UNORGANIZED WORKERS
This would entail the clear identification of the target (from a single bargaining unit to a broad economic sector) and extensive research on their distinctive characteristics. Based on this insight, I would prepare with the union an itemized written organization plan for the elected officials' approval which would include advice on the implementation, follow-up and evaluation of the outcome. (More detailed information appears in an organizing example.)
DUES PAYERS IN BARGAINING UNIT(S)
YOU may decide that in a given unit or units, more members should be signed up, participation increased, or loyalty and satisfaction with the union reinforced. Various research methods and marketing techniques could provide YOU with the information necessary to draft a strategic plan to advise YOU on appropriate strategies to accomplish these goals.
THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Faced with a difficult conflict, YOU may be considering a boycott of an employer's product(s), service(s) or outlet(s). A thorough inventory of the target employer's marketing position and strategies is essential. From this would flow the elaboration of a counter-marketing plan aimed at diminishing the target employer's market share. YOU could then authorize a clearly focused boycott.
When the circumstances, nature, size and consequences of the organizing campaign, boycott or consolidation operation that YOU are preparing justifies the extra time, further planning and manifestly additional monies involved.
A city, a county, a province or right across Canada or the United States.
Contact Allen Gottheil. I will gladly meet with YOU to examine the situation (organization drive, consolidation project, boycott or other campaign). I will then submit to YOU, in writing, at absolutely no charge, a three to five page blueprint of what relevant services I could offer (and their benefits), a time frame for their performance and an estimate of the direct costs.
As an "outside" marketing consultant, I believe that I would be able to recommend innovative and imaginative approaches in many situations. Often, it can be a very distinct advantage to have someone with an uncommitted and unconventional perspective, who is "not" involved in the daily internal union routine, to suggest some novel and hopefully appropriate strategies.
When a labour union or federation contemplates committing resources to a major campaign I believe that I could be very helpful in the planning, the mechanics, the execution and the follow up of such a drive (or perhaps even in counselling against embarking on the proposed campaign). Independent marketing consultants are often brought in by profit-seeking companies to recommend innovative approaches to problems in which the "outsider" is viewed as someone who may not be able to see the trees but can have a constructive view of the forest.
It is important to point out that as someone who has already spent many years on the staff of a union, I am fully aware that unions already possess numerous resources that could be used to integrate many "marketing" considerations and techniques into their strategies and campaigns. I am also sensitive to the significant constraints on union budgets and should emphasize that the marketing approaches I being suggested should not necessarily be equated with hundred thousand dollar budgets.
My extensive union background and strong commitment to union values would enable me, I believe, to make worthwhile and economical suggestions towards the appropriate adaptation of marketing techniques to enhance union campaigns.
I am first and foremost motivated by and interested in advancing labour's goals and I do not seek marketing consulting work and indeed do no marketing consulting work for any for-profit organizations.