Articles for Business Professionals Market Your Association Marketing your association is everyone's responsibility - members and staff. You might only have a few staff but many members. Where is the opportunity? The greatest marketing resource is the members. Show them how, give them a hug and a kick. Give them these tips to market the value of your association to members, prospects, and key stakeholders. Write tips sheets - for your members, prospects and the media. Tap the expertise of members to write. Encourage them, nurture them and kick them in the butt. Get them to write. It grants credibility to them and your association. Write and publish articles in magazines, newsletters and newspapers. Champion those who write. Offer tips and editorial assistance to those thinking about it and kick some more butt. Offer writing programs at your conferences. Write letters to the editor expressing opinions, advice and clarification. This is the easiest way for anyone to get in print. Write to the editors of your trade magazine, community paper or business publication. You agree with an article, disagree or add information. You are a professional and have valid information. Include your association name and designation in your email, letter signature and business card. Publish and distribute your own newsletter. Offer your members extras copies of the newsletter for their boss, colleagues or other contacts. Build contacts with the media & send out regular news releases. Establish and maintain contact at the national, provincial and community level. Introduce key members to the media. Be clear on your niche and repeatedly announce that to the market. Have fun - others will wonder what you are doing. Talk about the events like you enjoy them Sponsor a contest or annual award in the community or marketplace. Announce your member of the year - and of the millennium. Grant an annual honorary membership to someone of high profile. It is a wonderful way of attracting media coverage. Obtain and use endorsements from respected people and organizations. Imagine if Tiger Woods wore your logo. Make speeches to service clubs and other associations. Train and encourage your members to do the same. Offer informative seminars for your members and the general public. Announce the designations and awards from your associations. Announce in the national news and in the local business and community news. Stay informed and leading edge on your area of expertise. Be seen as a source of information to your members, the market and the media. Know and get known by the top experts in your field. Develop formal and informal mentoring programs within the associations. Run joint programs with leaders in other fields - we judge you by who you hang around with. © George Torok is co-author of "Secrets of Power Marketing: Promote Brand You". To arrange your keynote speech or training program call 905-335-1997 or email George@Torok.com. To receive a free copy of 50 Power Marketing Ideas® and your free subscription to monthly marketing tips visit www.PowerMarketing.ca More marketing articles: http://www.powermarketing.ca/marketing_articles.html George Torok Marketing blog: http://georgetorok.blogspot.com/