Thoughts From a Club Coach

Tips on Having a Successful Membership Drive AND a Successful Club
By Joyce McDowell, ACB - ALB
 
Joyce has been a Toastmaster since October 2014. She says, “In 2015-16, I had the privilege of being an Assistant Area Director (AAD) for Tina Kubicek, DTM. She was my Mentor through my first three speeches, President of Exchange Park Toastmasters, Area Director, and a Club Coach to TravTalk Toastmasters. We supported seven Clubs that year.
Being an AAD, gave me the chance to watch and learn from the dynamics of each Club.
 
My below observations are what have helped me as a Toastmaster. 

• ​It is an honor and a privilege to become a Toastmaster. It is also a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
  

  

• The key to retaining members is to engage them and keep them busy helping the Club grow and prosper. 

 

• Everyone wants to feel part of the process and contribute to the Club success.

 

• Each Club has a few core members who take the major responsibility for the Club. They set the tone for what the other members are experiencing. They need to create excitement using themes, greeting everyone with an enthusiastic smile and a warm welcome and having quality meetings.

 

• It is important to know your members and their needs. Be aware of how different times of the year impact their schedules and ensure they aren't overburdened by Club responsibility.

 

• Assigning a mentor and orienting new members are the best ways to keep them engaged and make their learning experience positive.

 

• Clubs must conduct open houses or other membership drives and take advantage of the District and TI incentives. All Club members can help with: advertising; prospecting with their peers at work, friends, and family; food preparation; room set up and meeting roles. 

 

• Clubs must promote using flyers and social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Meetup, etc.) and ensure website information is current,

 

• Visitors usually look on the Internet for Clubs that are very active and progressive.

 

• Clubs should conduct quality meetings. First impression matters and memorable, fun and interesting meetings will motivate visitors to join the Club and help retain existing members.  

 
There is no guarantee to any of this - what you are attempting to do is leave a lasting impression on the prospective members, which theoretically should bring them back to your Club to join.”