Unit Kickoffs Mike Beels

Step 2: Preparing Kick Off MO

Kick Off Planning The success of the sale isn’t determined by tallying up the popcorn forms at the end of the sale You (and your helpers) need to plan the kickoff as part of the rest of the sale Plan and communicate two meetings: one for the boys and one for the parents This sets the tone for the entire sale

Kick Off Planning Gain commitment from your unit leadership on the sale and the kickoff Unit incentives really work! Get help! Parents, Den chiefs, Denners, Patrol Leaders Plan a pack/troop kick-off meeting that the kids won’t forget! (more ideas to come) – this is where your helpers can be a big help – let them run the meeting for the boys Plan a parent meeting that makes them interested in the sale. Be able to provide all of the sale info – put it in writing

Kick Off Ideas for Fun ... Door Prizes: Spend $100 to sell $10,000. Decorations, costumes, etc. (even for Boy Scouts) – Football theme this year? Steelers-Browns Have popcorn to eat, Popcorn machine. Stink up the room! Fun skits Games: stations, guess the # of popcorn in the jar, minute-to-win it type of contests, etc. Get the Scouts INVOLVED. You’re creating MOMENTUM

Kick Off - Boys Theme: Browns/Steelers rivaly, OSU Football, Cav’s back-to-back championships, Mission Impossible, Sci-Fi, Country & Western, what else? Explain the sale & benefits – at the boys’ level Explain the incentives Train Scouts: Salesmanship & Safety Remember first time Scouts and should know everything when they leave Give them a handout– With all dates! Make it memorable!

Any other ideas? Pie In The Face

Kick Off – Parents Theme: Give the parents a chance to have some fun too Explain the sale & benefits – at the parents’ level Don’t be afraid to talk about the unit budget and plans Parents understand $$ as well as effort Explain the incentives – the boys’ are going to be excited! Review the dates – show and sell, when popcorn is delivered, when forms are due, when payment is due Train Parents: Salesmanship & Safety Remember first time parents should also know everything when they leave

Incentives Appeal to wallet! Dues returned Trips / events paid for What else? What to say to parents ... “Sell $$$, and keep checkbook closed.” “Sell $$$, Scout learns to “earn their own way” “Sell $$$, unit has the funds to execute a fun-filled Scouting program!” “Scout learns life-lessons: self reliance, communication, perseverance, etc.”

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly! Skit Training: adult acts out “ugly” sale (have scouts critique), then a “bad” sale (getting better but still not great) and a “good” sale. Then have Scouts do it. Hi. My name is _______________. (first name only) I’m a Cub/Boy Scout with Pack/Troop ______. We’re selling popcorn to raise money for our Pack/Troop to sleep on an aircraft carrier. You can support us by buying some of our delicious popcorn. (hand customer Take Order form and a pen) Will you help me?

Goal + Kickoff + You = Momentum

Momentum Track weekly updates: Parents, Scouts bring in sales sheet Weekly incentive or competition Remember: Communication Weekly email updates to families. Have incentive reminders. Friendly, competitive atmosphere.

What Are Your Questions? Recap Build Your Team Awesome Kick Off Promote Goals Incentives Fun Your Momentum / Communications What Are Your Questions?

Host a GREAT Unit Kick-Off!

Questions? Question me!