RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW
Why do members join and stay?

Katie Breen, W1KRB
Past ARRL Membership Manager



It’s personal.  

Most people leave ARRL for one reason and one reason only, and it usually has nothing to do with money.  If they had either had a bad experience with someone or something
*How do you deal with this? Ask for permission to hear them.  
*  “Would you be willing to share your experience with me?  I’d really like to know what happened.”
* Validate their issue if you can and demonstrate your concern.  Do not be a “yes-man” or try to defend any actions.  Simply Hear – Acknowledge – Affirm3
* If a Director/Vice-Director/Section Manager is on-site with you and you need to, have that member/nonmember speak to that official.

Public Service
Emergency service and response is a big part of why hams become hams. But not everyone is interested, so unless that is an area of THEIR interest, don’t focus on it.  

Fellowship
Most hams are friendly and are interested in socializing and sharing their stories.  If you can help facilitate conversations at local hamfests and clubs, that is great.  Being a good listener is key to finding out what our members are interested in.  

Pride
We all wear our call signs like a badge of honor!  Whether it’s the class of license held, if they are a VE, a contester, a DX’r, EmComm – ARES/RACES, storm chaser, or rag-chewer….everyone had to achieve a certain status to become and amateur radio operator! We all studied and passed an exam!

Take pride in the fact that you are out there representing ARRL - the only National Organization for Amateur Radio.  You may, in fact, be the only ARRL representative at that event!  Everything you do and say represents us.  Dress appropriately, speak appropriately, and demonstrate our publications appropriately. Take pride in what you are doing! Walk the walk and talk the talk.

Growth
Everyone wants to be a part of a winning team!  When you get questions about membership status – always respond with affirmative answers.  The organization and FCC licenses have been increasing – so you simply will be sharing the good news!  Positive comments and smiles will take you miles!

Believe in ARRL Objectives
No one joins or remains with an organization unless they believe in the goals and objectives. Therefore it is vital that you know and understand the pillars of the organization and believe in them yourself!  You don’t have to agree with everything, just be knowledgeable and agree with the tenets of the organization.

Face to Face Recruitment
The most successful techniques for engaging in face-to-face recruitment are:
Authenticity    * Rapport    * Eye contact     
Persuasive dialogue    * A smile    * Knowing when to walk away.

It is critical to continue your engagement with the potential member.  This person should know that you are genuinely interested in them and that you truly believe that their experience in amateur radio can only be improved by their membership in ARRL.  If you share your enthusiasm – it’s infectious!

Information
We have so much to share, it is easy to have “information overload.” Careful display and dissemination of information is very important.  It’s better to keep all the information labeled and organized so you can grab what you need when you need it.  This also holds true for your table/display.  Please see the examples of what to do and what not to do.

Convention/Hamfest/Club/Other Training and Tools

As an ARRL representative in the field, you will be provided with a variety of tools; on-going support and training; web based tools; monthly tips and techniques; support from each other and HQ.

 
The Do’s and Do Not’s of Displays


What is NOT preferable
Rocks holding down paperwork
Paperwork strewn after visitors peruse materials – it is important to keep up with the  table display
Notice that same-themed books no longer together (Q&A on left not displayed with manuals or even together with other Q&A)


What IS preferable:
Visible ARRL banner(s) and Visible signage for joining or renewing
Clean, neat display of publications
No rocks holding things down
Membership Applications front and center
Plenty of freebie
Visible ARRL banner(s)
Clean, neat display of publications
ARRL “uniform” with ID badge very visible (if you are at an event that requires additional identification, do your best)