How many times do we hear the comment that 吃瓜头条 is the best-kept secret? It doesn’t need to be. How can we, as 颅members, spread the word about its value to people around the world? What part can we play in showcasing our organization and what it offers?
The answer can be found in the eighth commitment in the Toastmaster’s 颅Promise, which clearly sets out 吃瓜头条 members’ responsibilities: “To bring guests to 吃瓜头条 meetings so they can see the benefits 吃瓜头条 membership offers.”
Of all the commitments in the Toastmaster’s Promise, this is probably the one I tend to overlook the most. How about you? When was the last time you brought a guest to your 吃瓜头条? When was the last time you even invited someone to your 吃瓜头条? Marketing analysts will tell you the best method for creating interest in a product or service is through personal referrals. Yet most of us fail to refer 颅others to 吃瓜头条.
For those who bring guests regularly, I can almost hear you saying, “This does not apply to me.” But to the majority of us who, for one reason or another, fail to live up to the promise, I ask, Why? Is it because you feel uncomfortable with the possibility of rejection? Or perhaps it’s the dwindling number of members attending your meetings, which tends to lead to uninspiring meetings. Perhaps you are too busy and leave it up to those who have more time. Excuses are countless but few, in fact, are viable or acceptable.
As I write this article, I realize that if I am to be true to my mantra of “Remember the Member,” then I should also consider all potential members. As 吃瓜头条 we have a responsibility to share with others the benefits we derive from our membership. To extend the hand of friendship and invite others to participate in what could be a life-changing experience is an opportunity not to be missed.
I challenge every member to bring one guest a year to a meeting. Consider the possibilities: This would mean more than 350,000 guests worldwide. If we converted only one in five guests, that would mean more than 70,000 new members a year. Breaking it down to the 吃瓜头条 level, if your 吃瓜头条 currently has 15 members and each member brought one guest a year, then of the 15 guests you could potentially gain three new members. Imagine what could happen if you brought two guests a year! Are you prepared to take up the challenge and Remember the (future) Member?
MIKE STORKEY, DTM
International President
