Got an email promotion for a webinar.

• Offered by an association I belong to.
• 90-minutes long.
• Almost $200 to attend.

Hmmm…

• The headline grabbed me.
• The program description spoke my language.
• I was intrigued.

The speaker was…

• Unknown.
• Not as in not famous.
• As in not listed.

What am I supposed to do?

• Trust them to have someone fantastic?
• Competent?
• A canned program?

Is this webinar is worth $200?

• A marketer wrote the description.
• Will the speaker deliver?
• It matters at this price.

No speaker named was a deal breaker for me.

• I can’t trust I’ll be blown away.
• Learn what I need.
• Bummer!

Attending was a no-brainer - if I knew I’d get what they promised.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…do you lose attendance at events by not giving enough information?

It’s Election Day in America.

• Time to cast your vote.
• Do your American duty.
• Earn the right to complain later.

Dad loves to vote.

• Used to be a congressional aide.
• Is a political junkie.
• Thinks C-Span is a sports channel.

Mom not as much.

• She always votes.
• But grumbles about the effort.
• I got tired of it this year.

Decided to turn voting into an adventure.

• It needed more fun.
• I got on my patriotic sweater.
• Convinced Mom and Dad to walk me to the poll.

We stopped along the way.

• To enjoy the pretty colors.
• (And amazing smells!)
• Mom took pictures.

This time Mom enjoyed voting - thanks to me!

As Mom always says, makes me think of chapter leaders… Are your must-do’s fun to do for your members?

   Am I sick?

This weekend James and I bought a new freezer.

• It’s pretty and white.
• Stands upright.
• Will hold a lot of food.

I’ve been smiling all weekend.

• Thinking about my new freezer.
• And all we’ll be able to do together.
• Then it hit me - I must be sick!

An appliance is not a fun gift - I love…

• Things that sparkle.
• Smell good.
• And cashmere!

What’s wrong with me?

• Am I losing my edge?
• Did I get older?
• Am I channeling my mother?

When did buying a freezer become so sexy???

Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you stay current with what’s important to your members?

   Love it.

The Chapter Leaders Playground officially launched October 2007.

• Conceived in a brainstorm by a team of volunteers.
• Who saw the need for more leadership training.
• Deeper into chapters - not just president-elects.

It’s been a great two years.

• We’ve done close to 100 webinars for chapter leaders.
• Interviewed interesting people.
• Heard fabulous success stories as a result.

It’s time to go bigger!

• After many discussions.
• Pages of mathematical equations.
• And plans to find sponsors.

To celebrate the Playground’s second birthday, we will start gifting individual memberships for the Playground.

• Individual membership has been $50/year.
• Now it’s free.
• (Group memberships still pay dues.)

Is that exciting or what?

• (Between us, I’m still in a bit of shock over making the move.)
• Imagine all the chapter leaders we’ll be able to help!
• Anyone who works with volunteers too!

If you know any chapter leaders who want to create a…

• More dynamic chapter.
• Deeper bench of future leaders.
• Surplus of happy, active volunteers.

Please send them to the Chapter Leaders Playground http://www.chapterleadersplayground.org 

Makes me think of chapter leaders…how are you taking your chapter’s success stories to the next level?

Got an email from an organization I belong to.

• A fundraising appeal.
• Tells me all the things we are selling.
• And hopes they can count on my support.

The email…

• Gives me deadlines.
• Urges me to sell to anyone with a pulse.
• Thanks me for my time and effort.

Where is the appeal to my heart?

• Totally missing.
• This group does amazing work in the community.
• Funded in large part by the above efforts.

There was not a word…

• Of the difference we’ll be making.
• The kids who will get a chance.
• The lives that will be changed.

When I give money I want it to matter.

• I don’t care about goals.
• I don’t care about the products sold.
• (I’d rather cut a check than get more of the same stuff I’ve had to buy for years.)

Not feeling inspired to put on my selling hat - maybe next year?

Makes me think about chapter leaders…do your members know why what you are asking them to do matters?

  Walks on.

This afternoon we bought a ladder.

• We need to work on our second floor balcony.
• To get it ready for winter.
• The step ladder wasn’t tall enough.

We went to our favorite Ace Hardware.

• Got fabulous help.
• A demo on how to use the ladder.
• Plus a deal to boot!

As we checked out, it suddenly struck us.

• How were we going to get the 20-foot ladder home?
• I popped the back seats in the car down.
• With the right angle…

James announced he would carry it home.

• We live less than a mile away.
• The ladder was 23 pounds.
• I argued to at least try getting it in the car.

James held firm.

• This was his ladder.
• We didn’t live that far away.
• He was walking it home.

And he did - with a big grin on his face.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…What do you do when new members want to try oddball ways for getting work done?

   This was not free.

Saw a resource promoted on a listserv.

• A “free” collection of direct mail samples.
• With commentary.
• Just click here.

I love to study direct mail stuff.

• It’s an art and science.
• My record to date is 32% on a cold list.
• 2% response is considered very good.

I clicked the posted link to get the samples.

• Had to click another link.
• Gave my contact info.
• Had to wait for confirmation.

Got a confirmation email.

• Wanted permission to send PDF.
• Clicked the link.
• Sent to generic page saying I was subscribed.

Now waiting for the PDF.

• Checked spam filter.
• Invested 10 minutes clicking links and waited another 30.
• No free set yet.

Lots of food for thought…

• Is the process harder than it needs to be?
• I wanted the samples with the first click.
• Every minute that passes, I think less of him as an expert.

(Did I just get pimped for my contact info? UGH.)

Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you manage your members’ expectations for speed?

   Really?

I’m looking for Lazy Leader Power Users who have…

• Read The Lazy Leader’s Guide to Outrageous Results
• Heard me speak.
• Started implementing the Lazy Leader approach.

You’ve got some new challenges…

• Teaching others to be Lazy.
• Shifting the culture of your chapter.
• Dealing with a surplus of volunteers.

Wish you had other Lazy Leaders to…

• Help figure out what’s next?
• Use as a sounding board?
• Co-create cool solutions?

I’ve launched a private community on the Chapter Leaders Playground.

• Just for Lazy Leader Power Users.
• We are going to figure out answers for your new challenges.
• And build a network of Lazy Leaders.

Sound interesting?

• The community gives you a space to share.
• I’m doing monthly group coaching calls with the group.
• And it doesn’t cost you anything - except participation.

Learn more at http://www.chapterleadersplayground.org/?page=LL_PUGinfo

Makes me think of chapter leaders…How does your chapter step up to help when new challenges hit a group of your members?

I drooled when I saw the email from a friend.

• Then thought it a joke.
• A shot at a Mini Cooper for $100…
• 1 in 300 chance of owning it!

That’s the lead for the CFA Education Foundation raffle.

• There’s a 1 in 125 shot at a motorcycle too!
• What fun hooks for their foundation fundraiser.
• (I can see myself in that car…)

I love the fresh offer.

• It’s not the usual suspects.
• You know, the standard stuff you see in lots of raffles.
• Yawn.

I don’t usually by raffle tickets.

• But that photo is calling my name.
• The description of the car very creative.
• And paints an irresistible picture.

The 2010 Mini Cooper is the automotive equivalent of a boundlessly energetic Jack Russell terrier. Sure, it makes a lot of noise. Sure, it plays a little rough sometimes. And, well, it’s little. But when that pooch is bounding toward you, yipping gaily, lips peeled back in an apparent smile, you can’t help but smile back. That’s the Mini in a nutshell - it’s not the most refined pup in the litter, but its exuberant personality is bound to win you over.

I’m sold - it sounds like fun.

(I wonder if Raindrop will get jealous when I bring it home after winning the raffle?)

Makes me think of chapter leaders…How big do your members drool when they read about your fundraising efforts?

   Not mine!

Got a call this afternoon.

• From an association.
• Urging me to attend a conference.
• Early bird deal running out.

This how they use my dues?

• I’ve already gotten 57 emails.
• Seen the promos on Facebook.
• And ads in the magazine.

I want my dues to work for me.

• Not pay a robot to harass me.
• Even if the recording was the national president.
• I was underwhelmed.

Did the auto-calls produce results?

• I wonder…
• I won’t pick up next time.
• Would you?

Makes me think about chapter leaders…do you know the most effective strategy for inspiring your members to action?

Yesterday James and I heard David Alan Grier (DAG) talk.

• To 100 folks at the Ann Arbor Library.
• DAG is a Michigan Man
• He talked about his book - Barack Like Me; The Chocolate Covered Truth.

DAG read a few selections.

• Made me laugh and cry.
• Man does he have the voice.
• Wish he would read to me every night.

DAG took questions from the audience.

• The line quickly formed.
• Many eager to interact with the famous local son.
• Some childhood friends.

The first question shocked me.

• A nice-looking woman asked DAG if his book was on audio.
• She shared she hadn’t read a book in several years.
• Several in the room agreed.

Ann Arbor is a very educated area.

• Most in the room looked like professionals.
• No books in several years confounded me.
• How could this be?

I easily read 150+ books/year.

• I have most of my life.
• Books unleash the wonders of the world for me.
• (Plus we were meeting in the library!)

I’ve written seven books including The Lazy Leader’s Guide to Outrageous Results.

• All of my books are fast, easy reads.
• After yesterday’s comment I wonder if I’m doing enough.
• Maybe I need alternative vehicles to deliver the same information?

The timing is perfect.

• We are in the midst of reviewing our 2010 strategic plan.
• How many more can I help next year?
• Especially if I stretch how I’ve always done it?

Makes me think of chapter leaders…Do you need to shake up how you deliver your chapter experience to reach people different from you?

   Was she right or wrong?

Here’s the story…

• Callie was excited to join the committee.
• A fairly new chapter member.
• Introduced by Mike, the chair.

The discussion started…

• Callie asked for a clarification.
• Melba rolled her eyes and sighed.
• “We’ve done this forever. I would think even someone as new as you should know all about it.”

This was the first time Callie heard of the topic.

• Mike took a moment.
• Gave Callie a brief overview.
• The rest of the team squirmed with impatience.

The conversation continued on…

• Callie offered an idea.
• It had worked for others.
• “What if we partner with other chapters that are complementary to us?”

Melba attacked again.

• “We tried that in the 1980s. It worked for a few years - until the other chapters didn’t bother to show up any more. We got the message. We haven’t asked them since. People can join our chapter if they want to participate.”
• Others made noises of agreement.
• Mike ignored Callie’s suggestion and moved the conversation on.

Callie had had enough!

• She was not giving up her night to be disparaged by other members.
• She could say nothing right.
• And they obviously didn’t want her there.

Callie grabbed her phone.

• Looked at an “incoming” message.
• “I’m sorry I’ve got an emergency. I need to leave right away. Thank you for having me here tonight.”
• Walked out the door singing in her head, “And don’t worry, I won’t be back.”

Callie only stayed for the first 40 minutes of the meeting.

• They couldn’t pay her enough to stay for the rest.
• She voted with her feet.
• (Yes, the only emergency was the time being wasted at the meeting.)

What do you think?

• Was Callie wrong to leave without giving the group a “real” try?
• Or was she right to move on?
• (Would you have stayed?)

Who was the real problem at the table?

• Callie with a low-tolerance for being put down?
• Melba for the harsh comments?
• Mike for his poor facilitating skills?

I put most of the responsibility on Mike.

• He did not create a safe space for new members.
• Did not facilitate the diversity at the table.
• Ignored problems rather than address them.

Who let him be chair without proper training?

Makes me think of chapter leaders…what kind of experiences do first-timers on your committees have?

   Huh?

You know, the webinar you attended?

• On how to use social media.
• About two months ago.
• It was free.

I was totally stumped.

• Didn’t recognize the name of the organization he represented.
• Irritated him when I didn’t remember their program.
• (Come on, since then, I’ve sat through at least 10 more on the topic!)

He repeated the company name a little louder.

• Told me they had experts on their panel.
• Important information.
• Couldn’t believe I didn’t remember!

Finally something clicked.

• Ironically I was intrigued by their platform.
• And had asked someone to contact me.
• The same day as their webinar.

I’m doing a demo next week - and they are starting with a negative score in my mind given the poor follow up.

Makes think of chapter leaders…do your chapter experiences stand out as special in the minds of your members?

   Totally missing.

Got a letter today from an organization we’ve belonged to since 2000.

• We used to be avid participants.
• A change in leadership diluted our connection.
• We still showed up pretty regularly for years.

Over last six months we’ve attended less frequently.

• I’ve been traveling lots.
• Usually during their meetings.
• Plus my family health issues.

Here’s the letter…

(Identifying details changed to protect the innocent - and not so smart!)

Dear Member,

One of the tasks required of us as a chapter is to annually audit our membership rolls and encourage people to actively participate as members. And so we take the time to communicate with those for whom our records show have not recently participated in our chapter.

As we were reviewing our membership files, we noticed it has been some time since you actively participated in the chapter. It is true that our record keeping is less than perfect, so we humbly apologize if you are receiving this letter in error. On the other hand, this letter comes as an invitation to be involved again in what we consider a fulfilling chapter.

We also recognize, however, there are many life circumstances that cause us to make changes in our chapter participation. Enclosed you will find a card to help us better understand your wish for membership in our chapter. We respectfully ask that you fill out the card and return it to us.

Yours Truly,

The Chapter President

Knock me over with a feather!

• This is a retention outreach?
• He doesn’t care about us.
• Just concerned about membership numbers and following rules.

Ironically James and I recently chatted about our relationship with them.

• Didn’t feel the love anymore.
• Another local chapter does fun stuff.
• Felt a touch bad about wanting to check them out…

No more. This letter is motivation to do so - sans the guilt!

Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you show you care when regular members drop from sight?

   It was bizarre.

Turned out the lights in my room.

• Staying in a hotel.
• Long day.
• Ready to sleep.

The symphony started as if on cue.

• I had surround sound.
• Voices on both sides.
• Above and below too.

Conversations infiltrated my room.

• A man shouted with fury.
• A woman sang goodnight to her children.
• And a juicy exchange made me blush.

I was trapped in the middle of it.

• Not quite a participant.
• Yet involved in all.
• I was the observer.

Then, as quickly as it started, it was over - thank goodness!

Makes me think of chapter leaders…are your newer members observers or participants in your chapter?