SMEDLEY AWARD & YOUR ROLE AS VPPR
As Vice President of Public Relations it is important to get the word out about your club Open House or other Membership drives like the Smedley Award.
Why?
• It accomplishes a number of things like member involvement which leads to member retention.
• It also brings new members to your club which is important because as with any organization you have members drop out. Why? a move, job promotion, baby, help a sick family member, the list is endless. It is not unheard of for a club to lose up to 40% of their members in one year.
Smedley Award
August 1 – September 30
5 New, dual or reinstated Members
Winning clubs receive a ribbon for their banner and 10% off their next club order
PR Tips include:
Social Media:
Post as soon as the date and Open House program is set. Share on Club Facebook and D44GeorgiaToastmaster Facebook page.
Eventbrite:
1. FREE event feature
2. Registration form that takes emails
3. Notification each time someone registers
4. Email reminder to people who register the day before the Open House
5. Captures emails
6. You can link it to Social Media like Facebook. Be sure to post on D44GeorgiaToastmasters Facebook page.
Open House Event on Meet-Up
1. Speak with other meetup groups that have similar interest and ask them to help promote your club open house to their members
2. Feature target speakers, Evaluations, Benefits of Improving Public Speaking and Leadership Skills
3. Make sure you mention food, door prizes, take-away
4. Send reminders through meetup.com
PS: Your District is working with Meet-up to give you more control. Stay tuned for exciting developments!
Additional Tips
Use offline channels to promote the club open house, post flyers which you can find pre-done or create one of your own by using the Branding Manual.
• Library
• Gym
• Doctor’s offices
• Grocery stores
• Word of mouth
• Places of employment
• Beauty Salons – Barber Shops
• College Common Areas
• Coffee Shops – Diners
• Retirement Centers
• Bulletin Boards
• Bookstores, Movie Theaters, Banks, Airport, City Hall, Chamber of Commerce
• Target Special Interest Groups i.e. Members with learning disabilities, speech impediments
PS: Please do not use the word Toastmaster or any Toastmaster logo without permission from Toastmasters International.
Author: VPPR Educational Chair Angela Holdren, DTM x3