Sunday, May 17, 2015

Gain and Retain: The Basics of Membership in Your Nonprofit

Originally posted three years ago, but the ideas are the same. Altrusa District Nine reached ONE THOUSAND STRONG by following some of this advice. We can attain those lofty goals. Just BELIEVE.

On Tuesday night I attended the DFW Club’s installation banquet. I had a fabulous time! The food was great, the company was great, and of course, the cause was great. I want to tell you, though, about something in particular this club did very well. They hosted an event that was effective for both guests (potential Altrusans) and members (Altrusans we’d like to retain). It was amazing, and looked almost effortless. You can do it in YOUR club, too. Make every meeting an EVENT, and you’ll “gain and retain.”

GAIN GAIN GAIN
I bet DFW gets at least two new members out of this meeting, and perhaps one for another District Nine club. Why? Because they showed off their programs and their members were thrilled to tell the guests all about them.
  • A presentation showed off their projects from the entire year. Just pictures set to music. I heard guests asking all about the projects, and I heard members enthusiastically describing them.
  • Display boards, along with samples of some of their projects like blankets they are making, set at opposite corners of the room, drew guests in as they wondered “what is up with that cute blankie!” and allowed guests to explore the offerings of their club on their own time.
RETAIN RETAIN RETAIN
  • DFW has a great group of ladies. They are all chatty and engaging, and they are proud of what they’ve accomplished. The slide show really allowed them to reminisce and reflect about the great things they’ve done. With that combined with the inspirational installation program, current members came away with some inspiration to make the coming club year even better.
  • Adorable (yet simple) decorations added a special touch. They had their napkins tied with ribbons … that had our great new logo! I kept my little yellow bow and attached it to my pin ribbon. It’s fantastic!
If I had one suggestion for the club, it would be to make sure to get the contact information for your guests and follow up. You don’t need to “close the deal” right away, just send a note to say thanks, and give her a call about a week before your next event to invite her along.
Thank you, Altrusa International Inc. of DFW, for a wonderful evening. Linda Pavona, you put together a great program and installation. Carla Helstrom, you’re going to be a great president. And Altrusans of DFW, please invite me to your next event. I want to be part of the amazing service you provide!

Beth Blair
Governor-Elect