INVEST IN GUESTS
It can get costly for club members to invite guests to club meetings. Some clubs require three visits before a prospective member is proposed for membership. Three guest meals for a sponsor can be enough to discourage them from inviting altogether. The result, some cannot afford to invite guests regularly and end up not inviting anyone.
However, a few clubs believe growth is the full club’s responsibility. They use happy bucks, auction items or fines to build their guest meal fund. Most of these successful clubs will buy the first meal of any guest a member brings.
Some clubs will pay for up to three meals whether the prospect joins or not. They have confidence that the experience will be rewarding and believe the prospect might at least tell a friend.
Some clubs place a “free meal” an invitation on the back of their member’s business cards. They understand the investment will pay dividends in service and future fund raising. Some clubs make this part of their public relation plan. If your club is among the “best shows in town” and your members do not feel obligated financially to invite their friends and associates, your club will grow.
If growth is to be a priority, we need to walk the talk at the club level.
Sylvester Neal
Kiwanis International Vice President