Attracting and Getting New Members

(Tue 9 Dec 1997 -- with permission of G. Valtierra)

Attracting and

Getting New

Members

A short guide to having a thriving

club

Gregory M. Valtierra III

Lt. Governor Marketing

District ONE

"Making Dreams Come True"

External Actions to Build Membership

Attracting New Members

Make sure meeting location is convenient and suitable for a dynamic meeting.

If membership is very low get other clubs involved, try to develop a sisterclub.

Membership Programs

Promote Toastmasters International membership programs.

Sponsor membership building campaign within the club with the following elements.

Objectives - set a goal for the end of the program.

Awards - provide incentives for top performers or top team.

Calendar - Have specific time frame, usually three months is best.

Promotion - Provide a flyer to members and remind them frequently.

Success - Someone must set an example and make it happen, why not You!

Public Relations

Newspapers, radio, even television - keep submitting regularly even if they don't always appear.

List your Club at libraries, chamber of commerce, community service boards.

Put Toastmasters International posters on bulletin boards with club information around area.

Leave copies of The Toastmaster magazine in waiting rooms with club information attached.

Set up information booths at local events.

Other

Conduct a Speechcraft.

Invite newspaper columnist or editor, or other local dignitary, to speak at the club and publicize it.

Give the Communication and Leadership Award to a non-Toastmaster in your community.

Put on a Demonstration Meeting - send formal invitations and publicize it.

Judge a local school, college or university debate or host a community debate.

What Club Members Can Do

Importance of Charter Strength

Spread Responsibility - Prevents member "burn out."

New Ideas - New members bring new ideas.

New Leaders - Provides larger pool of potential club leaders.

More Fun - The more the merrier

More Revenue - Dues from new members help pay for educational programs and materials.

Responsibility as Club members

Everyone is responsible for bringing in new members, not just V.P. Membership

Talk to friends, relatives, co-workers - 4 out of 5 members learned about Toastmasters from personal contact.

Wear your Toastmasters pin everyday - it starts conversation.

Display The Toastmasters magazine (after reading it) with club information attached.

Distribute promotional brochures and flyers - On bulletin boards, pay envelopes, on you desk.

Conduct a Speechcraft in community or within the company.

Treat Guests Properly - Something all members should be involved in.

Greet guests at the door as they come in.

Sit with guests during the meeting.

Speak with guests after the meeting.

Invite guests for coffee - and pick up the tab.

Ask the guest to come again.

Closing the Sale

Make Sure the Club and Meetings are Attractive

Meetings begin and end on time.

All program participants arrive early and are prepared.

Club officers fulfill their responsibilities.

Meetings proceed at a good pace without lags or gaps.

Members are enthusiastic and enjoy the meetings.

Every speech is a manual speech.

Work Toward Win-Win

Win-Win: Club and member feel positive.

Win-Lose: Club wins but new member feels pressured or rushed.

Lose-Lose: Visitor leave without joining, misses opportunity for self-development, club loses skills and talent.

Discuss the Benefits

Improved speaking abilities - 80% join to improve communication skills, over 50% join to overcome fear of public speaking or increase self-esteem.

Leadership development - variety of leadership roles from Table Topics Master to Club officer.

Better social skills - meeting new people and interacting with peers.

Greater self-esteem - conquering fears and improving abilities is empowering.

"Close" the Sale

Compare - Self paced and inexpensive versus quick training program costing hundreds.

Lose - Only can lose their fear of speaking, gain confidence and ability and new friends.

Opinion - What is their opinion on how the club could benefit them.

Story - Share stories of how club members benefited from Toastmasters.

Example - Tell prospect what they can expect to achieve in near term e.g. meeting roles, Table Topics, Ice Breaker.