PR: Long-range planning takes short-term action

Robb Ollett, CHAIR, SOCIETY MKT./PR COMMITTEE

As we celebrated the founding of the Society on April 11 in this new millennium, it is fitting to ask, "What's the Society plan for PR?" The Marketing/PR Committee submitted, and the Board approved, a 12-year plan to market the Society in anticipation of its 75 anniversary in 2013.

There are three main parts to the Board approved plan that each chapter can accomplish:

  1. Clean up your house
    My last PROBEmoter article touched upon this. Be aware of your chapter image. Look at your chapter meeting and be sure all pieces are in place-music books updated, greeters at the door, name tags for all, officers and members greeting guests, the little things that make a guest (and every member) feel welcome. Add to that, make sure the chapter administration is functioning efficiently, and that the chapter music program (as well as the singing) is always improving. COTS teaches all of this, and your chapter coach knows how.

  2. Become community minded
    Now that the chapter operation is at optimum and singing is at its best, let's be more active in the community. Rather than waiting for requests and doing one annual show, think, "where do we want to sing," place yourselves and get negotiating. Colleges, symphonies, high schools-wherever you feel you can bring music and stage a performance for maximum visibility. Let the proceeds go to the school scholarship program, or to the local children's hospital, or to a community choir. Remember, there are photo opportunities and news articles for charitable actions within the community.

  3. Join forces with other music groups
    Here's the biggest step of all-work with other music groups to become the cheerleaders in the cause to "bring music back to the community." Become sponsors for other music programs, sing in their shows, and work with jazz bands or gospel groups or community choirs to join forces in singing. Be the leaders in the community for music! Barbershoppers can't do it alone, so let's get all community music groups involved. This may be simple to read, but each piece takes a certain amount of action TODAY. While you strive to improve the chapter's singing caliber, start negotiating with music groups for a show in 2001 and beyond. Keep the momentum going so the Society can tout itself as the Champion of Community Music by 2013. What a birthday that will be! Start doing your part TODAY and become the model for others TOMORROW. Thanks and B#.

    HR

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