Do you know?

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?

Originally posted @ Cynthia D'Amour on Leadership and Life