Only three more steps to discuss in our 10 Steps for Effective Hospice Marketing. Last issue we explored the way to plan and buy external media to get your message out. This issue we will focus on internal communications, Step 8, which are equally important. Remember that our previous issues on the first seven steps are available by clicking the links on the left.

Step 8 – Internalize is an important component in a strategic plan for marketing your hospice. When in a hurry to inform the community about the benefits of hospice, many organizations forget that they have important internal "audiences" who should be the first ones to be involved in your marketing efforts. MORE >>

If you've ever been invited to a special preview of a new product or movie, or been among the first to get a new item (remember Cabbage Patch dolls, Nintendo Wii, Nike Air shoes or Apple iPhone?), you can probably recall the special feeling you got at being the first on your block to have one. That same feeling can be duplicated when you remember that your board members, volunteers and staff want to be "in the know." MORE >>

Get team input >>

Take time to connect with board members >>

Create a suggestion box for volunteers >>

Use anniversaries to celebrate and reinforce mission values >>

Reinforce brand identity in conjunction with your marketing campaign >>

November is National Hospice Month and we want to honor you – our readers, clients and friends. Take some time today to just sit back and reflect on all the wonderful people you've served, the outpouring of appreciation by families, and the special expertise and dedication of your staff, volunteers and board. Families never forget the important role you play in helping a loved one and you never forget the families you've served. We admire you for living and fulfilling the mission of hospice. We salute you for providing care and comfort and enhancing the quality of life to those in the last stages of life.

In our final issue of 2009, we'll complete the 10 Steps for Effective Hospice Marketing. We'll go in depth on how to evaluate your marketing efforts and repeat the process for the next phase of your campaign.