I just posted this on the National Volunteer Fire Council’s Volunteer Voices discussion and thought it was applicable here as well. Enjoy!

Thinking more about marketing in general… what does it encompass? I define marketing as methods of communicate a message to a defined audience to elicit a specific action or feeling.

Marketing boiled down:

• Who are you?
• What are you communicating?
• Who are you communicating to?
• How are you communicating it?
• Why or what value does message bring?

Some of the communications methods to get your message out:

• Word of mouth (the best method)
• Website
• Social media
• Direct marketing (mail or email)
• Advertising
• Public relations (media)
• Events

Be sure to think about these things as you manage or develop your marketing plans. First and foremost, be clear and concise…. and use repetition. Speak to your audience in their language… and meet them where they go, what they read, and how they take in information.

I’ve found that marketing is one of the last things that is even thought of in a marketing hall, but from my standpoint, it can be the most beneficial on a variety of levels. By developing a plan for marketing it can really influence your department. So many of us are in the same boat… recruitment and retention, and fundraising and grant writing. With a dedicated effort a well-planned marketing program can drive these efforts.

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions or if I can help in any way!

Happy marketing!