Internal Marketing
recognizing your members

Along with marketing to non-members, it is important to stress to your current members the value of their membership in NALS. Recognition is one of the most important ways to recruit and retain members. Members need to feel and be reminded that their time, talents, and opinions are important to the state or chapter. If members know their efforts and volunteer time are appreciated - they will participate more. Recognizing members makes “staying around” (i.e. renewing their membership) look attractive.

1. Have the names of those who pass the ALS/PLS exam(s) published in the local bar newsletter or local legal newspaper. Follow up with a letter addressed to their employer congratulating them for supporting the member.

2. If your state or chapter gives an Award of Excellence, advise the winner’s employer first (before the award is given) and invite them to the ceremony. What a surprise for the winner of the award!

3. Remember to send personal thank you notes to members who help on committees or at meetings.

4. Mention the names of members who have contributed to the committee or event in committee reports (put the names in “BOLD” lettering so that they stand out).

5. Establish a focus group of seasoned and newer members on a hot topic, get them talking, then get them planning. Once they see how easy and fun it is, they will be willing to take on a small task or two to see it through.

6. Have an ornament exchange at the holiday membership meeting.

7. Collect holiday gifts, then have a “wrapping” party. Give the gifts to a homeless shelter.

8. Remind those who accept officer or chair positions that they are not alone. Have regular discussions to see how it’s going and, if asked, offer suggestions and advice. Resist the urge to impose your way upon them. Allow the member to grow in their position.

9. Stress how important members are to the chapter or state and its history. Invite them to be a part of that history.

10. Award Certificates of Appreciation to all officers, chairs and committee members at the end of the year. If possible, specifically mention how each contributed.