279: Pioneering Private Club Marketing w/ Steve Graves
Aug 16, 2023
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Steve Graves, founder of Creative Golf Marketing, shares insights on marketing strategies for private clubs post-pandemic. He emphasizes debunking myths, adopting technology in marketing, and enhancing customer service. Steve highlights the importance of personalized experiences, leadership training, and maintaining connections with members for successful club operations.
Effective marketing strategies are crucial for private clubs to navigate post-pandemic challenges.
Personalization and investment in staff are key for enhancing member experiences in private clubs.
Deep dives
Impact of the Pandemic on Club Membership
After the pandemic, clubs are realizing a shift in consumer behavior where members are not as focused on golf or club membership as when activities were restricted. Some clubs fail to recognize that their increased business during COVID was due to circumstances, not solely their club's appeal. The cyclical nature of club popularity is highlighted, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations and strategic planning.
Need for Strategic Marketing Over Capital Investment
Many clubs mistakenly believe that adding amenities like pickleball courts or fitness centers will attract members without the need for strategic marketing. The analogy of building an amusement park without advertising the exciting rides stresses the importance of marketing alongside infrastructure development. Marketing is often seen as desperate by clubs, while refusing to market due to nonprofit status hinders growth.
Underinvestment in Staffing and Member Experience
Clubs tend to focus on capital investments rather than staffing and training, leading to a lack of personalized member experiences. Neglecting the diverse needs of members, especially those less involved, can result in dissatisfaction and questions on the value of club membership. Strategic marketing involves understanding and catering to various member preferences to enhance overall club engagement and satisfaction.
Circling the fast-evolving landscape of private clubs is our insightful guest, Steve Graves of Creative Golf Marketing. Steve unpacks the strategies that clubs should adopt to circumnavigate the artificial surge in business brought about by the pandemic, and how to market their memberships effectively. Breaking the illusion that not-for-profit organizations like clubs can't advertise, he shares expert advice on replacing myths with methods.
Adding a technological twist to the discourse, we traverse the intricate terrain of marketing and technology within private clubs. Steve iterates the importance of tangible materials and strategic marketing in reaching out to both current and potential members. He reflects on the challenges clubs face as they transition out of the pandemic, and how marketing can serve as a compass to navigate these hurdles.
Diving into the realm of customer service, Steve highlights the importance of personalization within private clubs. Advocating for investment in staff members and leadership training, he underscores the necessity of a welcoming atmosphere. Drawing from the experiences of his father's professional shift and its consequent impact on his approach to customer service, Steve concludes with a reminder for clubs to maintain connections with their audience post-pandemic. Tune in for an enlightening chat filled with inspiration, practical solutions, and valuable insights designed to help you sail smoothly across the private club industry.