BCL's "ICE-T" Method

Like any profession, BCL has a method. We call it ICE-T: Identify, Contact and Engage business leaders -- working in Teams.

This site will help you engage with companies, start and run a local Grasstops Outreach "GO Team" or a national business Sector Team. Each section has links to a comprehensive Guide as well as to the most commonly used resources. Use the Guides for reference or an end-to-end training.

Instant ICE-T: A Quick Start

A good place to begin: a one-page, four step guide to a successful meeting with a local business leader, following the ICE-T method.

1. Gather, Launch, and Manage Your TEAM

Recruit (or join other) team members; hold a kickoff meeting; decide on what roles team members will play; agree on plans for recurring meetings and keeping track of commitments. Meet on a regular basis to strategize, celebrate successes and remove obstacles.

2. IDENTIFY, Prioritize and Profile Your Businesses

List your prospective businesses (influencers); prioritize based on their Accessibility, Likelihood of taking action, and Impact on our goals. For high priority clients, assign a team Delegate to "own" the relationship and ensure we research and write a profile for that client

3. CONTACT High Priority Businesses to Get First Meeting

Get contact information for prospects; prepare your meeting request content and channel; make (and update) your meeting request; rinse, repeat, recalibrate.

4. ENGAGE Your Businesses in CCL's Advocacy

Plan and conduct your first meeting; grow the relationship with regular communications and support; leverage your relationships to expand your impact; mobilize your network for the big votes.