Page 24 - September October 2015

Convention Marketing Matters
Our marketing is proceeding according to plan.
Press contacts
Part of our plan was to form closer relationships with the press, especially trade press. I am pleased to report that we have had a colourful four­page article printed in the September issue of Continental Modeller. This was a combined effort from several contributors and illustrates our sharing know­how culture. By the time you read this there should also be another article in the October issue of CM which shows how to make your own decals. The decals just happen to include the logo, our tag line and the fact we’re celebrating our 70th anniversary!
Milepost 70
Plans are well advanced for this important event. As part of our marketing we will be giving those present at the AGM various items of marketing material. While thinking about what we could give you to help, I discovered THE SINGLE MOST USEFUL MARKETING TOOL that the NMRA can ever have. As with many such things it’s so simple that, when you see it, you’ll wonder why no one’s ever thought of it before. It’s difficult to keep this secret, but it was felt that this important announcement should be first made to those who attend the AGM at Derby on 24 October. It’s so secret that the only member of the BOD who knows is the Vice President and he’s been sworn to secrecy! Be sure to get there early.
Events
We have attended several events over the past 12 months, and are forming good links with people throughout the whole Region. But we can always do more. Do you go to any shows near to you? There will be plenty of brochures available at the Convention – please take some and drop them off at the next show you go to; just a few could make a difference. If you can’t get to the Convention, send a message to Ron Gager and he will send you some brochures.
NMRA at the MRC
Founded in 1910, The Model Railway Club is the oldest model railway club in the UK. They have a number of events and open days throughout the year. As part of these events, once a year they invite a Society to show their services, free of charge. They’ve asked us to be that Society this year. The event is Sunday 6 December 2015 from 1000 to 1600 (but please confirm times) at Keen House, 4 Calshot Street, London N1. Make a note in your diary. If you can help man the stand please let me know.
Marketing and publicity materials on memory stick
It is intended to produce a number of marketing packages for local groups or individuals to use. Many of these are stored in electronic form. Included in these are a PowerPoint presentation, PDF copies of our posters and other marketing material. There will be a limited number of ‘beta’ memory sticks available at the Convention. Please let me know if you are interested so that I can bring sufficient.
Help create next year’s Marketing Strategy
I will be preparing next year’s Marketing Strategy very shortly after the Convention. I’ve learned that the best ideas come from our members. That means you. Sometimes the simplest suggestion can set off a train of thought that results in a significant improvement in our marketing effort. Several ‘small’ ideas, when combined together, result in a very powerful marketing message. Don’t think that your idea is too simple, too small, or not good enough. Please send it to us at marketing@nmrabr.org.uk. It may take a time, but we will get round to using it if we possibly can.
Finally, can you please amend the Directory entry for my personal email address. It is mike@mikehughes.org.uk. See you at the Convention.
Mike Hughes, Marketing Coordinator
The Dillon switcher reports for duty in the yard on Mike Arnold’s Texas Pacific Lines layout
And below, a pair of UP GP15-1s are on the Dillon local Photos: Mike Arnold
24 ROUNDHOUSE