While it’s true that VIP logos have graced signs and that many VIPs offer major discounts to member firms of all sizes, that’s not what the program is all about. Let’s take a quick look at five truths you may not be aware of when it comes to the VIP business partner program.
Truth No. 1: VIP stands for Value In Partnership.
There are currently 17 national VIP business partners that provide business solutions, programs and services that have been created and developed with ALA for ALA. These are exclusive benefits and value programs that your firm can take advantage of because you are a member. These offerings are built to solve real issues, provide real resources and connect members with the highest degree of focus on member experience that can be found in the legal industry.
“I have experienced firsthand the ALA VIP business partner program playing a significant role for my firm, chapter, and on an international level with respect to resources, education and most of all quality products and services,” says Katie Bryant, CLM, the Executive Director of Udall Shumway PLC and an At-Large Director on ALA’s Board of Directors.
Truth No. 2: VIP business partners can be counted on to provide incredible access to education about the business of law industry.
What sort of industry challenges are represented by the top national companies in the VIP program?
- Human resources
- Payroll
- Financial/401(k)
- Employee benefits
- Logistics
- Risk management
- Legal professional risk
- Investments
- Retirement
- Succession planning
- Cyber risk and information security compliance
- Long-term care
- Software and business management consulting
- Office supplies
- Matter management
- Billing
- Telehealth
- Online legal payments
- SEO and visual content management
Many chapters are already taking advantage of the high-level educational opportunities and speaking resources that these companies bring.
Truth No. 3: The VIP business partners are a diamond mine of new membership opportunities.
These companies have huge reach into markets across the country and represent a real mining opportunity for new members. Did you know that VIP business partners have been responsible for dozens of new members over the years? Nonmember firms have joined so they could access the exclusive members-only resources that can be found in each of the VIP offerings. What in these offerings holds such value? Have you taken the time to find out for yourself and your firm?
Truth No. 4: VIP business partners are more than just vendors — they embrace all ALA goals and objectives.
While collaborating with ALA on their offerings, VIPs also commit to investing in education, technology, resources and networking to help further ALA’s goal to embrace membership in a meaningful manner. Members can be assured that engaging in conversations and projects with VIPs will not be riddled with sales talk, but will produce true collaboration with a focus on a great member experience filled with professional problem-solving.
“Being a VIP business partner … gives us direct access to the key personnel at law firms all across the country. The kicker? They welcome us with open arms!” says Ryder Kimmes, Vice President of Business Development at LTC Solutions. “The folks that make up ALA are the kindest, most welcoming group we’ve encountered and make collaborating, educating and getting to know them a real treat for us.”
Truth No. 5: Many members use the savings they get through the VIP program to show their firm and managing partners the value of membership.
Cost savings through a VIP cost-benefit analysis is a unique way to become a hero at your firm. With huge savings, long-term price locks, offerings that pay for an ALA conference registration and more, a cost-benefit proof of value is easy!
The bottom line: ALA’s VIP program serves thousands of ALA member firms and tens of thousands of employees at those firms. Are you reaping the benefits of your membership? If not, now is as good a time as any to learn more.
We hope that as a member you will set a personal goal this year to get to know a VIP. Take some time to learn about and take advantage of the full breadth of your member benefits. With ALA’s Annual Conference & Expo nearly upon us, we hope that you will make a point to stop at each of the VIP business partner booths for a visit. We promise you will be amazed at what you will find.
