Retailers Forum Magazine August 2022 EMAG

FORUM WORKSHOP
continued from last issue ...
Principle Five:
When in Doubt, Join Membership
To gain the favorable attention of the group’s
power structure, join the membership committee.
Membership dues are the lifeblood of local
clubs like the chamber of commerce, Rotary
Club, and many professional associations. The
person who adds cash to the coffers gets the attention
of those in charge.
One public relations agency president rose
quickly to the board of directors of a chamber
of commerce through the membership route.
She joined the chamber’s membership committee
and sent a letter to all her clients selling
them on the benefits of becoming part of the
chamber. She met with many key board members
and sought their advice on “how she could
help the chamber.” When the chamber sold tables
for major luncheon events, she bought a
table and resold the seats to clients. It was hard
work, but she rose through the ranks. And she
won a great number of new clients – all influential
chamber board members – from the strategy
too.
Principle Six:
Visibility Through Volunteering
forumworkshop
MARKETING
Making Your Name Knowing
SECRETS
with Self-Marketing
MMaking A R
Your K
Name E
Known T I N
with G
Self-Marketing
SECRETS
DON’T JOIN ANY CLUB
THAT WOULD HAVE YOU AS A MEMBER
7 Principles for Maximizing Membership Opportunities
How to Position Yourself for Success • My Niche is Better than Your Niche
Page 30 AUGUST 2022 | RETAILERS FORUM MAGAZINE
Whether it’s politics, charitable arts groups, or
medical-related organizations, there is always
a need for people who can raise funds. These
are the folks who garner the attention of the
leaders.
Once entrenched in a committee, volunteer for
a specific project. Then use it as a vehicle to conduct
informational interviews with key people
inside and outside the organization.
ALL DOORS OPEN TO A VOLUNTEER
Do you have a particular interest or area of expertise
that would benefit an organization?
Suggest to the board that you’d like to form a
task force to investigate it. In effect you will be
forming your own committee. Then use the
task force to interview board members and
other potential linkages about the issue. Breakfast
and lunch with allies you are nurturing to
gain their input. Attend the board meeting to
issue your task force report. You may even
want to offer to turn the task force findings
over to the newsletter editor so the membership
can learn more.
You also can gain visibility by volunteering
your services to the program chairperson. That
person has a year’s worth of speakers to book,
and you’ll be taking weight off his or her shoulders
if you offer to fill a slot – or if you volunteer
your boss or client to serve as a speaker.
continued...