Gaining New members

[Robert Pries <robertpries@embarqmail.com>]

Jody: I am sending you this as a potential letter(e-mail) to affiliates. I am
sending it to discuss so that the RVPs and others at the mmeting this weekend
could revue it and see waht points I have missed or forgotton. Since
attachments are not allowed it is in the body of this post. I am sure as usual
I need editing!!!



Checklist for gaining membership.



B 

Have an Iris Show or Sale open to the public, or Have a booth at a Flower
Show.



B 

Step one have something to offer visitors that can initiate a conversation.
Giving away something, like free Irises or: a raffle for a basket of Irises &
stuff. There are lots of possibilities, but most people are not annoyed by
being asked for if they would like something free. And more importantly the
members working the booth have a reason to talk to the visitors. You need to
approach them. Its is seldom they will ask a question of someone daydreaming
in their chair.



B 

If you do not have anything to give away donbt use the invitation to join.
That is for their reference after they have expressed an interest much like
you would give someone your business card. If you have nothing tangible to
offer information. Ask bhave you ever seen an iris like that before?b Or
do you like gardening or flower arranging?



B 

One you have broken the ice and have their attention you can learn about their
interests and try to find something about the Iris Society that would promote
those interests. Slowly you can present a reason why they might like to join
the local group or the National.



B 

Step three if possible sign them up for something. Often people will join then
and there. But if they are only going to pick up a prize later you have a
second shot at them. The point is to get their contact information so you can
call or e-mail them and let them know about the next meeting.



B 

If you have a public event it is important to have a club meeting within a
week or two of the event. If a meeting is a month or more off anyone
interested will usually forget about it. But if is within a reasonable time
period you will get some new people.



B 

Remember the new people come for the program and to visit with you. HAVE YOUR
BUSINESS MEETING AFTERb& Do not feel bad if they leave before you show off
your club title or have that debate over the $3 that was short at the sale. If
they had a good time they will return. Emphasize how their talents might help
the club.



B 

Try to find a mentor for each new member. If nothing else, make sure they are
not standing alone, while you visit with your old friends. If possible follow
up with e-mails or phone calls reminders of future events. Who knows you may
be developing some more important than a new member, a new friend.



B 

You should have the following supplies for any show, sale, or booth;

Invitations to join, both AIS and Local. Posters, Old bulletins, Your meeting
schedule. A contact they can call for questions. Prizes and or raffle tickets,
Signup sheets for work projects. Pens, pencils and paper so that you and they
can take notes.



B 

Many clubs do some of these things but only those clubs that do all these
things build and retain membership

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