Implementing The Business Case for Breastfeeding In YOUR Community Handout D Outreach Meeting Guidelines (Adapted from Rhode Island Breastfeeding Coalition “Visit Script”)

Section 4 – Effective Outreach with Businesses

Before the Meeting
Complete Part 1 of the “Business Outreach Form”
Complete Handout B, “Company Profile” to learn more about the company history, programs, and priorities
Outline brief talking points for the meeting, focusing on shared goals, ways lactation services support the company’s priorities, and ways these services can blend with the company’s current programs
Arrange the meeting in advance with the secretary; an introductory letter can be sent to give the employer a heads-up about the purpose of your visit
Collect materials: o “The Business Case for Breastfeeding” (tri-fold pamphlet) [enough for each participant in the meeting] o “The Business Case for Breastfeeding” (resource kit) for display o Local information (Handout C, “Community Resource Flyer”) o Business cards

During the Meeting
Arrive a few minutes early!
Introductions
Thank the company representatives for the meeting, and explain the purpose for the visit, noting that the State has been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with grant funding to participate in a national initiative to help companies improve their bottom line while helping breastfeeding employees continue providing milk for their infants.
Acknowledge company priorities and economic issues we realize companies are facing today. Implementing The Business Case for Breastfeeding in Your Community Handout D – Outreach Meeting Guidelines


Ask: What have you heard about lactation services or benefits in a company? (Affirm their response)
Lactation support is rising in popularity as an aspect of a company’s health benefit platform and family-friendly programs, which are already proven to reduce turnover and improve productivity.
Use your “elevator speech” to discuss how lactation support will help the company with their business priorities: o Bottom-line benefits and return on investment (ROI) o Improving retention and productivity of staff o Lower healthcare costs o Benefits both female employees and partners of male employees
Show: “The Business Case” tri-fold (Blue Folder #1) – “a brochure for company managers that provides company-related cost benefits of a lactation support program, including return on investment figures”
Show: “The Business Case for Breastfeeding” resource kit – “a turnkey approach to helping businesses implement lactation support programs”
Discuss the minimal outlay for lactation support in the form of 4 easy steps: o S = supportive policies and practices (Examples in “Tool Kit”) o T = time to express milk and why this is important to maintain supply and avoid overfullness during the workday o E = education as a family-friendly benefit o P = a clean, safe, private space other than a bathroom stall to express milk during the workday
Some companies start with just a lactation room, and build their program. Other companies implement a comprehensive program to begin with.
Give examples of other companies in the community or elsewhere that have implemented lactation programs
Ask: How do you see a program like this working in your company?
Review company programs already in place that could house a program like this
Show how your coalition will help o Training for supervisors/managers o Assistance in setting up the program o Materials o Staff for classes, consultations, and other needs o Reward program in place

Implementing The Business Case for Breastfeeding in Your Community Handout D – Outreach Meeting Guidelines


Is there any other way our coalition can help you with this effort?
If the response is: o Very eager and interested: set up a follow-up meeting with them and/or other stakeholders at the company; leave the bulk of the resource kit if necessary. Follow-up! o Somewhat interested: ask if you can meet with them again after they have had a chance to review the materials, or if there is someone else in the company that would be more appropriate for you to visit with. o Not very interested: invite them to think about it and make another contact in a month or so.
Thank them for the visit
Exchange business cards for follow-up

After the Meeting
Send a thank-you note to the individuals in the meeting
Complete your contact form
Follow-up with additional contacts, meetings, etc.

Implementing The Business Case for Breastfeeding in Your Community Handout D – Outreach Meeting Guidelines