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“I THINK I CAN”

There is a lot of power in positive thinking!

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The Little Engine That CouldA Primer for Positive Thinking

A children's book written by Watty Piper Also a good guide for a lifetime Moral to the story…

If you think you can…you canIf you think you can’t…you are correct…you

can’t

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POST MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

&HOW TO CONDUCT A

SUCCESSFUL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

AUSTIN, TX DECEMBER 15 & 16, 2012

FRED ROGERS, VICE CHAIR DEPARTMENT TRAINING COMMITTEE

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What are our Objectives? Acknowledge the need for Membership

Growth Understand the important role of strong

leadership in Membership Growth Recognize the importance of a

Membership Committee and a written plan of action

Identify written plan elements

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Why is Membership Growth Important? To maintain a dynamic voice in

Washington that will continue to protect the interest of all veterans, service members and their families

If we fail to grow…it is only a matter of time before we cease to exist

Simply put…membership is our lifebloodOther Departments are growing and

Texas can too!

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Essentials to Membership Growth

Training…learning Leadership…get out in front Mentoring…developing others Motivating…be appreciative Monitoring…follow up

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First things First...#1#1… Post Commanders You must:

Place a high priority on membership growth and achieving goals

Clearly express your positive expectations that membership growth is not optional and that we will meet our goals

Stress it is the responsibility of each Post member

Lead your Post to success

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First Things First…#2

#2…1st Vice Commanders you must: Have a positive attitude and

committed to attaining goalsMake a written status report at all

meetings; where are we now? and how will we get to where we are going?

Lead your committee to success

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First Things First…#3#3…Develop a Membership Committee

Divide up the work…assign specific responsibilities

Involve the entire membership - ”everyone recruits one”

Make it a “Family Project”…Post, Sons, Riders, Auxiliary

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First Things First…#4#4…Develop a written plan…it is your roadmap to success…tactical What do we need to do? How are we going to do it? Who is going to do it? When will it be accomplished? Keep it Simple and Flexible

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There’s Power in Simplicity

All I ever needed to know…

I learned in Kindergarten

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Quote from Alice in Wonderland

Alice to the Cat…“Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?

The Cat to Alice…”that depends a great deal on where you want to get to”

Alice…”I don’t much care where”The Cat…”Then it doesn’t much matter

which way you go”

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Elements of a Written Plan Retain…#1 objective is to close the back door Renew…set aggressive deadlines Recruit…at all post activities, 345 List Legion Programs…#1 easiest way to growth Communicate…”Spread the Word”

External: insure the community knows what you are doing and why

Internal: insure the membership knows what you are doing, how they can help and why

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A Quote to Remember

“Membership success is not determined by fancy footwork or gimmicks. Effective membership programs are the result of one thing and one thing only, and that is effective leadership”

John A Breden III, Past National Commander 2003-2004

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Evaluation Are there any questions? What are the first 4 steps to being

successful in Post Membership Growth? What are the 5 focus items of a written

plan for Membership Growth? Effective membership programs are the

result of what one thing?

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Review Make growth a “top of mind” priority Develop a committee with a positive

attitude that is motivated and committed Have a written plan and work it Focus Items:…Retain, Renew,

Recruit, Legion Programs & Communicate

Keep it simple interesting and fun

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How to Conduct a Successful Membership

Drive

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What are our Objectives? Discuss the important role education

plays in a successful effort Understand the importance of making a

good 1st impression Review how to set up an effective

display Detail how to make a presentation and

the importance of follow-up Review our presentation

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Education Being prepared is a confidence

builder for both you and the person with whom you are talking The Two Minute Drill: is simply

preparing beforehand a response to anticipated questions

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Who is The American Legion?

The Two Minute Drill:The American Legion is the

Nations largest and most influential network of U.S. wartime veterans. It was chartered by Congress in 1919 and is a 501 (c)19 non- profit organization.

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Why Should I Belong? The Two Minute Drill:

“Our mission is to help service members, veterans and their families, educate our community’s children, keep our community safe, and lend a helping hand to those in need”.

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The Visual Presentation You don’t get a 2nd chance at a good 1st

impressionDress to impressCover the Table with a Legion tableclothHave a flag set in the middle of the

tableHave the roll-up billboards on displayDon’t clutter the table top

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The Visual Presentation Making a good 1st impression…continued

Brochures must have your contact information

Keep business cards in your pocketStand in front of the table…in the aisleKeep chairs to a minimum if at allGreet visitors with a smile, an extended

hand and an introductionKeep chairs, food and drink out of the booth

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A Welcoming Greeting “Hello, I’m Fred (shaking hands &

smiling)! Are you familiar with The American Legion?” If they say “yes” inquire if they are already a

member…some of them will be 345 members

If they say “no” qualify them as an eligible veteran for membership

If they are qualified this is your opportunity to ask sincere “probing” questions.

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The Actual Presentation Focus on the 4 Pillars from a local

perspective Keep it brief and simple…you only have a

few minutes to get your point across. Ask sincere, probing questions and they will

tell you their interests. Keep a “Why You Should Belong” brochure

in your hand at all times Show a sincere interest in them…thank

them for their service

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The Close Remember you don’t have to wait until

the end of the presentation to close When you sense they are ready to

sign…go for it! If you don’t sense a closing

opportunity ask… “I have an application right here and can sign you up today”.

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The Follow - Up Capture contact information on

everyone - name, address, phone & email

Follow up immediately with a letter and within 7 days with a phone call

Briefly discuss benefits of membership

Show a sincere interest in them

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Evaluation Are there any questions? What is the 1st step in an effective

membership drive? What will a great visual presentation

insure Following the greeting what fact do you

need to establish

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Review Education…2 minute drills A good 1st Impression… be prepared A warm greeting…polite & professional Qualify…know to whom you are talking The Presentation…the 4 Pillars The Close…ABC = Always Be Closing The follow-up…your best opportunity