And The Group Has To Reach Out

In an article entitled Beating the Empty Chair Syndrome, I talked about individual membership responsibility. Now, I will advance ideas of how an organization can be accountable for the way in which they support each member's successful membership.

10 Rules for Associations (or Groups) to Connect With Members

1. Above all, have a process to welcome visitors or guests to meetings and events. Make them feel like they've done you a huge favor by attending. (They have!)

2. Give membership information to guests, but just don't hand them a packet and expect them to read it. Set aside time and assign a person to go through the material. That person can also encourage the guest to apply.

3. When a new person actually joins, have a system for welcoming them. The best way is a phone call, and next best is an email.

4. Assign a buddy or mentor to help the new member get to know the ins and outs of the group.

5. The director or another "official" person should meet with the new member to find out what the new member wants to accomplish as a result of her membership.

6. The new member should be asked what she would like to contribute to the group. Harvest their newbie energy early.

7. If there is an official orientation or educational offering, help the new member to schedule for those events. Send a seasoned member with the newbie to these events.

8. Determine which of the seasoned members should be introduced to the newer member. Linking them will help them to be more successful, which in turn will help the group to be more successful.

9. If the group has a newsletter, list new members with their contact information. We all like to see our name up in lights!

10. Ask the new members what, if anything, you could have done better or more of to make their transition from newbie to seasoned as seamless as possible.

Organizations that do all or most of the above rules are the ones that are thriving and growing. Groups that fail to adhere the above rules struggle to sustain membership. They are not so successful. Hm-m-m, I wonder if there is any connection? How does your group measure up?

Debby Peters is the owner and Director of Training of The Certified Networker Program of Ohio, Ltd., http://www.cnpofohio.com a 24 hour referral based training that is evolving a community of profitable referral partners. She is also posts to the blog http://www.cnpofohio.blogspot.com

Other articles by Deb Peters

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