The Merseyside Scout Network have decided
to ‘think pink’ in an attempt to improve
recruitment. Lee Allwood investigates
the benefits of such bold branding
M
erseyside County have
a Network! Quite
frankly it was hard
to miss them at this year’s
National Network Gathering!
That‘s all thanks to a unique
way of branding so they
stand out from the crowd.
We all know how hard
it is getting a Network
off the ground – trying to
get others interested and
promoting your activities.
Members of the
Merseyside Scout Network
decided that one way to help
recruitment was to bring out
the panther in themselves
– the Pink Panther that is.
Now they sport bright pink
t-shirts at Network and non-
Network events all over the
UK. Don’t worry – there is
method to all this madness!

The importance of identity
Having your own identity
gives people something to
relate to, something with
which to associate the good

Merseyside Network Scouts
show how pink is the perfect
colour whatever the situation

things you do in Network.
It's also a memorable and
unique selling point. There's
plenty of fish in the sea, but
you aren't going to catch
them if you don’t go fishing!
Obviously you need
the National Programme
of activities to ‘underpin’
your identity and attract
members too, but bringing
a bit of your own character
into how you represent
yourselves can help people
remember your Network.
Merseyside aren’t the only

 
 


 

ones thinking in this way. For
example, Rutland Network
have cow print patterned
neckerchiefs and pants.
If you want your Network to
stand out and attract new
Members think differently
and develop your own
identity. It can be based on
your local surroundings,
unusual facts about where
you live or based on a
popular existing brand.
Remember, if you want to
be the best – stand out from
the rest!