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f Contents Table o

Instruction Manual 3 4 5 9 11 14 16 20

Defining Your N ew Design Laying the Foundation

Working with the Construction Crew Framing Guidelines T echnology T ools Diagrams Blueprints

MARKETING TOOL KIT

ANUAL ON M RUCTI INST


This kit was developed and designed to help youthe chapter or state builderwith your marketing needs. Whether your association is large or small, urban or rural, in need of an extreme makeover or just a remodeling project, this Tool Kit will help you revitalize your marketing strategy. Inside the Tool Kit are innovative and cutting edge marketing techniques that will be sure to open your eyes to fresh ideas on getting your associations name in front of the legal community. Its easier to begin building your membership when you have the proper tools. The Tool Kit contains basic information, forms, solutions, and suggestions to help you build and market membership. We start with designing or developing your marketing plan. Next, we show you how to lay your foundation. We talk about working with your construction crew. The framing guidelines are readymade marketing projects your chapter could start using today. This kit also offers equipment for you to use in building your marketing project, such as the Technology Tools chapter, a listing of Internet Web sites that will provide a plethora of media contacts for your chapter to utilize. Another helpful piece of equipment that works hand-in-hand with the Technology Tools chapter is the Diagrams chapter. This chapter contains information on the ins-and-outs of press releases and building your chapters relationship with the media. Finally, we include the Blueprints chapter for a myriad of guidelines and forms to help your chapter do almost anything it desires to build a successful association.

Welcome to the new Marketing Tool Kit!

Members Get ready to market and build your chapter to new heights!

MARKETING TOOL KIT

esign our D ining Y Def


As the architect for your chapter, it is your first responsibility to develop the marketing plan. Many decisions are to be made that include working with the construction crew (your chapter members), builders (vendors), inspectors (outside media), planning and permits (location for marketing events), and materials and supplies (signs, brochures, etc.), just to name a few. The basic elements of creating a marketing plan are: (1) the instructions (mission and/or vision statement), (2) realistic goals, (3) assembling the plan, and (4) putting the plan into action. Just as an electrical wiring diagram works, so will the marketing plan once each of these elements comes together.

Reading the Instructions:

If your chapter does not have a mission or a vision statement, why not? Such a statement sums up the essence of your chapter. It should be simple, but direct. If you do not know where to begin, reach out and contact other architects in our association. There are other chapters which would not mind sharing their mission statements with you. You can also use the Internet to research what other organizations use for their mission statements. The NALS Library is a great reference tool as well.

Setting Realistic Goals:

This may sound easy, but sometimes you may have one of your construction crew who has so much enthusiasm and drive that a simple project can turn into a huge production. One thing that always needs to be considered first is the financial backing for the event. You should not design a mansion event when your budget will only allow you to design a cabin retreat event.

Assembling the Plan:

The marketing plan will take the entire construction crews efforts. The brainstorming and ideas can become endless. Every crew member should be encouraged to offer their remodeling ideas, but, as the architect, you need to keep the planning session running smoothly.

Putting the Plan Into Action:

Now comes the fun part! Making sure the crew has the right tools and they understand the blueprints, it is now time to make the plan work. Blood, sweat, and tears are sometimes involved, but in the end the finished product is worth everything your chapter invested.

MARKETING TOOL KIT

MARKETING TOOL KIT

Understanding the Principles of Marketing


The principles, tenets or laws of marketing set forth below have been distilled from five books: Selling the Invisible, The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding, Differentiate or Die, and The Branding Gap.

PRINCIPLE / TENET/LAW
Always start at zero.

EXPLANATION
Dont take up where you left off last year. Do not say, How do we sell this [existing product/service]? Ask, Is this viable? Is this what our members want? Have we added skills or capabilities that suggest we should enlarge our scope or add new markets? Should we develop or acquire related skills and capabilities? Or should we narrow our scope and leverage these specialized skills and services we are developing to prospective members looking for those specialties? FedEx is not just good at overnight delivery or fast package delivery. They are awesome at logistics: procuring, distributing, and replacing materials. McDonalds figured out people werent buying hamburgers, they were buying an experience. Most lawyers think their clients are buying expertise, but most clients cant evaluate expertise. They do know when the relationship is good their calls are returned and they feel valued.

In planning your marketing, dont just think of your business, think of your skills. Ask, What are we good at? Find out what the members are really buying. If you are selling a service, you are selling a relationship.

Who are your competitors? How are they perceived? How should you adapt, change, or attempt to position your association given your competitors position? Study each point of contact. Then improve each one significantly. Its better to be first than it is to be better. Did you get everything expected from those contacts? Did the prospective member feel respected, amazed, impressed, delighted? Who was the second person to fly Atlantic solo? Bert Hinkler, who flew faster and consumed less fuel, but people remember Charles Lindbergh.

If you cant be first in a category, set up a new category you Who was the third person to fly the Atlantic solo? Amelia can be first in. Earhart, known not as the third person, but the first When you are first in a category, promote the category. woman. Its better to be first in the mind than first in the marketplace. Marketing is not a battle of products, it is a battle of perceptions. Perception is reality; everything else is illusion. Marketing is a manipulation of those perceptions The most powerful concept in marketing is owning a word in the prospects mind. Two companies cannot own the same word in the prospects mind. The strategy to use depends on which rung you occupy on the ladder. In the long run, every market becomes a two-horse race. NALS and [who in your area?]. What is your word? People dont like to change their minds. Once they have categorized you, they will remember you that way.

MARKETING TOOL KIT

PRINCIPLE / TENET/LAW
Without adequate funding, an idea wont get off the ground.

EXPLANATION
Marketing needs more $$$$.

Forget looking like a superior choice. Make yourself an People do not look for a superior choice, they look for good excellent choice. Then eliminate anything that might make enough. Supreme Court justices are often picked not you a bad choice. because they are the best, but because they are the least controversial and good enough to get confirmed. Identify and polish your anchors. Build quality into your service, but make it less risky. The best thing you can do for a prospective member is eliminate his or her fear. Offer a trial period or a test project. The more alike two associations are, the more important each difference becomes. Accentuate the differences. Positioning (standing for one distinctive thing which will give you an advantage): You must position yourself in your prospects mind. You must have one simple message. Your position must set you apart from your competitors. You must sacrifice. You cannot be all things to all people. To broaden your appeal, narrow your position. Dont start by positioning your service. Instead leverage the position you have. The difference between position and positioning statement: Your position is how others see you. Your positioning statement is how you wish others to see you. Positioning statement: Who are you? What business are you in? What people do you serve? What are the special needs of the people you serve? With whom are you competing? What makes you different from those competitors? Whats the benefit? What unique benefit does a member derive from your service? Position and focus make your word-of-mouth more effective. Your first competitor is indifference. Meet your markets need: Give it one good reason. The strongest argument for a single focused message is that your prospects have one basic question: What makes you so different that I should join you? Stories make marketing communications more effective. If you want editors to help you, give them a story. People are anchored to their initial perceptions. People choose not what they want, but what they fear least. Your prospect is afraid of the unknown. Even though he or she needs and could benefit from membership in the association, she is afraid to buy. It is less risky to do nothing. People need to justify their decisions so they look for the differences upon which to base their decisions. Dominos pizza, which promised delivery within 30 minutes or it was free.

Skadden Arps Meagher & Flom narrowed its focus to M&A and became the worlds richest law firm. Avis was already number two. They took their position and turned it into their advantage: Were number two. We try harder.

Dont use adjectives. Use stories. If you want more publicity, do more advertising. Keep your mission statement private.

MARKETING TOOL KIT

PRINCIPLE / TENET/LAW
A brand becomes stronger when you narrow your focus. Follow a four-step process: Make sense in the context Find the Differentiating Idea: that which sets your association apart from your competitors. Possess the credentials to support your Differentiating Idea in order to make it real and believable. Communicate your difference. Youll get further with a mediocre idea and a million dollars than with a great idea alone.

EXPLANATION
Our message has to make sense with how we are perceived in the marketplace what are our strengths and weaknesses as they exist in the minds of our target members. Consider the horse. Quickly differentiated by type (racehorse, jumper, ranch, wild, etc.), but further differentiated by breeding, performance, stable, trainer, etc. You must be able to support your argument with facts. An idea without money is worthless. Allocate funds for advertising. Marketing is a game fought in the mind of the prospect. You need money to get into a mind. And you need money to stay in the mind once you get there.

The Power of Simplicity. Your message must be as simple Politicians try to stay on message. Marketers must stay on and as visible as possible and delivered over and over again differentiation. in all media. Differentiation takes place in the mind, a process called positioning or how you differentiate your product in the mind of your prospect. The best way to enter minds that hate complexity and confusion is to oversimplify your message. Anything that your competitors could claim just as well, eliminate. Anything that requires complex analysis to prove, forget. Anything that doesnt fit with your customers perceptions, avoid. Coke is the real thing.

Being first is a Differentiating Idea. Being the original translates into more knowledge and more expertise.

Heritage is a Differentiating Idea. There is a natural Companies that have blended consumer-comforting psychological importance in having a long history, one that tradition with the progressiveness that is crucial to makes people secure in their choice. continued success: Wells Fargo (Fast then. Fast now). Marketing specialty is a Differentiating Idea Sometimes being a specialist is not enough, especially if youre surrounded by other specialists.

Beware of line extension. The more things you try to McDonalds built a widely successful business on become, the more you lose focus and the more difficult it is inexpensive, high-speed hamburgers. By offering Mcto differentiate your product. everything, it has become slower and much less successful. Maintaining Your Difference: Remember your difference. Evolve your difference. Damaging Your Difference: Growing beyond your original identity can do longterm damage. If, by presenting yourself as something other than what you are known for begins to erode your special difference, you begin to cloud your identity. Being different in different places. Think globally, but act locally. McDonalds sells the Maharajah Mac in India (two allmutton patties). Sears is under attack by WalMart, Target, Home Depot. What makes Sears different is that they are the only retailer to build major brands: Kenmore appliances, Craftsman tools, DieHard batteries, etc.

MARKETING TOOL KIT

th the ing wi Work Crew ction onstru C


always done that way routine and look for ways to improve the marketing strategy of your chapter. Your crew needs to be inspired not just by your words, but also by your actions. Be inspired and sweat with the rest of your crew. Always focus on the excellent things around you. No matter how bad things are, you can be sure that they will improve. It is human nature to make things better. Be clear and crisp when explaining the marketing goals. Do not be afraid to show your enthusiasm and conviction about what the marketing strategy should be and how it will improve your chapter. Show your determination and your willingness to take some risks. Constructive developments come from someone willing to take a risk and do something different in order to make things better for tomorrow. There is always risk involved when you are trying to improve a less than stellar situation. You might not find people to help or you could fail. But, what do you really have to lose? Chances are you will improve the situation, even if it does not turn out exactly the way you would like. One way to motivate your crew is to create incentives that make marketing your chapter exciting and fun. Focus incentives on specific accomplishments. Listed below are a few examples of incentives and possible awards: MARKETING TOOL KIT 9

Motivate your crew to break out of the

Incentives

1. Letters of commendation 2. Certificates 3. Recognizing a person or accomplishment in front of a group 4. Reward ideas by giving away a freal meal or prize

Awards category
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Outstanding achievement Special recognition Personal development Membership goal attainment Innovator award Bustin the Boundaries

Marketing can be overwhelming and intimidating to some. Begin your project by breaking it down into small pieces. Ask people who have done similar projects to help you create the time and resource estimates needed to accomplish your marketing goals. There are resources available everywhere. In addition to searching the internet, the NALS online community is a great resource for youto use. Remember to listen to your crew and be willing to make yourself available when they need you. You should share your personal beliefs on what is necessary to achieve the goals. This will show that you are focused on the chapters success and encourages them to go that extra mile. A quote is always good to share with your crew to motivate them.

Some people see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not? - Robert F. Kennedy
Encourage creativity among your crew. Remember, you never can tell from where, or from whom, the best ideas will come. Be sure not to overlook new or very young crew members. Often they will have fresh outlooks on what is going on and can see things that others have stopped noticing. Remember you, too, at one time were a new crew member. There is no such thing as a bad suggestion. There are great suggestions, unusable suggestions, and off-the-wall suggestions, but consider every suggestion before deciding it will not work. Let everyone know what is going on, who is doing it, and how it is being accomplished. It is a good idea to allow the crew to share the progress with everyone. This not only allows other crew members to know the techniques and mechanics of a project, but it encourages them to undertake their own projects. Do not be content to sit back and accept the status quo; instead try new things and explore ideas. If the project fails, do not dwell on the failure. Acknowledge it, move ahead, and figure a better way for the next time around. You and your crew are not failures. It just means that something that was tried did not work, and the crew will have to try another way. Successfully marketing your chapter is not about being able to do everything or having all the answers or trying to reach 100% of the legal community in your area. Rather, it is about knowing what you can and cannot do and about knowing where to find good help to do the things that you cannot.

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MARKETING TOOL KIT

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Ready-Made Marketing Projects


1.
Give the guests at a meeting a copy of your publication. If you have their mailing address, send them an additional two months of publications with a short note encouraging them to attend another meeting and/or join. Send a Thank You for Coming note to nonmembers. Prepare a flyer to promote your event: Design from right to left and top to bottom. This is the way our eyes are trained to view things. Use no more than two fonts to a page. Pictures should always face the bulk of the information. People read best in two and three column layouts. Most professional publications use justification. If you are using quotes, offset them and keep them the same font and bigger than the body font, but smaller than the headline font. Make sure you include space around your quote. Ask a law firm administrator to be a guest speaker at one of your meetings or just invite them to attend a meeting as a guest of your chapter. If you have the funds to pay for their lunch/dinner, it would be a good idea to offer them a one-time-only free lunch/dinner. Establish a contact with a law firm administrator to potentially have a booth at one of their conferences. Expose your chapter!! Saturate your local legal community with the educational seminars, luncheons, meetings, study groups, etc., that your chapter will be offering. Contact your local colleges, court reporting schools, paralegal schools, etc. Reach out to the next generation of legal professionals. Contact your local colleges about having a booth at a career day event.

9.

Contact employment agencies as associate/ corporate/vendor members. Ask if they will allow the chapter to have membership information at their office. Contact a local courier service to find out if they will deliver promotional flyers for your chapter. Offer them a free ad to be included with the flyer. When marketing to an employer, let them know that NALS, Inc., is recognized by the American Bar Association for their certification programs abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/career. Contact a local college that offers a marketing degree. Contact the program chairman about a class project of the class adopting your chapter and developing a marketing plan. Get your chapter involved in a local charity or community event. You could help a new charity every quarter. Wear your NALS, national, state or local chapter t-shirts. Plan and host a Legal Professionals Night Out. See Blueprint to Success: Let NALS.org Be Your Architect in the Blueprints chapter. Contact a local paralegal association and offer to hold a joint legal education seminar. Other associations are not our competition because we are the ONLY association to educate ALL members of the legal services team. Establish a working relationship with your local and state bar associations and ask for a booth at their annual convention. Be sure to have a giveaway item prepared with your state or local association information printed on it. If your chapter has the necessary finances, why not offer a one-year free membership at your meeting? Of course, you have to make

2. 3.

10.

11.

12.

13.

4.

14.

5.

15.

6.

16.

7.

8.

17.

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sure that ALL members are aware of that giveaway so it is fair to members and nonmembers alike. An eye-catching notice in your chapters newsletter or on its Web site will give you the opportunity to inform all of the members. If your chapter cannot offer a free one-year tri-level membership, another option would be to waive the local dues for one year.

story, share!), and the continuing legal education your chapter offers. By showing the attorney how a tri-level membership can enhance their support staff and in turn enhance his practice, the attorney might make the commitment to pay the dues. You never know!

21.

18.

Placing an ad in another legal publication can be costly for a budget-conscious chapter. Try offering a free ad for them in return for a free ad for you. If that is not doable, then ask for a link to their Web site. If that is not doable, then reach out to your sister chapters. Ask how much an ad would cost your chapter in their newsletter. You might even swap ads to help each other promote programs and educational conferences. Dont forget your regional meetings either. Most regional meetings will have a written program for the meeting attendees. This may be a more affordable option for your chapter. Another unique marketing opportunity is to place a Members Wanted ad in the classified ads of the local newspaper. In this everchanging economy, there are those legal professionals who read the classified ads in search of a new job opportunity. You might even consider placing a classified ad in one of your local weekly newsletters as well.

Several chapters have a local membership category for local legal support vendors. This membership option is beneficial to the chapter in several ways. One benefit is this could increase revenue by offering a higher rate for the local dues. Another benefit is a local legal vendor (such as a copying service) may be willing to sponsor local events, rather than a state or national event. There has been a legal vendor who printed (in color), bound, and delivered all of the educational conference handouts (100+) for three separate state board meetings! How do you begin to market to them? Start by asking the companies that you use for firm business to join. Remember, it never hurts to ask! All they can do is to say no. One benefit to offer to these potential members is to invite them to a luncheon and they can purchase a table for $25 to market their company. If your chapter has 10 members, that is 10 opportunities for that company to have one-on-one contact without them having to reach out to individuals themselves. You could advertise that the luncheon is FREE. You can use the $25/table contributions to buy deli sandwiches or trays from a local grocery story and bring in bags of chips and cold drinks. A free lunch will get people there, especially your own members! Another benefit you can offer to a company is a free ad in your local newsletter, if that is a viable option for your chapter. Yet another benefit is to include a link on your Web site to their Web site.

19.

20. Many members are lucky that their bosses

pay for their dues. However, there are those members who pay it themselves. If there is a chance that an attorney might be willing to pay for the dues, invite them to attend a legal educational luncheon so they have a first-hand account of what our association truly offers. You could even offer to pay the attorneys lunch to entice them! If you have advance notice that an attorney will be there, definitely mention the certification programs, the networking opportunities (if you know of a great networking

22. Go to www.nals.org and download the NALS.org

manual; more specifically, Chapter 10 Marketing!

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MARKETING TOOL KIT

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Technology today is simply superb in the area of marketing. There are software programs, reference books, websites, and many other avenues to increase your knowledge and provide you with marketing resources. The websites provided below will help each architect, whether a master or an apprentice, to gain valuable marketing information.

Promotional Products

Is your chapter looking for new logo items to sell as a fundraiser? The following websites are companies that offer a wide variety of products to choose from. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. www.LogoExpressions.com www.positivepromotions.com www.promopeddler.com www.epromos.com www.ebagscorporate.com

Marketing

Trade Show Exhibits

There are too many websites related to marketing to list them all, but the following are a few sites that may get you started in the right direction. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. www.yudkin.com - you can sign up to receive weekly marketing tips http://marketing.about.com/od/nonprofitmarketing/ http://marketing.about.com/cs/nonprofitmrktg/ a/8stepnonprofit.htm http://www.managementhelp.org/np_progs/mkt_ mod/market.htm www.nals.org

If your chapter has made the decision to participate at a legal conference, such as the annual state bar meeting, there are many details that need to be considered so that your exhibitors space is not only eye-catching, but professional as well. Any one of these websites can provide basic information and ideas for you. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. www.ShopForExhibits.com www.Pinnacledisplays.com www.showstopperexhibits.com www.ebay.com . . . there are some companies that sell their overstocked items www.thetradeshowcoach.com . . .you can sign up to receive weekly exhibitors tips

Media

Any one of these websites should provide you with the contact information you will need for your local area to market your chapter and/or your chapters program. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. www.bizmove.com www.abyznewslinks.com http://newslink.org www.newspaperlinks.com/voyager.cfm www.usnpl.com www.mondotimes.com

Website Marketing

Thinking about developing a website for your chapter? Do you want to know about marketing on the Internet before committing to a website? The list of websites below all relate to marketing on the Internet. They offer tips, articles, and services to those interested in joining the global market place that the Internet offers. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. www.wilsonweb.com www.marketingtips.com www.webadvantage.net www.marketingsource.com www.marketingtoday.com

You might also go to your favorite search engine (for example, www.google.com) and simply type media contacts (city) and (state).

note: NALS does not endorse or make any guarantee as to the contents of the websites provided in the Tool Kit.
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Publicity is the action of making your chapter well known and well thought of this in turn becomes a form of marketing, one of the most cost effective forms you can develop. All chapters can benefit from press and media attention. It does not matter if your chapter is small or large or whether you sell a product or a service. Since the Internet has grown in popularity, the press has become more and more interested in small and mid-sized organizations. Editors and the press are hungry for ideas and want to hear about new products and services. They depend upon receiving press releases from people like you, because they must fill their pages with news 365 days a year. The media needs your press releases just as much as you need the members that publicity will bring. Press releases that are picked up by the media can bring your chapter to the attention of potential new members very quickly. Publicity is often more believable and profitable than any advertising you can buy.

PRESS RELEASE IDEAS


The opportunities for free publicity are endless. How many of the items below can you write about? For the best media attention, you should distribute a press release every week on one of the subjects below.

1. 2. 3.

Do you offer an apprenticeship or internship? Can you write about a members success story? Is there something new or unique about your organization?

4.

Can you release a testimonial received from a member, lawyer, or firm?

5. 6. 7. 8.

Can you publish results of a poll or survey? Are you sponsoring a program or event? Do you offer free career advice? Are there any unusual products or services that you offer?

9.

Can you publish a summary of useful or new facts?

10. 11. 12. 13. 14.


MARKETING TOOL KIT 17

Has one of your members received an award? Have you been involved in legislation? Do you have a unique projection or forecast? Do you have a new trademark? Are you launching a Web site?

15. 16. 17. 18.

Is there an issue you can protest? Do you have a new publication?

31.

Are you attending or hosting a conference or exhibition?

32.
Are you introducing a new product or service?

Have you had a visit by a celebrity? Can you work with the media on a joint project? Do you have a unique product or service? Can you adapt a national survey or report to explain your own associations news?

33.
Are you making a major change to your products or services?

34. 35.

19. 20.

Have you been mentioned in a book or article? Are you making a change in pricing or offering special deals (renew now and receive two free months)?

36.

Have you received significant recognition in your field?

21.

Are you offering a new training program for employees?

37.

Have you discovered a new use for your product or service?

22. 23.

Are you starting a new chapter? Are you involved with fundraising or other events?

38. 39. 40.

Are you running for office? Are you holding a competition or contest? Do you have news that could affect peoples health or make life easier?

24. 25. 26.

Are you speaking at a conference or seminar? Are you celebrating an anniversary? Do you know a way for people to save time or money?

41.

Are you giving away free samples or demo accounts, etc?

42. 43.

Can you write a tie-in with a current news event? Are you involved with civic activities?

27. 28. 29. 30.

Can you write a letter to the editor? Are you holding a seminar or lecture?

44.
Have you completed a study or research project? Is some kind of special event happening for your chapter?

Have you spoken in front of a noteworthy audience?

45.

Are you offering a reprint of a speech or keynote address?

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46. 47.

Do you have a great testimonial to relate? Have you published a report or any kind of useful or new information?

48. 49.

Have you testified as an expert witness? Is someone in your organization receiving a promotion?

50.

Do you have any community value that you can tell about?

51.

Have you had an interview or meeting with a celebrity?

52.

Can you hold an event to tie with a holiday or special occasion?

53. 54.

Do you have a member that is retiring? Have you won an award or contest or received a special certification?

55.

Is your chapter involved in any charitable or community actions that has an upcoming event?

Dont forget to check out the Blueprint Chapter for additional information on: Press releases Media kits PR calendars

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Marketing Tool Kit:

BLUEPRINTS

Manufacturing a Marketing Plan................................................................................................ 22 Writing With Power ......................................................................................................................... 37 Preparing a Press Release ............................................................................................................. 39 Making a Media Kit ......................................................................................................................... 43 Wow Em With a Web Site ............................................................................................................. 45 Creating a Public Relations Calendar ....................................................................................... 46 Presentation Pointers ..................................................................................................................... 47 Planning a Successful Professionals Night Out ................................................................. 52 How to Attract More Exhibitors/Sponsors/Vendors to Your Conferences .................. 53 Working With the Press ................................................................................................................ 56

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Manufacturing a Marketing Plan


There is often a great deal of misunderstanding about marketing. People often consider marketing to be the same as advertising. It is not. Advertising is only one part of marketing. Marketing is the 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. The activity of marketing an organization and its programs is critical to the success of the organization and its programs. they do in advertising. Regarding publicity, reporters and writers decide what will be said. Sales involves most or many of the following activities: cultivating prospective members in a market segment; conveying the features, advantages, and benefits of a product or service to them; and confirming the sale (or obtaining their commitment to join or participate in your program or service). The following example may help to make the above six concepts more clear. The story comes from the Readers Digest, a quote found in Promoting Issues and Ideas by M. Booth and Associates, Inc. [I]f the circus is coming to town and you paint a sign saying Circus Coming to the Fairground Saturday, thats advertising. If you put the sign on the back of an elephant and walk it into town, thats promotion. If the elephant walks through the mayors flower bed, thats publicity. And if you get the mayor to laugh about it, thats public relations. If the towns citizens go the circus, you show them the many entertainment booths, explain how much fun theyll have spending money at the booths, answer their questions and ultimately, they spend a lot at the circus, thats sales. NOTE ABOUT USE OF THE TERM SERVICES: Marketing is in regard to organizations, and their products and services. Nonprofit organizations exist largely to provide services to the community. Services can be provided by providing services also by providing products (or tangible services) to members. In this document, products and services are referred to by use of the term services.

Terminology

Its easy to become confused about these terms: advertising, marketing, promotion, public relations, publicity, and sales. The terms are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to different, but similar, activities. Some basic definitions are provided below followed by examples that illustrate the definitions. Advertising is bringing a product or service to the attention of potential and current members. Advertising is typically done with signs, brochures, commercials, direct mailings, email messages, personal contact, social media, etc. Promotion keeps the product or service in the minds of the current or potential member and helps stimulate demand. Promotion involves ongoing advertising and publicity. The ongoing activities of advertising, sales, and public relations are often considered aspects of promotions. Marketing is the wide range of activities involved in making sure that youre continuing to meet the needs of your current and potential member as well as the legal community and getting value in return. These activities include market research to find out, for example, what groups of potential members exist, what their needs are, which of those needs you can meet, how you should meet them, etc. Marketing also includes analyzing the competition, positioning your new product or service (finding your market niche), pricing your products and services, and promoting them through continued advertising, promotions, public relations, and sales. Public relations includes ongoing activities to ensure the association has a strong public image. Public relations activities include helping the public to understand the association and its products and services. Often, public relations are conducted through the media; that is, newspapers, television, magazines, social media, etc. As noted above, public relations is often considered as one of the primary activities included in promotions. Publicity is mention in the media. Organizations usually have little control over the message in the media; at least, not as

Competitive Analysis

If your association is the only game in town for legal support professionals, then a competitive analysis is not necessarily needed. However, if you are competing with other legal support professional organizations for members and/or attendees at seminars/conferences, then you need to answer the following questions: Who are your competitors? What member needs and preferences are you competing to meet? What are the similarities and differences between their products or services and yours? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of their products and services? How are they doing overall?

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How do you plan to compete? Offer better quality education? Lower prices? More support? Easier access to services? How are you uniquely suited to compete with them?

returned to you. This should be used carefully; not only can it incur substantial cost, you dont want to inundate your stakeholders with information. Email messages. These can be a wonderful means to getting the word out about your business. Design your e-mail software to include a signature line at the end of each of your e-mail messages. Magazines. Magazines ads can get quite expensive. Consider writing a short article for the magazine. Contact a reporter to introduce yourself. Reporters are often on the look out for new stories and sources from which to collect quotes. Newsletters. This can be a powerful means of conveying the nature of your organization and its services. Todays desktop publishing tools can generate very interesting newsletters quite inexpensively. Newspapers (major). Almost everyone reads a local, major newspaper. You can get your organization in the newspaper by placing ads, writing a letter to the editor, or working with a reporter to get a story written about your business. Newspapers (neighborhood). Ironically, these are often forgotten in lieu of major newspapers, yet the neighborhood newspapers are often closest to the interests of the organizations members. Online discussion and chat groups. As with e-mail, you can gain frequent exposure to yourself and your business by participating in on-line discussion groups and chat groups. Note, however, that many groups have strong ground rules against blatant advertising. When you join a group, always check with the moderator to understand what is appropriate. Posters and bulletin boards. Posters can be very powerful when placed where your potential members will notice them. But think of how often youve actually noticed posters and bulletin boards yourself. Your best bet is to place the posters on bulletin boards and other places which your prospective members frequent, and always refresh your posters with new and colorful posters that will appear new to passers by. Note that some businesses and municipalities have regulations about the number and size of posters that can be placed in their areas. Radio announcements. A major advantage of radio ads is they are usually cheaper than television ads, and many people still listen to the radio. Ads are usually sold as a package basis that consider the number of ads, the length of ads, and when they are put on the air. A major consideration with radio ads is to get them announced at the times your potential customers are listening to the radio. Television. Many cable networks run Public Service Announcements (PSA) for nonprofit organizations. Ask what their requirements are.

Market Analysis

Market analysis includes finding out what groups of potential members (or markets) exist, what groups of legal professionals you prefer to serve (target markets), what their needs are, what products or services you might develop to meet their needs, how the prospective members might prefer to use the products and services, what your competitors are doing, what pricing you should use, and how you should distribute products and services to your target markets. Various methods of market research are used to find out information about markets, target markets and their needs, competitors, etc. Remember that the overall goals of the organization very much determine whom you want to serve. For example, strategic goals might be to expand the number of members you have now, get new members or get more revenue from current members. You may want to develop new services in a current or new market, or expand services in a current or new market. Understanding your programs target markets makes it much easier for you to ensure that your program remains highly effective. In addition to helping focus the results and evaluation of your services, understanding your target markets helps you to focus on where to promote your services, including advertising, conducting public relations campaigns and selling your services. If youve done a good job so far of strategic planning, then identifying the primary target market should be fairly straightforward. However, it is very useful to determine several additional target markets. These additional markets are often where you should focus promotions, and may mean additional sources of assistance and revenue.

Major Methods of Advertising


(Repeatedly Getting the Message Out) Brochures or flyers. Many desktop publishing and word processing software packages can produce highly attractive trifold (an 8.5 inch by 11-inch sheet folded in thirds) brochures. Brochures can contain a great deal of information if designed well and are becoming a common method of advertising. Direct mail. Mail sent directly from you to your customers can be highly customized to suit their nature and needs. You may want to build a mailing list of your current and desired customers. Collect addresses from customers by noticing addresses on their checks, asking them to fill out information cards, etc. Keep the list online and up to date. Mailing lists can quickly become out of date. Notice mailings that get

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Web pages. In todays world, a Web presence is almost mandatory.

Other Promotional Activities and Events

Annual reports. Provide your members with a written recap of your years activities, accomplishments, challenges, and financial status. Collaboration or strategic restructuring. If your organization is undertaking these activities, celebrate it publicly. Networking. Spread the word to peers, professional organizations, and those with whom you interact outside the organizations; e.g., educators, consultants, suppliers, and clients. Novelties. It seems more common to find ads placed on pens and pencils, coffee cups, T-shirts, etc. These can be a powerful means of advertising if indeed current and potential members see the novelties. This condition often implies additional costs to mail novelties, print T-shirts, etc. Presentations. Youre probably an expert at something. Find ways to give even short presentations; for example, at local seminars, chamber of commerce meetings, trade shows, conventions, seminars, etc. Relationships with key legal professional groups. Identify at least one representative from each major professional organization, and take them to lunch once a year. What may seem to be short, informal exchanges can cultivate powerful relationships of interest and concern. Special events. These tend to attract attention and can include, for example, an open house for students, granting of special awards or scholarships or announcing anniversaries, installations, or seminars. Special offers. These include, for example, coupons, and/or discounts.

How are you perceived relative to your competition? What identity or personality do you want to project? What is the single most important benefit you want to convey about your product/service? What other benefits set you apart from the competition? What advertising tools will you use? Billboards Direct Mail Magazines Newspapers Radio/TV Signage Telemarketing Yellow Pages Social Media How will you measure the effectiveness of your advertising program?

Steps in the Sales Process

Understanding the basics of the actual sales process and customizing them for your association are critical in building member relationships. The following steps are the ones you should use. 1. Know NALS. Before you even have a preliminary conversation with a prospective member, it is essential that you clearly understand what attributes make NALS unique and desirable and why people should want what you have to offer. 2. Make initial contact. The actual sales conversations with people in your target market begin when you start letting them get to know you and vice versa. 3. Exchange information. This step consists of meeting with your prospective members, asking them questions, uncovering their needs, giving them information about NALS, and determining how NALS might fill their needs. Dont be afraid to acknowledge gaps in your knowledge or understanding; such sincerity comes through in a positive way. 4. Propose a solution. Once you have ascertained that there is a good fit between you and the prospective member, you can propose how NALS would specifically solve a problem or handle a need. By understanding the features and benefits of competing organizations, you can also prove at this point how what NALS offers is better. 5. Confirm the sale. Rather than focusing on closing the sale, a term that indicates the end of the process, confirming the sale means you are reviewing the prospective members willingness and ability to make a commitment to join. 6. Follow up. This is the time to find out how the new member likes your association and what it offers. This step provides an ideal chance to get referrals to new prospects. And if there is a problem, you have an opportunity to correct it.

Drawing the Advertising Blueprint


What are your organizations overall goals? Which marketing tools will help you achieve them? What is the purpose of your advertising program? (Be specific.) What is your advertising budget? What are the most important features and benefits of your product/service? Who is your target audience? (Create a profile of your members.) Who is your competition?

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Now that you have a better idea of marketing, it is time to take the first step and develop a marketing plan. The following is a sample and/or guideline for you to use to prepare the marketing plan. Each box represents a separate page.

[NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION] MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS PLAN [date]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. 2. 3. Specific product Goals of the plan Budget
[This can be arranged in any order that fits the marketing plan.]

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Product or Service: [name of product or service]


(This section of the plan is completed for each product or service.)
Product Description _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Target Markets _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Competitive Analysis _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Collaborative Analysis _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pricing _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Promotion (advertising, sales, and customer service) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Production _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Distribution _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Goals, Responsibilities, Timelines, and Comments/Status


The goals, outcomes, strategies and objectives are a major portion of the program plan. This plan usually also includes description of resources needed to achieve the goals and objectives, and the funding necessary to obtain and use the resources. Required resources usually include human resources, which are often described in terms of necessary skills and capabilities. The necessary funding is often depicted in the form of a program budget. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Budget for Marketing and Promotions


[The budget should be prepared with as much detail as possible regardless if any items or services have been donated. There may be circumstances that prevent a donation and it would be wise to be prepared to have the expense covered.] _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Service Description, Including Features and Benefits to Clients


[The description should be written as if your members are the readers. In the description, include the specific groups of legal support professionals served by the service, nature of the method(s) in the service, outcomes for prospective members and any other benefits to them, and where they should go next if they are interested in using the service. Be careful to describe the services in terms of benefits to the prospective member, not to you. For example, address pricing, convenience, location, quality, service, atmosphere, etc.] _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Preferred Target Markets


Top-Ranked Target Market Group

(specific groups of clients for product/service)


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Benefits of Our Product/Service to Them _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Number of Clients to Get _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Second-Ranked Target Market Group _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Benefits of Our Product/Service to Them _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Number of Clients to Get _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other Target Market Group _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Benefits of Our Product/Service to Them _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Number of Clients to Get _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Thoughts _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities later in this plan.]
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Competitor Analysis
Name of Competitors Organization _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Their Product/Service _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Common Market(s) That We Serve _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Benefits of Their Product/Service _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Pricing of Their Product/Service _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Strengths and Weaknesses of Their Product/Service _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How Our Product/Service Compares to Theirs _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Resulting Actions We Should Take _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities ... later in this plan]
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Collaborator Analysis
Name of Potential Collaborators Organization _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Their Product/Service _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Common Market(s) That We Serve _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Similarities Between Their Product/Service and Ours _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Advantages of Collaboration _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Disadvantages of Collaboration _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Resulting Actions We Should Take _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities ... later in this plan.]

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Pricing
Whats the Current Fee for Clients to Use? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How Much Is It Costing Us to Provide This Product/Service? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are We Recovering Our Costs (is the price enough to cover costs to produce and provide it)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Would Any Other Forms of Pricing Be Better (for example, sliding-fee scale, deferred payments, installment payments, etc.)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is the Current Fee Affordable to Clients? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is Our Pricing Competitive? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities ... later in this plan.]

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Promotion: Advertising
Top-Ranked Target Market Group _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Benefits of Our Product/ Service to Them ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Preferred Means of Advertising to Reach This Group ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Costs for Advertising ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Second-Ranked Target Market Group _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Benefits of Our Product/ Service to Them ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Preferred Means of Advertising to Reach This Group ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Costs for Advertising ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other Target Market Group _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Benefits of Our Product/ Service to Them ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Preferred Means of Advertising to Reach This Group ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated Costs for Advertising ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Thoughts/Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities ... later in this plan.]
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Sales Planning
Top-Ranked Target Market Group _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Best Methods for Generating Leads, Follow-Ups, Presentations and Closing Sales ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Second-Ranked Target Market Group _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Best Methods for Generating Leads, Follow-Ups, Presentations and Closing Sales ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other Target Market Group _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Best Methods for Generating Leads, Follow-Ups, Presentations and Closing Sales ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Thoughts/Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities ... later in this plan.]

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Member Services
How Do We Make Member Experiences as Pleasurable and Effective as Possible? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What Feedback Are We Getting From Program Evaluation Activities (for example, what are members indicating in conversations with board members, or in responses to surveys, etc.)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What Should We Be Doing to Improve Member Services? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities ... later in this plan].

Production
What Resources Are Needed Now to Continue to Build the Product/Service? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What Resources Will Be Needed in the Near Future (based on desired new markets, etc.)? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Resulting Actions to Take ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities ... later in this plan].

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Distribution
What Is the Best Means to Distribute Your Product/Service (including the best way to bring your product/service together with the members who use it)? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What Needs to Be Done to Improve Distribution? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Resulting Actions to Take _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[Actions in this area should be worded as specific goals and organized into the section Goals, Responsibilities ... later in this plan.]

Goals, Responsibilities, Timelines, and Comment/Status


[The goals, outcomes, strategies and objectives are a major portion of the program plan. This plan usually also includes description of resources needed to achieve the goals and objectives, and the funding necessary to obtain and use the resources. Required resources usually include human resources, which are often described in terms of necessary skills and capabilities. The necessary funding is often depicted in the form of a program budget.] Goal _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Responsibility _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Completion Date _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Comments/Status _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Budget for Goal _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Budget for Marketing and Promoting the Overall Organization


The following budget depicts planned expenditures for marketing and promoting the organizations products/services over the next year. (The following is a sample budget and should be modified according to the needs and nature of your organization.)
Item _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Planned _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Actual _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual meeting _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Trainer (for board committee, about marketing and promotions) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Classified ads _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual report _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Brochures _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Postage and materials for direct mail _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Newsletters (one per month) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Posters (6) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Program videos (4) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Free, Complete, Online Training Programs That Include This Topic!


For Nonprofit Organizations: This topic is also included in the Free Nonprofit Micro-eMBA learning module, Designing and Marketing Your Programs. This complete, nuts and bolts, free training program is geared to leaders, managers, consultants, and volunteers who serve nonprofit organizations.

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Writing With Power


Be First
Get your press release sent early in the day, and get your story to the media before your competitors. Keep in mind when writing the release that it is always best to be first.

Be Unique

Your press release must be unique in order to stand out from hundreds of others. Always look for the unique aspects about your business and write about those first. Ask yourself, What will catch the readers attention?

Be Focused

In order to be successful, you must have a clear focus before you start writing. What is the news and how can it benefit the reader and encourage them to take immediate action? The more focused and newsworthy releases are more likely to be published. A press release that contains a clear newsworthy focus or angle stands a much better chance of being read and picked up by the media.

Be Persistent

Sending just one press release is not very likely to bring you a large amount of publicity. You must approach the press with the concept of providing a solution to their readers problems. Let them know that you are the expert on this valuable information. Send that message repeatedly with different stories or news over a period of time, and you will be successful.

Have a Strong Hook

The hook is the who, what, when, where, how, and why found in the first or opening paragraph. The hook must be a strong and concise summary of what your release is about. The hook is a critical element to your success. You must let the editor or reporter know why your news is important to their readers.

Have an Unforgettable Headline

It is essential that your headline be attention grabbing and unforgettable. The editor must know that what you have to say is important to their readers by reading the headline. Start your search for a good headline by reading news headlines similar to yours found in newspapers and magazines. Powerful headlines have the following characteristics: They arouse curiosity. They pull you into the story. They create emotional appeal. They make the reader stop what theyre doing to read more. They promise answers to a question or solutions to a problem. They promise to reveal a secret or hard to find information

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Essential Tips
It is the reporters job to look for newsworthy items. By providing a good press release, you are helping the press do their job while making money for your own chapter. The media needs your press releases just as much as you need publicity.

T op Eleven Tips for a Successful Submission 1. 2.


Keep the length a maximum of one page or 400 words. Always write your press release in third person. Any first person commentary, such as testimonials or product reviews should only be in a quote with the source listed.

3. Begin your press release with a short description of the news and then provide the details
about the company who announced the news. Do not do this the other way around.

4.

Be careful to base your press release on facts. Report the facts about your product or service without fluff or hype. Let the reporter decide from the facts that your business is special and newsworthy. Use timely and new information related to current events. Do not write about something old or well known. When writing, remember who your audience is. Your audience is not your customers. Your audience is the journalists and editors. Make your release new, different, and interesting. Do not tell everything. Your purpose should be to provide enough information to generate interest and a follow-up from a reporter. Provide as much contact information as possible: contact name, address, phone, fax, email, website address, etc. Proofread your press release over and over. Do not trust your spell check software to do this for you. Have several individuals check your release before submitting it. You should have a link to your press releases at your website. Media may often come to your website and pick up an old story rather than the new story that drew them there in the first place. Also, the text helps with search engine placement because it provides good food for the search engine spiders. 38

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

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Preparing a Press Release


Writing a press release is not too different from writing any other document, but certain rules must be followed to ensure that you are including all the necessary information.

What is my story?

In order to write a press release, you must determine the subject of your story. It can be about an event that affects the profession, the legal community, or a change in your association that will affect your member base. Whatever you choose to be your story, you must remember to cover the basics. Your press release must always tell who, what, where, when, and why.

Is my story news?

A mistake that is often made in the development of a press release is the misunderstanding that a press release is an advertisement for your organization. Even though a press release can assist your association in acquiring members, it should not be your focus. The primary purpose of your press release is to deliver a newsworthy story about the legal-related issues or the profession to the reader.

The layout for your press release.

Once you have answered the important questions, it is time to begin writing. Like any other paper, you should always start off with your purpose. Your purpose is why you are writing the press release. Make sure that you express this thought in a manner that is of interest to your prospective reader. First, open with a strong headline to grab the readers attention. Readers are very picky; if they do not see relevance in your press release immediately, they will discard it. The headline, along with your opening paragraph, should tell a gripping story. This is essential to keeping the readers interest as they read through the detail section of the release that follows. Second, stick to the facts. Make it interesting, but avoid embellishments. Also, when giving the details of your press release, be sure to illustrate the story to your reader. Use real life examples that they will be able to relate to or visualize. Next, select an appropriate angle for your press release, i.e., make it relevant. Keep in mind whats going on with social issues and current events, and sculpt your press release accordingly. This will make your story even more attractive and worthwhile to potential readers. Finally, be concise and grammatically correct. Avoid adding extra fluff words that distract from the true meaning of your press release. Dont include clichs and jargon that may not be understood by the general reader. Make sure that you have permission to use any quotes or inside information. This will prevent there being any conflicts that may result in your press release being pulled. Be sure to check you release for punctuation and grammatical errors. Make sure you follow proper format.

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10 Essential Tips to Ensure Your Press Release Makes the News


1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Make sure the information is newsworthy. Tell the audience that the information is intended for them and why they should continue to read it. Start with a brief description of the news, then distinguish who announced it, and not the other way around. Ask yourself, How are people going to relate to this and will they be able to connect? Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important. Avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language. Deal with the facts. Provide as much contact information as possible: individual to contact, address, phone, fax, e-mail, and Web site address. Make sure you wait until you have something with enough substance to issue a release. Make it as easy as possible for media representatives to do their jobs.

Press Release Formatting Suggestions


1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Use 8 _ x 11 paper. Use a minimum of one-inch margins on each side of the page. Use a bold typeface for the headlines to draw attention. Capitalize the first letter of all words in the headline (with the exception of: a, an, the, or prepositions such as: of, to, or from). The combination of upper and lower case makes it easier to read. Complete the paragraph on one page instead of carrying it onto the next page. Use only one side of each sheet of paper. Use the word more between two dashes and center it at the bottom of the page to let reporters know that another page follows. ( -- more -- ) Use three numbers symbols immediately following the last paragraph to indicate the end of the press release (# # #).

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EXAMPLE #1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


Contact: Contact Person Company Name Telephone Number Fax Number E-mail Address Web Site Address Headline City, State, DateOpening Paragraph (should contain: who, what, when, where, why). Remainder of body text - Should include any relevant information to your products or services. Include benefits, why your product or service is unique. Also include quotes from staff members, industry experts, or satisfied customers. If there is more than 1 page use: -more(The top of the next page): Abbreviated headline (page 2) Remainder of text. (Restate contact information after your last paragraph): For additional information or a sample copy, contact: (all contact information) Summarize product or service specifications one last time Company History (try to do this in one short paragraph) ### (indicates Press Release is finished)

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EXAMPLE #2
Date FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Chapter will hold their Event on Date. The two-day event is presented and available to the entire (Name of City) legal community, including judges, lawyers, legal assistants/paralegals, legal secretaries, and law studentsone of the most comprehensive meetings of the legal support profession in the state. A diverse selection of continuing legal education seminars in various areas of law will be presented by highly regarded speakers. Events will also include workshops, the board of directors meeting, as well as leadership training. Continuing legal education credits will be available for all registrants attending the sessions. Highlights of the continuing legal education seminars will include: Title of Session scheduled speaker will be Name, Law Firm Title of Session scheduled speaker will be Name, Law Firm Continue to add information as needed The Chapter is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonunion organization of legal secretaries, legal assistants/ paralegals, law office administrators, court clerks, and other legal professionals, affiliated with NALS, Inc. One of the primary purposes of the Association is to encourage and provide continuing legal education and increased professionalism for all legal professionals. For further information or registration, contact: Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code, Telephone Number, E-mail Address. [NOTE: This press release form is promoting a state board meeting; however, it can be adapted to your chapters needs. The possible revisions have been both bolded and italicized for your convenience. Please also note that the name of the speakers law firm is also included. Your speakers will appreciate a free opportunity to see their firm name in print. Please remember this press release should be printed on your chapters letterhead for a professional appearance.]

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Making a Media Kit


It has taken you months to build a strong relationship with the reporter from your local metropolitan newspaper. Youve e-mailed, talked on the phone, met her twice for lunch, passed along leads and story ideas, and faxed her interesting tidbits about your organization. Finally it has paid off and the big day has arrived. She is visiting you to do a profile story on you and your organization. You have prepared thoroughly for the interview, and you are braced for any question she could possibly ask, except the first one. When she arrives, she asks, May I have your media kit? Dont panic. Admit you dont have one. Ask her if theres anything specific you can send her after the interview. Then vow that that will never happen again, and get to work creating a media kit that reporters will love. Or, get it on the net! If you have a Web site put together an online press kit. This keeps visitors abreast of your companys latest news and events and accomplishments. An additional advantage of an online press kit is being able to include audio and video clips. If you dont have a media kit, youre on a tight budget or have little time to create one, you can start out small, then add to it as time goes on, building your inventory and then deciding what goes inside the kit depending on how you are going to use it. Remember to be selective; less is more. Dont put every article since the beginning of time. This will frustrate your reader. Only put the most recent and most pertinent to your target audience. Busy editors dont have the time or desire to sort through a one-inch stack of articles, and they probably WONT! (It may get filed.) Instead focus on the product or service you want to highlight. Here are some ideas for what to include in your media kit:

What It Is and Why You Need It


A press or media kit is a resume for your association. Its a collection of information and articles put together to inspire interest from media, potential members, schools and employers. The goal is to create a press kit that grabs the readers attention, creates a killer impression, helps them remember you, and makes them hunger to know more. A media kit contains information that will help reporters write an accurate story. It should include whatever facts you want them to know. Contents can include, among other things, a history of your association professional profiles of key officers black and white or color photos a fact sheet a business card recent press releases a brochure product sample small logo item Media kits help reporters save time and improve accuracy, because everything is included. Sometimes reporters copy entire paragraphs of information found in media kits, particularly when they are on deadline. It is convenient, and they dont have to spend time calling the source to ask for more information or double-check numerous facts. The traditional press kit is a collection of articles and information packaged in a presentation folder and sent via mail. Want to be on the cutting edge? Since the advent of e-books, now you can create your press kit as a PDF file that you put on disk and mail out.

Pitch letter. The pitch letter is the first thing your

reader will see. Its important to create a good first impression, or your will lose the readers interest. Tell them up front why they should care about what you are telling them. List the items enclosed. Create a call to action. Let them know you are available for interview or if they have questions how they can reach you. Use bold to highlight key points.

Two Business Cards. They can keep one copy and


pass the other to a friend or associate.

Recent Articles. Keep an ongoing file of your press

coverage. This can include print media and e-zines that reprint your articles. An easy way to keep a press file is to hire a clipping service. But you can search for articles yourself by doing a link check in the search engines.

Type Link:http://www.yourdomain.com in the search


box.

You can also search in Google or Dogpile by


article title, author, and company name.

Press Releases

Audio and video files of radio/television interviews, speeches, and performances. You can

include a write up of the interview, an audio tape, or even a link to where readers can listen to it online.

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List of Testimonials. Limit to one sheet. Sample News Story. Frequently reporters will print
this verbatim. Editors see ready-to-print-stories as an easy way to fill up space with little effort on their part.

Sample or actual product/service/performance review. This will let editors see what others are saying
about you or help the editor to write his own review.

Association Brochure Association Publication or Newsletter Member News Community Involvement Projects Recent Awards List of Events Photographs (if appropriate) Biographical Sheet (if appropriate) List of Frequently Asked Questions (This helps
the editor to think of questions to ask you in an interview or include in their article.)

Its crucial to follow up to make sure they received your press kit. Follow up calls provide the perfect opportunity for editors to ask questions, or schedule an interview. Take this opportunity to network and get to know the editors. By developing a relationship with important members of the media, you will build recognition and rapport and improve their chances of covering you. If you DO get coverage, be sure to send a handwritten thank you note. A media kit is an important part of your public relations effort. Dont wait till you NEED one to scramble and put one together. Savvy press kits can be a powerful PR tool to improve your media relations, create media coverage, and act as a sales tool to potential members.

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Wow Em With A Web Site


Dont forget about your online media kit!
Avoid the following: Home pages with big, clunky photos that cause sites to load too slowly. Wallpaper backgrounds usually made up of the companys logo repeated row after row. Then text is slapped on top of it. Its like reading print on top of wallpaper, and often its illegible. Hard-to-find addresses, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. I once found a Web site for a public relations company that had the phone number buried three layers into the site. Dont hide this information under a Contact Us key either. Post it right out there on the home page or on every page of the site. Information that makes the site look outdated. For example, registration forms for Julys conference shouldnt appear on the site in November. Poor-quality electronic photos. You can post images to the Web in other than the 72dpi format that most Web based image files are set at. However, because of the compression incorporated with the various formats for Web based images, they are not ideal files for print media. If you want to make print-ready images available on your site, you should link to a high-resolution version of the image that will only download to the visitors system once they have clicked the link. Too many things that flash, make noise, or move back and forth. These generally distract the reader and it is annoying. Once your Web designers have solved all these problems, make sure that your attractive, easy-to-navigate site also includes a downloadable media kit.

Other sources of information

Visit your local bookstore or Web site for public relations books such as: Public Relations (PR) Kit For Dummies Whether youre a Fortune 500 company or a small business owner, publicity affects your frontline image and your bottom line. Public Relations Kit for Dummies is the resource for learning how to produce positive word-of-mouth that gets results for your organization. While other titles simply show the reader how to maximize PR, Public Relations Kit For Dummies discusses how to organize and orchestrate PR from budgets, to coordinating various media, to tying into advertising and marketing campaigns.

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Creating a Public Relations Calendar


Does your association have a PR calendar? The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that you are aware of important events that may drive the news cycle. The calendar is also a handy planning tool for educational programs and legal tie-ins for articles or speeches. Your calendar should include all of the normal holidays and observances that are easily obtained. You should also include domestic and international political information, sports, entertainment, and anniversaries. For example, how many ideas for legal-related programs can you generate in the list of 2006 anniversaries listed below?

2006 Anniversaries
500th Anniversary N/A: Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is finished May 20: Death of Christopher Columbus 300th Anniversary January 17: Benjamin Franklins birth 200th Anniversary N/A: First publication of the American English dictionary by Noah Webster 100th Anniversary April 18: Great San Francisco Earthquake 75th Anniversary March 3: Star-Spangled Banner adopted as national anthem of United States May 1: Empire State Building officially opened November 7: Peoples Republic of China is proclaimed 50th Anniversary February 22: Elvis Presleys first entrance onto U.S. music charts (Heartbreak Hotel) March 23: Pakistan becoming the worlds first Islamic Republic June 14: The term under God being authorized for use in the Pledge of Allegiance October 23: Hungarian Revolution October 29: Suez Crisis 25th Anniversary January 20: U.S. hostages in Iran are freed after 444 days of captivity March 30: Assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan April 12: The first launch of a Space Shuttle (Columbia) May 13: Assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II June 5: First AIDS cases recognized by the Centers for Disease Control August 1: Launch of MTV October 19: Sandra Day OConnor, first female Supreme Court Justice, is appointed December 28: Elizabeth Jordan Carr, first test-tube baby, is born 20th Anniversary January 28: Space Shuttle Challenger Explodes on Takeoff February 9: Halleys Comets last visit April 13: Pope John Paul II visit to Synagogue of Rome, first visit to a synagogue by a modern Pope April 16: Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine May 25: Hands Across America October 10: Massive earthquake in El Salvador November 3: Iran-Contra Affair first reported by Lebanese magazine Ash-Shiraa 10th Anniversary February 1: Communications Decency Act February 10: Telecommunications Reform Act July 5: Dolly, a sheep, is the first cloned mammal ever born July 27: Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta Fifth Anniversary September 11: Terrorist Attacks on the United States October 23: First iPod is released December 2: Enron files for bankruptcy Use the following links to obtain 2006 information: Link: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/electcal.html Link: http://www.electionguide.org/2006.htm

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Presentation Pointers
At one point or another you, or a member of your crew, will be making an oral presentation to market your chapter and its wonderful benefits. Where do you begin to prepare? What should you say? What materials will you need? Numerous questions immediately come to mind when organizing a presentation. The following are general guidelines you can use or adapt to your own style and technique for an oral presentation. The presentation will be your chance to persuade others that joining our association is a good thing. Persuasive presentations are to convince the audience to buy your service, support your goals or concepts, or to change their minds or attitudes. Two elements for success in a sales presentation are knowing and understanding your audience, and building rapport. Before you plan your presentation, you have to define your audience. 1. What is the size of the group? The number of people in your audience will affect your delivery style, the way you present visuals, the amount and type of handouts, and the level of audience interaction. 2. What is the age distribution of the audience? This is especially important of the audience is primarily made up of the very young or the very old. Age can make a difference in terms of reference points. 3. Is the audience mostly men, mostly women, or mixed? There may be nuances that are more suitable for one group or the other. 4. How familiar are audience members with your topic? You would start from a different point of view for a group of novices from the point you would use for a group in which 90 percent of your audience knew your topic. Chances are the question on the audiences mind as they walk into your presentation is What is in it for me? (WIIFM) By keeping in kind your audiences WIIFM needs, you improve your chances of making a winning presentation. Ask yourself these questions to help you structure your presentation to meet your goals: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What does the audience expect to gain? What do they already know about the topic? What are my key points? What one thing do I want them to remember most? What materials do I need to prepare and to deliver my presentation?

Understand what it is you want to accomplish before you can actually do the research, make an outline, gather your slides, prepare your handouts, and write the words you will say. Once you have defined your topic, completed your research, and determined a format, you will need to organize the materials so that it confirms to your purpose. Know your material. Do you have all the facts and figures? Is your information up to date? Have there been some recent developments or changes that are a little sketchy in your mind?

The more time you spend in preparing and practicing your presentation, the more likely you are to succeed. In order to give a good presentation, you have to prepare thoroughly.

Opening:
The first few words you utter will set the tone for your entire presentation. It is important that you say something that will capture your audiences attention and give you rapport with the people. There are a number of ways to begin your presentation. You might start simply with a greeting: Good morning. Thank you for inviting me to spend a few minutes with you today to discuss how (chapter) is beneficial to both you and your staff. If you are good with words, you could create some verbal imagery paint a picture with words so that your audience can see what it is you are saying. It can be extraordinarily effective.

Middle:
The body of your speech where you get your message across, where you cover your key points, and where you chunk the bulk of your message.

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To motivate an audience, presenters frequently follow a fivestep process: 1. Grab the audiences attention with your opener. (Opening) 2. Establish a need build their need or interest in your product, idea or proposal (Middle) 3. Show them that your plan, idea or proposal will meet their needs (Middle) 4. Help the audience visualize, through descriptive language or with visuals, themselves using your product, idea or proposal to meet their needs (Middle) 5. Encourage the audience to take the action you suggest (Close) Probably best to limit your key points to three.

have rehearsed enough. Besides, you have your notes to help cue you if you have a temporary lapse. You are not likely to trip, and if you do, so what? You will catch yourself and go on. Besides maintaining a positive attitude, there are some tricks for preventing a serious case of stage fright. Practice, practice, practice until you can give your presentation in your sleep. Check and double-check your equipment. Breathe deeply but naturally. Hyperventilating may cause you to pass out. Loosen your muscles to release tension, especially in your neck and jaw. Take your time walking to the podium with your shoulders back and your chest and head up. Take a moment to scan the audience and focus on friendly faces. Smile.

Close:
You may want the listeners to take action, to accept your message, to buy your product or to change their minds. In your closing remarks, you can do the following: Summarize your message Repeat your key points Ask for action Recreate the verbal imagery you used in your opener, but add your solution If you began with an anecdote, end with another, but this time with a play on the words or some kind of memorable twist End on a positive note, even when your message is a difficult one

Delivery Details:
Keep your notes/speech in a three-ring binder. This helps prevent loose papers flying across the stage.

Use an easy to read font, bold format, and font size no smaller than 12 points. Type the speech in capital letters and triplespace between lines. You may want to type the speech only half or three-quarters of the way down to avoid having to lower your head to read to the bottom of the page. Underline words or phrases you want to emphasize. Place each page in a plastic sleeve that fits the binder. This makes turning the pages easier. Always stand tall. Relax your shoulders and pull them back. Hold your head high and chin up. Smile naturally. When you arrive at the podium, pause. Take a breath, but avoid looking like you are gulping for air. Do not rest your elbows on the podium or lean on it. Stand with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Use deliberate pauses, lasting about two to three seconds, to take a deep breath or to add emphasis. Pause for emphasis after making a key point.

It is a good idea to arrive early for small group presentations. This will give you the necessary time to check the venue as well as the opportunity to greet each person as he or she arrives.

Stage Fright:
Stage fright is the fear of the unknown in a situation over which you may have no control. When people experience stage fright, they ask themselves what if questions. What if I forget what I was going to say? What if I trip and fall on my way to the podium? Sure, some of those what ifs could possibly happen. However, they most likely wont, especially if you are thoroughly prepared. You will not forget your message if you

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People react well to a sincere smile. A genuine, heart-felt smile is reassuring, soothing, friendly, and warm. It makes a positive impact. You may have a great speaking voice, but if you mumble or slur your words, no one will understand you. Slurred or mumbled words will eventually irritate an audience because they will have to strain to understand you. Poor articulation will also make you appear to be less believable and less authoritative. On the other hand, exaggerated enunciation will often make the audience feel you are patronizing or you are speaking down to them. You should strive to avoid both scenarios.

Slides/Power Point:
1. Limit one thought per slide. 2. Be consistent with font color on the background (light font on dark background or dark font on a light background). 3. Fonts need to be readable rather than fancy and large enough to read. 4. Avoid a crowded look. Combining graphics with text is more effective. 5. Bullet list of benefits, dark blue background, light blue font, yellow bullet points, cumulative slides on which each new point is added to the one before. 6. Use a laser pointer. 7. Dim lights, but do not turn off completely. 8. Stand to the side of the screen, not in front of it. 9. Look at the audience not at your screen. If you have to look at screen, do not speak until you are facing the audience. 10. Test equipment before audience arrives. 11. Before audience arrives, make sure screen is visible from every seat. 12. Allow just in case time for equipment problems.

Visuals:
Youve got to see it to believe it. Anonymous Most people absorb more than 80% of what they learn through the sense of sight. That means if you show something to people, they are far more likely to remember it at least for awhile, than if you tell something to them. Show and tell at the same time, and your audience will remember even more. Visual aids take many forms, for example: Flip charts Handouts Multimedia Props Slides/Power Point Videos

Using Colors:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Blue is the favorite color of most people. Yellow invokes confidence and optimism. Keep colors limited to 2/3 per slide. Use bright colors for key points. Avoid using red and green together because if someone is color blind, they will not be able to tell them apart. 6. Be consistent with use of color throughout your presentation. If you have limited funds, a flip chart can be very effective at a minimal cost. These are low-tech visual aids that are usually easy and inexpensive to prepare. Smaller desktop or notebook types are often used for sales presentations. Often desktop flip charts fold open like a portfolio and can hold handouts or other materials. Often flip charts are prepared in advance with key points and other relevant information printed on them. Because it is important that the visuals relate specifically to the subject of that moment, leave a blank page between each printed page. Desktop flip charts are also easily portable. 1. Write neatly and large enough for the audience to see and read easily.

There is enormous diversity for the potential content of your visual aids. Examples are: Charts Colors Graphics Lists Photographs Shapes Symbols/logos

Among the many possibilities and combinations will be your visual aid that will match your objectives, subject matter, delivery style, audience needs, expectations, and very importantly, your budget. A few tips regarding your visual aids:

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2. Fold over bottom corner of each page (on side where you will be standing) to separate pages which makes them easier to turn. You can also attach Post-It sheets to the bottom corner of each page on the back side. 3. When flipping the page over, pull it straight up before you pull it back over the top. The page will be less likely to buckle or fold and it will make less noise. Be sure visuals you choose are appropriate to your audience and to the venue. Double-check all your visuals for factual errors.

point Latecomer makes an entrance and talks to five of her best friends Someone falls asleep and snores Equipment failure

When distractions happen, your job as a presenter is to take ownership of the situation, diffuse the distraction, and continue with your presentation. You can plan against distractions by doing the following: Assign a gatekeeper Arrive early to test the equipment Have spare parts for your equipment

Where/Location:
If you have the chance to choose your venue, consider the following: What do I want to accomplish? How many people will participate? How long will it take? How much money can I spend? What kind of technical support will I need? Where will participants be coming from? (choose central location)

To Serve or Not to Serve Food:


If coffee or food is served before a presentation, audience might become sleepy or agitated. Food served during the talk, service and eating will be a distraction. If a meal is served after a presentation, the audiences participation might distract them from listening. If nothing at all is served, audience may feel cheated. Serving refreshments before your presentation has the added benefit of giving people something to do while they are settling in. If you will be making a presentation and a meal is served, put off eating until you have done your part. If that is not possible, eat sparingly and avoid high-fat foods that take a lot of energy to digest. You want to be alert when it is time for you to speak. When it comes to being late to give a presentation, there are only two acceptable excuses: (1) a death in the family or (2) an extreme sickness or injury. Remember to add just in case time to your schedule.

Assign a Second:
Having a second at your presentation is a tremendous benefit to you. What does a second do? Their duties may include: Listening to and timing your talk Providing feedback on content, visuals, your appearance, and your voice in advance Go to the presentation Help you set up Greet participants Assist with visuals during your presentation Dimming the lights Serve as a gatekeeper (all eyes and ears to troubleshoot, remains unobtrusive, but is always there when needed, deals with distractions)

Steps to Avoid Delays:


1. Ask for detailed directions, including a map. 2. Ask about parking. 3. If it is after business hours, ask about the entrance and after-hours telephone number. 4. Make sure your cell phone is charged. 5. Plan alternative transportation. 6. If you start feeling lost, immediately call someone at your destination.

Distractions:
People are easily distracted. What if George Strait suddenly walked into the room? Distractions can happen and can be unnerving. Examples are: Waiter drops tray of dishes when you are making a key

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Other Details:
1. Check lighting. 2. If using slides, make sure room can be darkened enough. 3. Restroom location.

Written handouts include: Lists Proposal Outline of the presentation Suggested reading Supporting documents Synopsis of presentation

Presenters Emergency Kit:


1. Toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss 2. Small hand mirror 3. Small makeup kit 4. Comb/brush 5. Spare shirt/blouse 6. Extra pantyhose 7. Nail file 8. Tissues 9. Aspirin 10. Anti-diarrhea medicine 11. Antacids 12. Small sewing kit 13. Manicure scissors

Presenting Handouts:
If you distribute your handouts before you begin speaking, sometimes you will lose audience members because they will be looking at the handouts and not pay attention to you. Handouts should be high quality. Be sure your visuals/ graphics are clear. If you want your audience to take notes, prepare your handout materials with plenty of space for notes.

Speaking Suggestions:
Tips for improving your speaking voice: Avoid hot or cold liquids just before speaking. Sip cool, not iced, water before your presentation. Avoid dairy products before speaking. They can make your throat feel thick. Stand up straight. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Breathe normally. Do not hyperventilate. Speak at a slower rate. Add enthusiasm to your tone. Articulate clearly. Vary your pitch to avoid a monotone. Prepare thoroughly and practice your talk to avoid ums and ahs. Use a pause instead of an um. Enunciate clearly. Use proper pronunciation. Practice often.

Equipment:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Extension cord Flashlight Batteries Scissors Small set of screwdrivers Extra pens, pencils, and paper Business cards

Write for Speaking:


Presenters should always strive to use the active voice when they write or prepare their presentations. The active voice is strong, engaging, take-charge, and responsible. Be concise, direct, and to the point. Streamline your vocabulary in order to eliminate expressions, words, and unnecessary jargon that fill up space and time without adding meaning or information.

Handouts:
Primary reasons to give handouts to your audience is to clarify your message, to make it easier to understand, and to reinforce your key points.

Dress just slightly more formally than your audience. Your clothes should never be wrinkled, ripped, soiled, missing buttons or obviously out of date. You shoes should be shined and well heeled. Your stockings should be run free. The lining of your coat or jacket should not hang below the hem. Slips and bra straps should remain out of sight. No matter how qualified you are, ill-fitting, inappropriate clothes make you look insecure, incompetent, unsophisticated, and sloppy. You should have clean, well-manicured hands. If your hands are trembling, hold to the sides of the podium, but do so lightly.

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Planning a Successful Professionals Night Out


Blueprint for Success: Let NALS.org be Your Architect
by Dee Beardsley, Certified PP, PLS

Founded in 1949, Nashville Association for Legal Professionals is a charter chapter of NALS with a rich history of service to the legal community, but like so many long-lived associationssuffered from a case of stagnation when it came to marketing the chapter. For years they had spent a lot of time and money holding mixers that did not generate a lot of interest, much less new members. In effort to reinvigorate the program, Nanette Green, PLS, newly-elected marketing chair in 2004, turned to NALS.orgthe Architectural Digest of NALSfor inspiration. Book 10 is replete with ideas for both internal and external marketing, but one sentence leapt off the page for her:

Door prizes donated by local vendors and merchants were given away throughout the evening and there was a special basket raffled off with proceeds benefiting the chapter. The chapter followed up with each guest in the weeks following the event using the email addresses gathered on both the registration slips and at the registration table. The first year only one new member joined, but eventually seven members of her firm also joined.

Nashvilles Blueprint

Have a vendor sponsor a cocktail and hors doeuvres event at no cost to the chapter.
For a chapter with limited operating capital, the idea of a sponsored event was perfect. Nanette knew that there were vendors falling all over themselves trying to do something for the association. She reasoned that one of them might jump at the chance to sponsor a Legal Professionals Night Out. Richards & Richards, a commercial records management company, has been an eager, energetic and enthusiastic partner along with the law firm of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis PLLC, who offered their conference center with a great nighttime view of the city and donated non-alcoholic beverages. Richards & Richards marketed the event to all of its clients. No one was left out: receptionists, runners, copy center people, graduates from business/ paralegal schools, court clerks, court reporters, word processors, legal secretaries, legal assistants, and paralegalsall were invited to attend. There was music, a beautiful view of Nashvilles skyline, good food, plenty of door prizes and chair massages but no formal program or presentation. Instead, guests were welcomed by Nashvilles president, marketing chair and a representative from Richards & Richards. Board members were required to attend and to work the crowd. All members were encouraged to attend and past presidents received a special invitation. At the back of the room, a table was set up to display NALS brochures, @Law, local and state publications. A second table displayed the history books of several past presidents. During the evening the guests attention was directed toward these tables, but there was no hard sell. On overhead screens a PowerPoint presentation continuously showed chapter activities.

Invite everyone! Obtain email addresses. Use a caterer to free up members for socializing. Display history books. Solicit door prizes from vendors. Offer free chair massages. Display NALS brochures, @Law, state and local publications. Run a slideshow (no sound) showcasing chapter events and activities for the past year Follow up with each attendee.

The event was successful and the sponsor wants to make this an annual event. Attendance in 2004 was 75. In 2005 that number jumped to 100. The concept for Nashvilles success was sparked by NALS.org, but the blueprint was drafted by the members to fit the needs of their association and community. If your budget allows, offer a free registration to an upcoming NALS event or dinner meeting as one of the door prizes. Or give away a Blue Book with a copy of your certification study group schedule or the On-Line Learning Center schedule inside. Be sure your board membersespecially new board membersare fully conversant on state, region and national activities and programs of NALS. As the architect of your own dream, use NALS.org to foster ideas. Draft the blueprint to fit your design. Find sponsors to finance construction. Frame your project with strong supporters. Decorate and embellish as desired. Redecorate as needed and dont be afraid to remodel when necessary. We look forward to showcasing your dream in future issues of Leading the Way.

Thank you very much from the entire NALS Nashville Chapter for joining us for Legal Professionals Night Out. Your attendance helped to make this event a huge success and everyone had a great time. Are you interested in learning more about NALS? Its an exciting time for NALS in Nashville. We are getting lots of new members and implementing new programs, etc. I would love to talk to you more about NALS and for you to be a part of this growth in our organization. Our next meeting is _______. Please contact me if you would like to attend or would like more information.

Follow Up!

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How to Attract More Exhibitors/Sponsors/Vendors to Your Conferences


Tell them whats in it for them. Put together a valuable package, offering rooms, registrations, ads, publicity, etc. The profit to you wont be quite as high, but consider it as a loss leader, because you will get more sponsors and, really, it is not costing you anything in the long run because their sponsorship dollars are covering the actual expenses. The illusion, however, is that they are getting something in return for their investment in your association. Below is an example of what you might offer. Use your imagination and be creative with intangibles that cost you nothing but provide a marketing opportunity for the vendor. Package
Platinum Sponsor $1000

What they Get


Hotel accommodations for two nights (one room) Full registration (all meals) for two people Full-page ad in Conference Program Prime booth location in Exhibit Hall Description of your product/services in the Conference Program Prominent signage at all events Your name prominently featured in all pre-conference materials and publicity Registration brochures to mail to your customers Hotel accommodations for one night (one room) Full registration (all meals) for one person Half-page ad in conference program Free booth in Exhibit Hall Prominent signage at all events Your name prominently featured in all pre-conference materials and publicity Full registration (all meals) for one person Half page ad in conference program Prominent signage at all events Your name prominently featured at all events

Your Cost
Room rate plus meal cost; lost revenue from booth rental; possible printing of additional brochures

Your Profit
Depending your location and scrip price, and assuming your program printing is being donated you should net at least $500

Gold Sponsor $750

Room rate plus meal Depending your locacost; lost revenue from tion and scrip price, booth rental and assuming your program printing is being donated you should net at least $400

Silver Sponsor $500

Offer vendors several different ways they can participate in your conference even if they cant be a Platinum/Gold/Silver sponsor. Attach a dollar value to everything you need and ask for it all! Welcome Party Luncheons Dinners Breaks Continental Breakfast Hospitality Suite Silent Auction Prize Drawings Speaker sponsorships (keynote, closing) Leadership Receptions

For their sponsorship of these functions, they could get signage, publicity, and _______________________________________ [be creative!]. And if all else fails ask for notepads, pens, door prizes, boodle bag items, etc.

At the Conference

Be sure to introduce your sponsors at each public function. Present a small thank you gift as a token of your appreciation.

After the Conference

Follow up with a thank you letter and a questionnaire (see sample included in this Tool Kit).

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Sample Letter to Vendors


ing ! miz ential xi Ma r Pot You

... the association for legal professionals


[Date] Ms. Jane Doe XYZ Attorney Service, Inc. 1234 West 8th Street, Suite A Los Angeles, California 90017 Re: NALS Region 8 Conference

Dear Ms. Doe: Thank you so much for your participation in NALS Region 8 conference. Our members report that they had a terrific time and I hope that you did as well. I have had inquiries from several states regarding an attorney service in California and have been pleased to refer them to XYZ Attorney Service, Inc. I have enclosed a brief questionnaire regarding your experience with NALS Region 8. We appreciate your candid comments in an effort to make next years conference better for both members and sponsors/exhibitors. It was a pleasure to have met you. I am only sorry we didnt have an opportunity to spend more time together. Perhaps the next time you are in San Diego we can get together for lunch. Again, thank you for all you did to make NALS Region 8 Conference a special event! Very truly yours,

Dee Beardsley, PLS NALS Region 8 Director Enclosure MARKETING TOOL KIT 54

Sample Conference Questionnaire


NALS of __________ CONFERENCE --- QUESTIONNAIRE
The support of the legal community is very important to us at NALS of _____________. We value your participation at our recent conference and would appreciate your candid comments so that we may improve the way we handle similar events in the future. Please use the back of this form or additional sheets as necessary. Please indicate how you were involved in the Conference: Event sponsor: (circle all applicable) coffee break, hosted bar, entertainment, reception Exhibitor Advertiser Door prizes, give-a-ways

Did the Conference live up to your expectations? If so, what did you particularly like? If not, what could we have done to make your experience better? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Were the Exhibit Hall hours adequate? (Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Was traffic in the Exhibit Hall ________ high ___________ medium __________ low? Do you have any suggestions for increasing traffic through the Exhibit Hall? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Did you feel you had ample opportunity to network and interact with conference attendees? If not, what type of events would you suggest for next year? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Do you feel your presence was appreciated and acknowledged? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you interested in participating in our 2006/2007 conference? If so, please list a contact person: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please mail completed forms to:

[Contact Information]

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Working With the Press


The following article provides you with basic tips and fundamental guidelines for working with the press. It includes pointers on how to prepare for interviews and how to practice message discipline when communicating with members of the media. Responding to the Press There are three simple principles to follow in order to develop a solid working relationship with the press: 1. Answer press inquiries promptly; 2. Be accurate; and 3. Be honest and straightforward. Although no one would argue with these simple rules, in reality, very few people adhere to them. If followed, they will help you build a more workable and trusting relationship with the press. over again. It may become old hat to you and those around you, but it will remain brand new to every new audience that hears it. Once you have delivered your core message a few times, you will find there are ways to fold your basic points into an answer to just about any questions. Do not evade a question, but do come back to the point you want to make at every opportunity during an interview.

Honesty
If you do not have credibility with the media, youre going to be in for a rough ride sooner or later. In general, reporters are a cynical bunch. That is why it is critical that you let them know right off the bat that you are not trying to mislead them or hide anything. The point here is that despite their general reputation as ruthless scoundrels who derive immense satisfaction from ruining someones life, reporters are only trying to do their jobs. If you gain a reputation as a reliable, honest provider of information who will help them do their job, you can be sure they will cut you some slack. Reporters will always to what they can to protect and encourage a reliable source. Remember, if you return calls promptly, reporters will come to you with their questions. If you are honest with them, chances are good they will believe you in the crunch.

Promptness
Because reporters are trying to do their job to produce an accurate story by a set deadline, it is important that you treat them with the same kind of respect as other business associates. If you return reporters telephone calls promptly, then they will begin to rely on you for information for future stories. If they know that you delay returning calls, they may look elsewhere for answers to their questions. Promise the reporter a prompt answer and do everything in your power to keep that promise, whether you personally respond or someone else does. We want to establish an atmosphere that encourages reporters to come to us, not someone else, when they have a question. In other words, we want to become known as a reliable and accurate resource.

No Double-Dipping
If a reporter develops a story and comes to you for information, respect the reporters right to the information. In other words, do not give one reporters scoop away to another reporter in order to double the coverage you will receive as a result. If two reporters seek the same information, it is a good idea to tell each of them that the other is working the same story. This will help avoid conflict and keep you out of the middle. Do not ask to see a story before it appears in print. You can, however, let the reporter know that you are available to confirm facts and figures at the reporters convenience.

Accuracy
If you are acting as a spokesman, it is your responsibility to keep up with current positions and to accurately reflect that point of view when talking to reporters. Accuracy, among other things, requires focus. Your comments should be focused on the issue at hand, uncluttered by extraneous matters. Whether you are speaking at a local business luncheon or addressing a press conference via satellite, it is important that you stick to your basic message. Do not be shy about repeating your message. Develop an effective, concise, clear message, then deliver it over and

Follow Up
Once an article has appeared in print, you may with to let the reporter know you read the story and liked it; of course, you are entitled to point out any factual errors or misrepresentations that may have occurred. If the story

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does not appear, do not make a fuss. Space is limited, and judgments have to made on the basis of news value and timeliness.

In the course of a 20-minute press conference or editorial board meeting, you are bound to say a lot of things, but if the core of your message is conveyed - and repeated - in a few snappy soundbites, chances are those are the quotes reporters will use.

Talking to the Press


First Things First
When a reporter calls you for an interview, establish right away what he or she is looking for. You are perfectly within your rights to ask such questions as: What is the nature of the story you are working on? Is this a daily story or feature length article? Who else is being interviewed, etc. Unless there are special circumstances that prevent you from talking with a reporter, you should not evade the opportunity to be interviewed if you can genuinely contribute to the article. If you feel you have nothing to contribute, say so, but give reasons the reporter can accept. If you respond, you should be able to refer the reporter to someone else within the association who is more qualified to answer his or her questions. Again, for each and every interview - without exception - it is essential that everyone is reading off the same page and providing reporters with the same message, regardless of the messenger.

Be Consistent
This is a fairly obvious one: If you tell the local business club that our judicial system is the only forum in which injured parties can be compensated for their losses, do not tell a newspaper editor that jurors cannot always be trusted to award reasonable or appropriate verdicts. If a reporter does not catch you in a flip-flop, someone else will.

Keep Your Sense Of Humor


Again, most reporters are skeptical, even cynical people. But if you show them you see some humor in what you are doing, that you have not forgotten how to laugh (especially at yourself ), they just might see you as a real person - not just someone who is trying to manipulate them for the sake of a good story. Besides, humor communicates self-confidence and shows that you are comfortable with who you are and what you are doing.

Meeting the Press


Basically, the idea here is to establish contacts in the media and maintain them. This means developing a complete list of names and telephone numbers for beat reporters on local newspapers and the major wire services. The same goes for radio and television stations - and for those, it is a good idea to also include assignment editors and news directors. Once you have established initial contact, pick up the telephone and call these people on a regular basis. Then, once you have gotten a chance to know them a little, you can pick and choose to which ones you want to leak tips and stories. Note: In these instances, it is important to tell reporters up front what the ground rules are, i.e., whether your conversation is on or off the record, whether they can record your visit, use your name and what, if any, issues are off limits.

Give Them A Story


Reporters are always looking for a story. So if you can convince them that you have got something newsworthy to say, they will cover you it is as simple as that. If you do not have a good, solid reason to hold a press conference or pay a visit to a newspapers editorial board, do not waste your time or theirs. When you do call a press conference or schedule an editorial board meeting, be prepared. Do not show up with a vague notion of what you want to say - it will only lead to trouble. Depending on the circumstances, you may or may not want to hand out copies of a statement and/or distribute a press release that highlights the salient points of your statement. Note: Whenever possible, try to include a visual aid that illustrates your points, especially if you expect television coverage.

Dont Answer If You Dont Know


If you do not know the answer to a reporters question: Say so and offer to find the answer for them; or Provide them with the name of an outside source or industry expert who can give them the answer and support your story.

Make It Snappy
Reporters, particularly those who work for radio and television stations, are looking for colorful, clever and succinct statements that summarize your story. Using brief soundbites (20-30 seconds long) will help them do their job, and even more important, communicate their message.

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If you cannot respond to a question, explain why: Its in litigation. Its still undecided. Its proprietary because thats a competitive issue. If you can, offer the reporter an indication of when you might be able to respond more specifically - and then follow up on your promise.

It is important to be yourself. Trying on different personalities for the interview will appear disingenuous. You will always be your best when you are yourself. Of course, you will want to exercise personal control and poise (television often magnifies quirks and mannerisms), but do so without unduly restricting yourself. Remember that you are likely to be filmed from a variety of angles, so you should always look interested and comfortable. Look at the interviewer. You are, after all, having a conversation with him or her; your audience is simply looking in on it. Think of your television audience as a small family including the reporter and the viewer. Listening and speaking intently, with strong eye contact, will convey your interest and concern. Poor eye contact (failure to look at the reporter or audience, casing eyes toward the ceiling) signals discomfort, disinterest, and guilt. Look your best. Dress conservatively and comfortably. Avoid wearing all black (your head may appear to float above a dark mass), all white (you will reflect too much light on your fact), or small prints (strobe effect). For men, dark gray or blue suits (no vests) with light blue or other pastel, solid color shirts look good. With advancing technology, white shirts look fine on camera, too. Ties with red accents work well. Women have more flexibility in wardrobe selection than do men. Select a flattering style and color. Do not wear light-sensitive glasses. Remove bulky items and pens from your pockets. Keep any jewelry that is flashy at home. During the interview, sit forward in your chair, leaning slightly forward (do not slouch, but do not be stiff, either). This will help you project energy and enthusiasm. Remain seated after the interview is over, to make sure your awkward exit is not what the viewers see behind the credits that roll across the screen when the show concludes. Do not be afraid to gesture naturally, using your hands to help you get your point across. Avoid fussy or nervous movements; the camera films these too, and the audience perceives a tense, nervous person. Be careful not to play with pens, eyeglasses, water glasses, microphones or buttons. Do not hold your own hand too tightly or swing your legs or shift in your chair. Remember the multitude of ways we send messages without saying a word: through posture, gestures, distance, body orientation, clothing, etc. Gather input from objective colleagues about your body language to make certain these messages are consistent with your verbal ones.

Take Control
Realize that if you have a story to tell - if you view your message as a mission - then it is not unreasonable for you to take control and begin to tell your story. Take the initiative. Emphasize the points that must be understood or taken into account. Use interesting examples that help tell your story. As you answer questions that move away from your story, make transitions that move the conversation back to what is most important. If you are interrupted, graciously acknowledge the interruption, but finish your point. Stay tuned to why the reporter is interrupting - because he or she is excited (and therefore you may want to elaborate more) or bored (therefore shorten and focus your thoughts). If you are asked negative questions, answer with positives. To stop the negative impression, you may simply need to say No or Thats not true, but do not dwell on it. Move to your positive story and stick to your message.

Broadcast Media
While it is important to approach each interview as an opportunity to tell your story, it is easy to feel wary about a broadcast experience. Normally, you will not be expected to do a television or radio interview. However, if an unexpected need should arise, the following are a few pointers as to how to handle them.

Television
First, the environment of a television studio is unfamiliar; the lights, cameras and activity can be distracting. Second, the realization that you are addressing a large audience may produce anxiety. Finally, you want to retain some control, but you may be out of your environment, and you may not have any say in the final, edited product. Get used to the environment quickly. Arrive early and look around to get your bearings. Get accustomed to the chaos and the number of technicians walking around so that you are not distracted during the interview. Let your host or the shows staff get you situated, fasten your microphone, etc.

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Prepare your messages so that you always have something interesting and useful to say. Remember that uhs and ums make you sound inarticulate on camera. Replace this clutter with a pause; you will give yourself a second or two to figure out what you want to say, and you will give the audience a chance to synthesize what they have heard, without being distracted. Speak clearly and distinctly, modulating your voice - inflection, volume speaking pace - to keep your voice active and interesting.

Radio
While the makeup of a television interview is that of a small family, you should treat your radio interview as if you were addressing an individual. Again, sound your best. Remember that the way you use words is especially critical on the radio. You will be able to direct the listeners imagination because he or she will not have a visual image. Use words to create vivid imagery. Active verbs and anecdotes are crucial because they provide listeners with a visual image. Be ready to respond and know what you want to say. Because there is no visual stimulus, lengthy pauses (four seconds or more) are especially noticeable and may distract the radio audience.

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