Back to basics-things you can prepare any time

I know it's been a busy first quarter, and you've probably exhausted all the terrific ideas offered from chapter members and officers on getting your chapter promoted. So now what do you do?

Regroup. Rethink. Re-do. Back to the basics. There are a few items that always need updating, or creating, that can continue your good work in publicizing the chapter:

• Business cards - I'm sure every chapter member has one, right? It has a contact person, telephone number, location of chapter meetings, all that good information on one small card.

• Telephone listing response - Since everyone has a business card, let's make sure the outgoing message is still accurate, and (more importantly) somebody is responding!

• Web site - Yeah, I know. All this technical, electronic stuff - and we hate it! But let's face facts - if you're trying to appeal to a younger member base, THIS is where they look. And this is where many retirees are searching for hobbies (after they learn to use a computer). So, get with it and create an interesting, informative Web site.

• Chapter bulletin - Have one? Thank your editor. Want one? Find an editor. With computerization these days, creating a bulletin is so easy. It doesn't have to be perfect prose and eloquent, clever writing. All it needs to be is a sheet of paper with bullet points and reminders to the guys. Truly, that simple. It also saves time at chapter meetings to have these handouts.

• Update media contacts - Television stations, newspapers and radio stations are in constant flux with reporters and editors. Make sure your listing is up to date with the correct people and telephone/fax numbers. And if they're new, it's time to introduce yourself and bring the packet of chapter materials for them.

• Fact sheet - This one-pager tells the story of the chapter for your press kits and to any guest coming to chapter meetings. The first paragraph tells the full name of the chapter, the full name of the Society, the location of meetings, meeting times. The second paragraph tells about chapter accomplishments, quartets and recent performances. The third paragraph tells about future occurrences, shows, performances, county fairs, and plans for the year. The fourth paragraph tells how "this chapter is part of an international association of singers from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, China (and there are more countries)." The HQ has a sample fact sheet for the Society that you can use for your kit, too.

• Budget - And it all costs money. It's always a good idea to see how your promotional budget is doing and what needs refilling.

  Those are the basics. With these few items, you can mix-and-match for kits and press releases to continue promoting your chapter. It's easy, so let's do it. And hey, B#.