List Release Guide

Step 6: Make Targeted Follow-up Calls

NOTE: The community coordinator should share this information with all groups who will be contacting potential Best Workplaces for Commuters employers.

Experience tells us that calling and meeting individually with employers may be the single most important — and effective — step in the list release.

After the initial promotional push, make sure that key employer prospects receive a direct phone call. Anyone making these direct calls should know some basic employer information to insure a productive follow-up call. This includes information about the size of the workforce, the type of commuter benefits likely offered at the work site, the title of the individual they are contacting and their role within the company.

Regardless of whom you contact, it's important to keep a positive tone and convey a sense of urgency about applying for the list. Also, it sometimes takes several attempts before connecting with someone, so don't give up. Take a look at our
overview, "Making the Pitch."

Review these talking points (1.3MB PDF) prior to contacting employers.

Also, consider these messages as part of the follow-up call, although you might want to emphasize certain points depending on whom you're contacting:

When contacting the largest and most respected employers in the metro region, suggest a live meeting with the key decision-makers. Review the promotional tool kit for sample materials that will help you make an effective presentation.

Also, when you invite employers to apply, be sure to explain the criteria for qualifying for the BWC list and direct employers to EPA's online application form.

For a more detailed strategy for your follow-up calls, including the types of messages that may be most effective, review the sample materials below:

PDF files must be downloaded and viewed with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0.