Steps to A Successful Program

Years of experience have taught us several things that we can pass on. The most difficult part of this program is getting started. If you are in an area where these markers are new, your project will take a little more effort in the beginning than in an area like southern Michigan or Ohio where everyone has seen these markers. Initially, you must inform your residents WHY they need the markers; But, once you have gotten 100 or so signs up, word of mouth becomes your greatest sales tool. At that point you need to keep the public informed WHERE to buy the markers.
 

STEP 1 - Members of your organization should buy signs (at cost if you have to). Make sure that they install the markers; many firemen say they don’t need a sign because everyone in the department knows where they live. That may be true, but you want to sell markers to all of his neighbors.
 

STEP 2 - In your booklet, there is an example flyer that I can customize for you. Call us with your address and/or phone number that you want on the flyer along with the price you are charging. If you want a different flyer, have an idea, and don’t have access to a computer, I can probably help you out. Distribute at libraries, gas stations, senior centers, town halls, churches, schools, etc. - anywhere that people congregate.
 

STEP 3 - If you are really motivated, the most effective method of distributing markers is knocking on doors. While most people don’t like salesmen knocking on their door trying to sell them something, very few people have any objection to legitimate fundraising drives. If you have uniforms, wear them. If you don’t, carry some type of identification. Ideally, you need a sample to show the resident - explain the difficulties that you have finding people and the importance of minimizing response times. You don’t have to pressure the resident - just leave them a flyer with an order form.
 

STEP 4 - If there is a senior center, Lions Club, Jaycees, etc. in your community, these groups are always looking for guest speakers. Most people don’t realize that you might not be able to find them in an emergency. After all, they know where they live, why don’t you?
 

STEP 5 - By now, you’ve sold plenty of markers, right? Now you need to put the numbers on the signs and distribute the signs. Putting the numbers on is fairly easy, but works best when at least 2 or 3 people are helping. We supply templates to line numbers up, but there are different methods of madness in putting numbers on. Once you get the hang of it, each sign takes 2-3 minutes to put numbers on.
 

STEP 6 - The distribution of the markers varies considerably by organization. Some groups have residents pick up the markers at the fire station or town hall; others mail the markers; some deliver to the resident, while others install the markers - some for free, some free for seniors, some charge up to $5 for installation. It’s up to you, but we would like to relay some comments from various chiefs who have told us that by delivering or installing the markers they accomplished a couple of goals. First, they received more good public relations from this simple program than with any fish fry, fire prevention week program, or other public event, and also by delivering markers the members of their departments found out where people lived - many treated each delivery as a mini training run.
 

If you need help or have questions, please call us at 1-800-344-0528.

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Booklet

Sample Flyers

Blank Flyers

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