“How can I market my company to the other GLGA members?”
This is a common question that GLGA members have. Here are 14 ways to raise the members’ awareness about your business. These tips come from your fellow GLGA members, who have told us the things that they actually do to connect and network:
1. Share your news with the members. We run Member News in our weekly e-newsletter, Currents. Email press releases, photos or social media links to our Communications Director, Sharon Flick.
2. Sponsor an event. We provide our sponsors with plenty of ink and pixels to say thank you and to get your name and logo in front of the members. Every summer, our three state golf outings need everything from golf cart sponsors to raffle prize donations. And, our biggest program, the annual Awards Celebrations, is a superb opportunity to be seen. For better ROI, coordinate an annual sponsorship package with our Membership and Marketing Director, Debra Warner.
3. Update your free listing in GLGA’s online Association Membership Directory. Contact Sharon Flick if you need your password.
4. Keep your free listing in PrintAccess updated. PrintAccess is a national online searchable database of printers and industry suppliers. Sharon Flick can help if you have questions or need your password.
5. Attend events. There is nothing like a little networking time to get you known. Check out our Weekly Calendar e-newsletter every Monday or our website’s calendar for a listing of upcoming programs.
6. Contribute educational articles to our print membership magazine, Graphics Journal. It is a supreme opportunity to establish your voice as a subject matter expert, raise your firm’s visibility, and “network via print.” Contact Sharon Flick to discuss story ideas.
7. Use paid advertising opportunities in Graphics Journal and other publications. Contact Debra Warner for ad buys assistance.
8. Host an educational program at your place of business or present/sponsor a webinar. If you enjoy public speaking or if your company has an educational outreach, our members would appreciate the learning opportunity. Contact our President, Joe Lyman, to discuss plans for your session.
9. Offer a Group Buying Program. We are always looking for new buying program partners to provide value to our members. These are special discounts and programs that have been approved by our Board of Directors. We promote these programs with a special page on our website, mentions in our publications, and a marketing flier. Contact Joe Lyman to discuss.
10. Do a direct mail campaign. As GLGA member, you are entitled to a list of the current member companies, which includes each member’s primary contact person (or persons) name, address, and phone. Contact Sharon Flick any time you need an updated list.
11. Send a welcome note to new members. Every new GLGA member company is introduced in Graphics Journal with a listing that includes their primary contact person’s name and contact info. Taking a moment to welcome them and introduce yourself is a memorable gesture.
12. Use the GLGA e-Blast Advertising Program to send a marketing email message to a targeted distribution list. CAN-SPAM regulations prohibit us from providing email lists, but through this program GLGA can send an email for you to our contacts. Sharon Flick has more info.
13. Host an open house at your place of business. Show your newest equipment, capabilities, and projects. Food, music, and/or prizes can add to a memorable day. Send Sharon Flick the event and RSVP info for inclusion in the Weekly Calendar e-newsletter (and an event photo afterward for Graphics Journal).
14. Does your company offer trade printing, postpress and mailing services? Be featured in Graphics Journal’s Member2Member Connection column.
Please click here to download a pdf of these tips.