Engaging your first marketing volunteer
Engaging your first marketing volunteer is a straightforward process that Alternatives
will make as easy as possible for you.
The steps below outline the process as well as some useful hints & tips from the start to the completion of the Marketing project.
1. Complete the charity project form
To ensure you reach the right level of marketing volunteer with the skills necessary for your project, it is vital that you
complete the charity project form adding as much information as possible about the project, your organisation and the type of person you are looking for.
Should you require assistance when outlining the project requirements, a member of the Alternatives team will be happy to assist you.
2. Deciding on a marketing volunteer
After meeting and screening possible marketing volunteers you can make your selection. You make arrangements with him/her directly.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Has this person got the skills required?
- Does this person fit with my team?
- Are they passionate about the organisation's cause?
- Do they understand the involvement required in completing the marketing project?
When you have chosen your marketing volunteer:
- Inform Alternatives as to which marketing volunteer will be volunteering for this project.
- Contact the volunteers you don't want to progress with for this project and regret them.
3. The First Day
The first day as a volunteer is like the first day in a new job. The marketing volunteer will feel a little anxious or nervous, won't know your team and might feel a little insecure due to the new environment. They are in your organisation to complete a meaningful, important project for your cause - ensuring your organisation is prepared, will allow them to hit the ground running and deliver the objectives you have set.
Here are some hints on how to make your marketing volunteer's "arrival" a success:
- Inform your team about the marketing volunteer that will be joining them
- Ensure you team does not feel in any way threatened or pushed aside by the marketing volunteer
- If you are not available to meet your marketing volunteer, ensure your team is prepared to greet him/her
- Introduce them to your team
- Have an area / desk prepared for the marketing volunteer to work from if they are working from your offices rather than from home
- Give them details needed for computers, phones etc (log-ins, phone numbers etc) if they are based on your premises rather than working from home
- Have time set aside to discuss the marketing project in detail with your volunteer. Outline to them what success will look like for the project. They will have questions for you and will have to be briefed in detail.
- If there is any specific training required, ensure it is delivered at the very early stages of your project.
- Arrange regular meetings / contacts with the marketing volunteer so you are kept up to date on the project at all times.
4. The Running of the Project
Effectively developing and implementing marketing activity involves a supportive environment. Questions around previous activity, existing suppliers and contracts will need to be discussed.
- Ensure that your team is open to working with the volunteer, answer queries and assist him/her throughout the project.
- Actively encourage your volunteer to give you feedback and be open to taking recommendations on board from them.
- Stick to the timings and arrangements outlined in your brief. If changes have to be made, discuss them with your volunteer don't expect them to automatically be able to adjust timings.
- Review progress with your volunteer. They will be more than happy to update you on progress and successes.
5. Once the project is completed
A positive volunteering experience will result in the effective delivery of your marketing project. Great
results and a positive experience will open avenues for you and your volunteer.
Feel free to use the experience for your organisation as a talking point in your newsletters, on your website
or other communication materials.
Your marketing volunteer will probably appreciate a letter outlining the project and their work completed to
use for their personal progression too.