on any gig that I book through them in the form of a tuition break when I get paid (cause we all know that gigs can sometimes fall through). I'm also getting ready to make cards up for them with their names on them so that they have something to hand out...they can put them out at different places or hand them to people and I know who gets the credit for the new student.

The biggest perk of the Bellyvangelists is earning tuition breaks. I have a deal with them that they get a $10 credit to their account for each student they refer to the studio that signs up for at least a 4 class card. I don't cap it, so they can literally earn free tuition for life if they are bringing me that many students....which is totally worth it. Last week I had 10 new students as a direct result of the Bellyvangelists...the increase in revenue was totally worth the $100 I ate in tuition discounts.

I'm happy with the concept thus far (something I've done for the bands that I promote, but hadn't seen applied this way) and I want to try to take it a step further. I'm thinking of having some contests between them (whoever brings the most students in this month gets a free studio t-shirt or a scholarship to the next workshop or <insert good incentive here>). The members are really out there working it hard (tuition discounts as a perk was a really good idea!) and I want to keep it fresh and exciting for them to keep them on the roll they are currently on.

Has anyone else done this? What kind of perks did you give your street team? Anyone got any ideas for how I can make it fun and rewarding?

Wow, you're a smart business woman! I've heard of bringing three brand new people to class and you get to come for free (or workshop).

This is great. I was thinking of implementing a similar thing when I get my own studio, and your success is inspiring!

Hmmm...that gives me an idea for some of my upcoming workshops...bring X # of friends and get in free. That could be very cool! I've got a Mother/Daughter workshop coming up in May that I may try that out with.

The Bellyvangelists are really taking this seriously...yesterday I had commitments from 5 more students! Yay! ..l;,

Go, Bellyvangelists! What a great idea.