Recruiters, do you have a tried and true tip that will help other IPMA members in their Recruiting efforts? If so, please e-mail your tip to mbr@paralegalmanagement.org. Be sure to include your name and address so you can give you proper credit for your efforts.

Tip #1 Here are tips for locating new members:

l Contact local recruiters for the names of existing or new paralegal managers.
l Contact other vendors (i.e., copy companies, translation companies, CT, CSC, etc.) for the names of paralegal managers.
l Contact paralegal schools for the names of managers they deal with when placing students.
l Reach out to former LAMA/IPMA members about rejoining.
l Contact paralegal managers at firms your firm deals with if the paralegal manager isn't an IPMA member already.
l Ask your paralegals if they know managers at other firms and try cold calling.
l Check regional paralegal newsletters to see if promotions are mentioned.

Tip #2 Once you've identified prospective members, here are tips on how to proceed:

l Call prospective members and then follow up with e-mails. See IPMA Talking Points for suggestions on what to tell them.
l Send an IPMA brochure to prospective members. You can obtain brochures from IPMA Headquarters.
l Contact a vendor to sponsor a luncheon for prospective members.
l Chapters can apply for funds up to $500 from the IPMA to hold a recruiting event. Click here for details.
l Suggest that prospective members visit IPMA's website.
l Send prospective members summaries of past meetings.
l Send a copy of an interesting/relevant article from Paralegal Management to prospective members.
l Send prospective members information regarding IPMA's Annual Conference & Expo.

Tip #3 When you are recruiting a member you are pitching IPMA membership to that person. A good salesperson tailors the sales pitch to her/his individual target. When recruiting, listen to your recruit's needs and highlight the IPMA membership benefits that you think your recruit will find most useful.

Tip #4 Follow-up is key. Don't just give a recruit an application and hope it's filled out and sent in. Politely follow up with your recruits to see if they have submitted the application to IPMA Headquarters. Inquire if they have additional questions.

Tip #5 Personalize the recruiting process. It may help to let your recruit(s) know what you find most valuable about your IPMA membership. It may be something that they never even thought of needing and now you're letting them know that they can get it from IPMA membership.

Tip #6 Be prepared to answer questions. It's a good idea to have some resources at hand when you are talking to a recruit. A list of the membership benefits, and a back issue of Paralegal Management. There are links to a "talking points" brochure and the latest utilization survey found on the web site.

Tip #7 If you are a chapter member, bring your recruit to a chapter meeting. Show the recruit how, through IPMA membership, they can become a part of a strong professional network that not only supports legal assistant managers, but also supports their career development.

Tip #8 If your recruit's hesitation is financial, suggest that they talk to their employer about the value their membership will add to their management skills. With four categories of membership, including a reduced fee for Government and Not For Profit Regular Members, the IPMA can meet the needs of all potential members. Also, point out to the recruit the many ways being an IPMA member can save them money.

Tip #9 Emphasize the IPMA mentor program or skills seminar. New managers can benefit from experienced managers in a similar employment setting.