February 2008

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There's No Better Time Than Now... | If Not You, Then Who? If Not Now, Then When? | Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Chapter

Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Chapter
By Reneé Kleinjan, NALS Twin Cities

In marketing for your NALS chapter there are a wide range of activities involved in making sure that you are not only attracting new members, but also continuing to meet the needs of your current members and serving the legal profession as well.  Thus a marketing plan can be an important tool for your chapter.  With everyone’s busy schedule today, reaching out to new potential members and letting the community know your purpose and presence can be very difficult and with a marketing plan your chapter can accomplish its goals.
If your chapter does not have a marketing plan, why not create one.  Start fresh with your plan.  If you don’t have any idea of where to start and need some guidance why not check out the “Marketing Tool Kit” under the http://nals.org/marketing/index.html.
The “Marketing Tool Kit” was put together by NALS members to give guidance to others wanting to create a marketing plan.
Who are the participants in the construction crew for the marketing plan?  The construction crew consists of the crew (members); builders (vendors); inspectors (outside media); planning and permits (location of the marketing events) and the materials and supplies (signs, brochures, etc) that will be used in marketing.
What are the important elements for creating a marketing plan are:

1. A Mission and/or Vision Statement.  A simple but direct statement that sums up the essence of your chapter.
2. Realistic Goals.  The first consideration should be financial backing.  Design an event that will fit your budget!
3. Assembly of the Plan.  Brainstorming and ideas can become endless with every member’s involvement.
4. Putting the Plan into Action.  With the proper tools and understanding of the blueprints you can put the plan into action.

Remember to reward the crew with letters of commendation; certificates; and recognition in front of a group for accomplishments.  Also, awards for outstanding achievement, membership attainment and personal development are also important to the crew.

I have just touched on some of the ideas contained in the “Marketing Tool Kit”.  There is so much more information available to help your chapter develop a marketing plan in this wonderful tool.  So start today by downloading the “Marketing Tool Kit”, gathering your crew and let the ideas begin to flow for creating your marketing plan!