Orienting

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Orienting
Associations often assume that when members join, they do so with a full understanding of the benefits and services offered and how they can be obtained.  Experience has proven otherwise.
 

Principles of Orienting New Members:

• Members need guidance on how to fulfill their initial expectation for joining
• Members should be routinely encouraged to consider the organization as their first point of contact when seeking information or support
• Every opportunity should be pursued to orient new and current members to the organization’s benefits, services, and opportunities, as well as how to access them when needed
• Current members should be encouraged to play an active role in orienting new members on how to maximize their membership experience
• Try developing a mentoring program in which an experienced member will show the new member around, introduce them to everyone and serve as their point of contact should they have questions or concerns
• Orientation sessions provide organization’s with an opportunity to gain insight into their new member’s needs and expectations.

For the Purpose of Orienting, Choose A Member Who Is:

• Comfortable speaking in front of groups
• Creative and can transform information into something fun and worthwhile
• Excited about their membership experience
• Interested in strengthening and/or using their presentation skills

Tips For Making New Members Feel Welcome:

• Identify new members on name tags
• Hospitality committee
• New member reception
• Personalized letter
• Greeter at meetings
• Personal visits
• Acknowledge receipt of application

Prospecting        Recruiting       Orienting       Involving        Renewing