Re: Users Group awareness
Re: Users Group awareness
- Subject: Re: Users Group awareness
- From: "Daniel M. East" <email@hidden>
- Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 09:00:52 -0500
- Organization: Mid-Atlantic Macintosh User Groups Team (MaMUGs)
John Belen at email@hidden sent the following message on 11/17/03 at
7:11 AM:
What are some other
>
ideas as to how to "get the word out" for your groups? I think the key
>
hear is membership growth.
Although it may not always be the case, not every group has the wish/need
for growth. Some either are filling their meeting places to capacity or
simply do not have the resources necessary to support larger numbers.
On the other hand, for those groups wanting to increase their numbers,
there are some free ways to raise visibility and awareness in your own
communities. We recommend sending our your meeting information and news
at least two weeks prior to the date of the activity/meeting.
- Local cable company TV bulletin board
- Community calendars for city, town, borough
- Press releases "In the community interest" to local tv, radio and
newspapers
- Establish relationships with local resellers
- Offer 6 month or 1 year free membership to your MUG with the purchase
of a NEW Apple computer (with proof of purchase within 90 days) -- This
is a good selling incentive to the reseller (at no cost to them) and
offers good "back end" support for potential "Switchers" as well.
- Offer staff of your local reseller (either Apple or other) free
membership and inclusion in all mailings (this is NOT always possible as
representatives of the store but may be allowed for the employees
personally. There are known liability and insurance issue preventing
certain businesses from allowing staff to attend UG meetings in a
professional capacity).
- Look at city, town, borough, township "community pages" for inclusion.
According to those groups I've spoken with, the most effective results
come from "community calendars" in local newspapers. If your press
releases are professional and appropriate in content, most newspapers
will provide the listings. If you don't get a response via email, try a
phone call to the news desk.
Try these links for some good pointers on designing a press release:
<
http://www.nationalcenter.org/howto4.htm>
<
http://prfamerica.org/HowToWritePressRelease.html>
<
http://bellzinc.sympatico.ca/en/content/503277?skin=sli>
<
http://www.aecnewswire.com/industrynews/Detailed/182.shtml>
Be sure to INVITE local press to any events your group hosts like
picnics, special guest presentations or media-friendly topics (like pre-
press demos, InDesign, QuickTime Streaming Server, etc.) on a personal
level. I know that a lot of groups attended "Night of the Panther" events
but the actual percentage of the entire community that posted their
iPhotos and iMovies was modest at best. It can be tough to get volunteers
to help do many things but you may find that given the creator proper
attribution can help (if they wish it).
Great issue, John and well worth further discussion. I'd love to hear
more about what groups are doing to promote themselves.
________________
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season from:
Daniel M. East, President
The Mid-Atlantic Macintosh User Groups Team (MaMUGs)
Member, Apple Consultants Network
email@hidden 7
http://www.mamugs.org
iChat/AIM/AOL: MaMUGs Team
Providing camaraderie, cooperative programs, collective efforts,
continuous support, community events, training and knowledge sharing for
Apple and Macintosh User Groups 100% free of charge
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