Today I got another email from an association I belong to.

• Generic in nature.
• Asking me to help.
• They want me to recruit members for them.

They give me three reasons why I should do it.

• To give back to the community
• Gain visibility.
• Get recognition.

Give back to community is biggest push.

• It’s kissing cousin to “Do the right thing.”
• Which honestly makes me rebel.
• Feels very parental - I’m good if I do and bad if I don’t.

Visibility and recognition - please.

• My name on a laundry list on a website and magazine.
• Will anyone read the list to get to my name?
• Does anyone really care if I’m there or not?

So what’s my motivation to take action based on this email?

• None.
• They didn’t speak my language.
• Maybe I’m not old enough to get the appeal?

And yet I’m a power recruiter when I feel like it.

• What gets me going?
• Inspires me to action?
• And even better to inviting someone to join the association?

Here are three reasons I might recruit a new member:

1. My friends need what the association offers.
2. Six months later my friends will think I’m brilliant for making the suggestion.
3. I’m having a lot of fun somewhere in the process.

What makes you suggest someone join an association you belong to?

• Did the association’s email have it right?
• And I’m just an outlier?
• Or do you have other reasons for recruiting new members? (Please share.)

Makes me think of chapter leaders…how well do you understand what motivates your members to action? How do you know?

HINT: Photo was taken this morning.

• At the start of the Motor City Mile Swim for the Cure.
• An open water swim held at Belle Isle Beach.
• A public beach located in the center of Detroit, MI.

Guesses anyone?

Makes me think of chapter leaders…what do you see when you really look around the room at your chapter meetings?

   Makes my life easier!

Today the mailman brought me another story to share.

• This time the culprit is a newsletter.
• From a program I was involved in a few years ago.
• And have not heard from since.

The newsletter itself is not bad.

• A single, double-sided piece of paper.
• It’s a quick read.
• And includes coupons.

However, I have no idea what it talks about.

• Since I left they added an “Encore” program.
• I’m guessing it’s an alumni program.
• But I’m not sure.

The newsletter keeps me in the dark.

• There’s no definition of the program.
• No link for getting more information.
• No friendly name for me to call.

85% of newsletter talks about the Encore program.

• I can’t appreciate what I don’t understand.
• Which means it’s not relevant to me.
• Doubt I’ll open the envelope next time it comes.

Another wasted marketing effort.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…do you leave some members clueless and disengaged because you communicate in code?

   Say what?

I received a gold-plated pin nested in a blue-velvet jewelry box in today’s mail.

• For my volunteer efforts.
• Recognizing my “many hours of dedicated service.”
• Helping out so many people.

Sounds nice - so what’s my problem?

• I have no idea why I got the pin.
• It’s a major organization in Ann Arbor.
• Thanking me for TWO YEARS of service!

I may have helped out for 3-hours one day…

• I’m not sure.
• The form letter didn’t mention what I did.
• (But it definitely raved about generic me!)

Does the recognition make me want to volunteer for them?

• No - the pin is maybe 1/3 inch square.
• Looks more like a small earring than a lapel pin.
• (Is this one of those “give free mailing labels to guilt action” attempts?)

If I got the pin for simply showing up one day for a few hours, the recognition feels shallow - not inspiring.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do volunteers feel when you thank them?

   I miss her.

Raindrop is at Camp Grandma this week.

• Raindrop’s deathly afraid of fireworks.
• They started going off last weekend in our neighborhood.
• My parents live in a less explosive area.

I didn’t realize how much I would miss Raindrop.

• Sure, she sits and stares at me when I work from home.
• And we have early morning negotiations.
• (She lets me pet her until someone gets up to get her breakfast.)

I’m still surprised at my reaction.

• Raindrop stays with my folks every year over the 4th.
• Maybe it’s because she was attacked last month.
• And it took awhile to get her personality back?

Thankfully I pull out for Chicago today for work - will keep me busy until she gets back home!

Makes me think of chapter leaders…are you aware of the energy various members bring to your chapter?

   It’s too soon.

Yesterday I got a 2010 calendar in the mail.

• A giveaway from a nonprofit.
• To make me feel indebted.
• So I would send a donation.

But here’s the thing…

• It’s barely half way through the year.
• I’m not past fireworks yet.
• Definitely not thinking 2010 details.

Plus let’s talk about the calendar…

• Sure the photos are pretty.
• But I don’t use a paper calendar.
• Especially one so thin the first bump will destroy.

I’m not sending a check.

• Guilt over junk doesn’t work on me.
• Make me feel something real.
• I want my money to matter - not pay for poor marketing.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…do you know what motivates your members to take action?

   Now!

I started working at 5:30 AM today.

• I have a lot on my to-do list.
• Seven hours later I’m grumpy and hungry.
• (Time flies when you’re having fun.)

I stop for a moment.

• James leaves to pick up lunch.
• I grab something to drink.
• And then it happened…

My universe shifted.

• A voice in my head bellowed.
• “Ma’am step away from the computer.”
• Like a cop trying to talk down an almost murderer.

Totally spooked me!

• Was I watching too much TV?
• Or not enough?
• The voice in my head had found reinforcements!

I’ve still got a lot to do today.

• But think I need some down time.
• I’m heeding the voice.
• And checking out for a few hours.

(I don’t want to see my mind escalate to the next level to get my cooperation!)

Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you know when it’s time to walk away for a spell?

   Today I am still alive.

Yesterday I shared with the world I goofed.

• Okay, perhaps a tad melodramatic.
• But I did tell thousands.
• And put story on the Chapter Leaders Playground.

This fall I plan to do a 10-week, 30-city speaking tour.

• The Lazy Leader Transforms America - One Volunteer at a Time!
• Training 5,000 volunteer leaders.
• Impacting more than 250,000 volunteers.

To make goals, need 100+ participants attending each event.

• Came up with cool idea.
• Would increase odds of success.
• Require 3-4 local chapters to work together as local host teams.

I thought it was brilliant.

• Leaders get to know each other.
• A bigger pool of people to help attract others to events.
• Collaboration is hot!

And local leaders did not buy it.

• Several chapters want to host stops on tour.
• But did not want/have time to work with others.
• They felt they could fill the room - sans extra work.

It was decision time.

• Do I enforce my original rules?
• (With side benefits galore.)
• Or do I let go of control and listen to what my volunteers wanted?

I let go.

• And confessed.
• It felt weird.
• And got strong feedback from leaders about how I was a role model for them to reevaluate how they were working in their chapters.

By being “weak” I encouraged others to be strong - go figure.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…are you willing to let go of being right for the good of your chapter?

 No one saw me -

Just tried to participate in another chat on Twitter.

• No luck.
• No matter what I tried.
• I was barred from playing somehow.

I did reach out for help.

• @JeffHurt gave me some advice.
• Alerted others.
• And at least made me feel noticed.

That said, I missed out AGAIN.

• It was an interesting discussion.
• I made some great comments.
• Which no one saw!

I don’t have problems with Twitter as a general rule.

• Just when I want to connect with others.
• I could chat two weeks ago.
• But not any more.

I almost feel like giving up.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…do your new members feel like ghosts when they try to get involved in your chapter? How do you know?

   UGH!

Last week I participated in a teleconference.

• Offered by an association I belong to.
• Topic: PR
• Presenter: “Melba” - also a member.

The phone system had some issues.

• Not all questions got through.
• Melba said to email questions to specific address.
• So I did.

I asked a simple yes/no question.

• Should a photo be attached to email announcement releases?
• Using announcement releases was one her featured strategies.
• Seemed like an easy, clear question.

I got a response 48 hours later.

• From the Melba’s assistant.
• Included a 4 MB photo of Melba.
• Plus a very large file promoting upcoming seminar.

Below is the answer to my yes/no question:

(I changed identifying details.)

Hello Cynthia.
 
I have attached Melba’s photo for your use.  In addition, I have included Melba’s Flyer for her upcoming Fabulous PR Program (this is what she was referring to), she is running a special of $697 plus bring a friend for free!!!  A wonderful offer.  She would love for you to attend.
 
Thank you and please let me know if you need anything else.
 
Warmly,
Missy
Assistant to Melba

Huh?

• Melba’s assistant totally IGNORED my question.
• Almost crashed my computer with big files.
• And spent bulk of message selling me an upcoming seminar.

It’s a mosquito bite from the association who chose Melba.

• One bite is itchy - and not a huge deal.
• A bunch of bites add up to a painful experience.
• And become member repellants.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…do your programs bite?

    And no one cared.

An interesting conversation took place on Twitter.

• Twitter is an online community.
• You communicate 140 characters at a time.
• You can follow conversations by using # in front of key words.

I tried to join the conversation.

• Used the correct #code.
• Saw my tweets (messages) post.
• But did not get engaged in the conversation by others.

I know there had to be some technical glitch.

• And I still felt rejected.
• No matter what I said - silence.
• And everyone else was welcomed, asked for more information, etc.

It was like high school.

• The popular kids got to run the conversation.
• The clueless just watched.
• And were allowed to be envious of the popular kids’ brilliance.

Yuck - what a downer way to end the day!

Makes me think of chapter leaders…do you promote an emergency hotline for members who have trouble connecting?

   Surprise!

Last week I facilitated ADA’s Leadership Institute.

• It was my fourth year.
• I keep the energy pumped up.
• And run the front of the room.

Periodically during each day I face a corporate challenge.

• Partners and sponsors give 10-15 minute talks.
• I listen for connections to previous general session speakers.
• Showcase my discovery as soon as they stop speaking.

“Did you notice this partner gave us a great example of…”

• Attendees love to hear the application.
• Partners and sponsors love to be showcased as brilliant.

I love the rush of finding the connection in real time.

• I’m never sure what partners and sponsors will say.
• Or the link I’ll be able to find.
• Attendees wonder if I’ll get stumped.

It makes partner and sponsor presentations more exciting.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you help make your sponsors both relevant and exciting?

   My heart sunk.

James picked me up at the airport late last night.

• I had been going for five days.
• Facilitated ADA’s Leadership Institute.
• Very tired and dreaming of bed.

“I’ve got some bad news…”

• I clenched - who died or was sick?
• Mom? Dad? Raindrop?
• Whew! All were alive.

Then James told me Raindrop was attacked by another dog on Saturday.

• The dogs were friendly - then not.
• James and the other owner broke it up
• Thought both dogs were okay.

15 minutes later, James’ world tilted.

• Blood started flowing from Raindrop’s neck.
• She was hurt.
• He rushed Raindrop to the vet hospital.

Long story short, she’s okay.

• She got a puncture wound.
• A shaved neck and antibiotics.
• Nothing key was pierced.

My concern is her spirit.

• She’s still a bit scared and needy.
• She’s always had a bubbly personality.
• Will that come back?

Anyone know how to make Raindrop feel safe and heal her spirit?

Makes me think of chapter leaders…do you ask for advice when you need help?

   And then some!

Just spent five days facilitating a leadership institute.

• Took place at the Westin Stonebriar Resort.
• North of Dallas.
• Supposed to be a nice place - it wasn’t.

The Westin Stonebriar was spectacular!.

• And this from a jaded traveler.
• Who is very fussy.
• And spends too many nights on the road.

The Stonebriar was a joy to work at.

• From the moment I walked into the door, I felt like a VIP.
• Staff anticipated my needs.
• It didn’t matter what time of the day or night.

Tyler, the concierge, felt like my personal assistant.

• He always watched out for me.
• Greeted me happily.
• Knew my name and was eager to help.

The meeting experience was also over the top.

• Massive attention to detail.
• Food fabulous.
• And they always had a sparkling water ready for me.

This quality experience lasted for five days.

• It was not one good shift of staff.
• Or a fluke.
• Taking care of guests was obviously part of their culture.

Last year the Westin Stonebriar was the top Westin in the world for customer service - and I expect a repeat this year.

Makes me think of chapter leaders…do your members feel like VIPs?

   The chapter next door?

Just published an article getting a lot of action on Twitter and via email.

• @SteveDrake says it “Beats ‘Bowling Alone’!”
• Thought I’d share here so we can talk about it.
• What do you think?

Here’s the big picture…

• One association, two local chapters.
• The City Chapter is losing members.
• The Metro Chapter is growing.

City Chapter blames Metro Chapter for their problems.

• Some former City members now active in Metro.
• And one stepped up to leadership - Metro!
• It’s just wrong!

City is filing an ethical complaint against Metro Chapter.

• For poaching their members.
• It’s all Metro’s fault City is having problems.
• (Get all the details here.)

What do you think?

• I say City leaders need to stop blaming others.
• And acknowledge their role in their chapter’s losses.
• Am I being too harsh?

Makes me think of chapter leaders…does your board assume responsibility for the health of your chapter?