AMIBA Presentations Outline
Note: if you interested solely in a training to help instigate or improve a "buy local" campaign, this page is more relevant.
Presentations and trainings by AMIBA can help inspire new local campaigns in support of independent business, provide a sound foundation for communities ready to act, or simply inform a group about the essential role local independent businesses play in our economy and communities.
AMIBA’s workshops are based on our years of experience actually organizing a local Alliance and assisting many more communities since to implement Independent Business Alliances or pro-local business initiatives. Whether you aim to launch a local campaign, energize an existing one, or simply educate local citizens, business owners and officials, we’ll work with you to design a program fulfilling your needs.
Numerous community groups, trade groups, city governments, universities, and others have experienced the results of our programs, and we’re happy to put you in touch with them. We also offer keynote talks relating to independent business, localization, the elements of durable local economies and more. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and for information on scheduling and costs (AMIBA affiliates receive a substantial discount).
Presentations can range from 30-minute keynotes to in-depth presentations combined with trainings to build a new community alliance (4-6 hours). Here’s a sample local training outline:
- 60 min. presentation detailing the economic, civic, environmental and other benefits of independent, community based business and some of the hidden costs accompanying reliance on absentee businesses or chain proliferation. Our slideshow provides visual examples from successful campaigns in numerous communities to illustrate Buy Local campaigns, programs to nurture local entrepreneurs, policy initiatives, and more.
- 20-40 min discussion / Q & A
- Break
- 2-4 hr. workshop. This portion of the training digs into planning and implementation to help participants develop a clear idea of priority actions, necessary resources, realistic timelines and prepare them to turn their energy into immediate action. Depending on the interests and situation of the host and participants, we may cover:
- How to organize for success. Includes pointers on identifying prospective board members and building a cohesive board, division of board responsibilities via work groups, maximizing impact with fewer and shorter meetings, ensuring the mission of your organization is upheld as you expand your circle. Legal issues around incorporation can be covered if desired.
- Building a culture of support for local entrepreneurism. (This is the major focus for many groups -- especially those with existing campaigns). May include: effective messaging to reach beyond the choir, the power of storytelling, examples of the psychology of persuasion and identifying your stakeholders and target audiences;
- Developing a presence in your local media. May include: building relationships with reporters and editors, writing your own commentaries and letters, making the news and editorial board meetings.
- Building a powerful collective brand. Includes: principles and components of branding, how to create universal recognition on a grassroots budget, logo design, protecting the integrity of your “brand.”
- Developing member benefit. Includes: how to assess members needs and interests, identifying first initiatives, marketing potential benefit to prospective members, developing in-kind memberships to fulfill organizational needs.
- Social Media Explore which outlets best serve your goals and what portion of your time they deserve.
- Website, database and email essentials for IBAs or Buy Indie / Buy Local campaigns.
- Member recruitment and retention. Includes: keys to effective listening, representing a diverse constituency, clearly defining benefits, effective copyrighting, interviews (may include role-plays) and automating renewals.
- Make your local government an ally. How to build positive relationships, recognizing what matters to local officials, and leveraging the power of government procurement and contracting to benefit your constitutency.
- Funding your work. Looking at pros and cons of dues, fee-for-service, grants, cause-related merchandise, sponsorships, and other means of fundraising.
- Identifying and engaging in local issues to build your organization.
In the course of these trainings, we’ll help you develop your
organizational priorities, timelines, working groups and plan to fill your
organizational needs, as well as securing commitments from participants.
Participants will emerge with solid understanding of keys to successful local business alliances and best practices for a range of activities and campaigns. AMIBA provides handout materials for all participants and offers templates for press releases, fliers and a publicity guide to help you maximize local media coverage and attendance.
Please contact us for current scheduling
opportunities and costs: 406-582-1255.
