Don't Rush the Question!

Research has shown that only a little over 10 percent of Rotarians ever sponsor a new member into Rotary. So for many club membership chairs, getting folks to invite prospective members to a  meeting is a problem. However, sometimes we can get a little little anxious with the question, and that should be avoided too.

When you "pop the question" to an unprepared prospective member, many times you are forcing them to decline. After that, it can be very difficult for them to be persuaded to change their mind. So, asking them to join right off the bat is usually counterproductive.

The better approach is to think of it as a kind of "dating" process. You want to demonstrate to them that your club is worth their while. That is a process that begins with an invitation to be a guest at a club meeting, NOT asking them to join. How many of you fellows out there walked up to a young lady you were interested in and asked her to get married the first time you met?

Don't rush the question of membership!

No, we want to invite them to learn more about Rotary, not to join. The invitation to join only comes after you have gotten to know them; they have come to know you and your club; and it seems like it will likely be a good fit for "all concerned".

Make sure you think about how you will make "the Ask" (see Sept. 4th, 2015) and don't forget to prepare your club. Make sure it is going to be a good program, and get help from your fellow members in making sure your guest feels welcome. Make extra sure no one blurts out: "So, when are you going to join?" during the meeting. Rushing the question may put your guest under pressure, and spoil their first impression of your club.

So remember, to develop a strong and lasting relationship between Rotary and new members, take it slow, and don't rush the question!