Blog

How do we show we care?

We are exposed to many different blogs, news, articles and other forms of communication on a daily basis. Here is an article from Cynthia D’Amour that we, as a club and individuals, should carefully consider.

Are Your Members Leaving Because You Don’t Heart Them Enough?

I’m noticing a growing trend of disappointment from association volunteers.

  • Several have called me hurt more than complaining.
  • They were volunteer leaders who had to take a leave for a variety of reasons…
  • Surgery, family death, job change and more.

The source of their hurt – no one from their chapter cared they were not showing up.

  • In spite of being super active for many years.
  • And believing they had deep relationships with other leaders.
  • Not a card, call – or even an email.

IHeartRadioIt has been total radio silence – except radio isn’t so silent any more!

  • In fact one of my favorite radio station misses me.
  • More than some chapters are missing their star volunteers.

I signed up for iHeartRADIO.

  • Made some stations around the country my favorites.
  • Listened to 104.3 MYfm in Los Angeles a lot.
  • And then I stopped listening to the radio while working about three weeks ago.

Two days ago, I got an email from iHeartRADIO saying 104.3 MYfm missed me…

“Hey there,

It’s been a while since you listened to 104.3 MYfm Los Angeles.

Did something heavy fall on you? If you need help, we’ll be right over to lift it off!

Come back and let us know you’re ok!”

An app on my phone cares more about me than many chapters show caring for their members.

  • In four sentences, I felt noticed, cared about – and missed.
  • Yes, I know it was auto-generated.
  • But it still made me smile.

This type of communication is growing as for-profits want to build emotional connections to consumers.

  • Your chapter is going to have to step up its game in caring for members.
  • Members will be asking themselves, “If an app can miss me, why don’t people who I’ve volunteered with for years?”
  • Without the heart connection, the reason to belong pales.

How do you stay on top of the big events in your members’ lives – and show that you heart them too?

Read more

April 2014 President’s Message

The Wisdom of Flying Geese
Quota International of Grand Rapids
President’s Message
September 2012

When you see geese heading south in the fall, they fly along in “V” formation. You might be interested in knowing what scientists have discovered about why they fly that way.

#1–It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

#2–When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.

#3–The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

#4–Finally, when a goose is sick or wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out to catch up with their group or fly with another formation.

Basic Truth #1–People who share a common direction can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Basic Truth #2–It pays to take turns doing hard jobs, true with geese or with people!

Basic Truth #3–When we’re not in the lead, it’s important to honk our support from behind.

Basic Truth #4–If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other, protect one another, and sometimes make new friends who are going in our direction.

Read more

All Rights Reserved