How To Woo 'Em and Win 'Em
How To Woo ‘Em and Win ‘Em
I’m Going On A Lion Hunt
© ARC - RMN - March 2011 - Please Care/Share+
It is December 31, 1960 - two scores and a decade ago, I am 19 years old at the Rose Bowl Parade with family members.
We left Orange County early in the evening; parked the car, staked out our street position right next to hootin’ and hollering college kids and joined the revelry welcoming in the New Year. By 2:00 a.m., I am exhausted and even though in those early salad days of my life had the youthful exuberant energy of next door curb neighbors, I was ready to crash. The glamour had worn off; settling down into street sleeping was not my cup of tea. By dawn the crowd started to stir to groans of those who had partied harder than others; some never stopped. The endless slithering of bodies going to and fro trying to find restrooms was uncomfortable; fun energy had dissipated considerably - atmosphere was icky with discontent. Weather was clear and cool - perfect for anticipated parade. But, instead of eagerness, there was a general impatience - let’s get this over with.
Suddenly, from the college area, out sprang a young woman into the middle of the street. It was so sudden that she immediately caught the attention of everyone. She stood there - gazing at the crowd intently. She turned inch by inch - never dropping her gaze - rotating in a circle - like a hunter and then jumped up and down - assumed an arm position as if holding a spear and exclaimed: I’m going on a lion hunt…and then put her fingers to her lips…whispered loudly…ssshhh. She waited…repeated it all; and then as if on cue…looked at her peers and they in unison: repeated …ssshhh! She pivoted, turned to `us’ next to her peers…did it again - and we repeated it…ssshhh! By the time she had done her circle again…no one cared about any parade - all we wanted to do was go on a lion hunt with this phenomenal woman who wooed us and won us. And from that day forward, prime desire for me was to be like her: phenomenal role model in `attraction/command/chutzpah‘.
Fast forward a decade plus five; early 30s - two children - divorced -entrepreneur running business - facilitating nonprofit - part time university student - re-entering the singles scene and frustrated as I tried to navigate around: who, what, where, when, and why. I discovered groups jealously guarded members - avoided learning and/or talking about peers.
I was shocked. Whatever happened to the spirit:
“If it’s not at Macy’s, it’s at Gimbles‘?”
I started a `list’ - would go to a new group - hear across the room: there she is, the lady with the list. I also was frustrated. Many groups were church sponsored; divorce was anathema. I couldn’t `find’ the enlightened group that I needed so I started one with simple refreshments, $3.00 donation. It was a soiree that had a formula: RSVP’d guests warmly greeted, shown around, introduced to others - encouraged to bring literature/business cards and place on display table. Guest Speaker was scheduled for fifteen minutes to do presentation. Speakers were invited from eclectic range…single, religious, educational, political, fraternal. They were encouraged to bring resource information on whom they represented to place out and leave; told it would be saved and showcased again at next event so keep me supplied.
What was the result? Representatives brought back to their groups
in vivo experience of what event was all about. Word spread, guests increased.
I decided to host a complimentary press party so that all groups could be represented. I called reporters from local media and asked for on site coverage. When I was assured there would be representative local media reporters there, I called each group, invited them, and requested they send me `one descriptive flyer’ so I could make copies at my expense, assemble all group information brochures in a `press book’ to hand out to each reporter. It was a phenomenal success!
I learned from them and academic studies the following:
Newspapers love `filler’ human interest stories, especially when work done for them. A news story with a catchy title/hook and interesting details that cover the basics of who, what, where, when, and why are winners.
Public Service Radio loves making announcements for nonprofit groups.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-public-service-announcement.htm
http://www.mab.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3303
http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=publicservic
An example of a catchy title: How to Woo ‘Em and Win ‘Em - I’m going on a lion hunt. Target your audience. If you want to reach out to `singles’ - slant article that way. An example: Singles enhancing dating communication social skills at Toastmasters bi-monthly afternoon one-hour meetings. How about the business sector? Entrepreneurs learn the art of business communication at Toastmasters bi-monthly afternoon one hour meetings. Since Toastmasters is for one/all, you could showcase a different group each month. Now the `inside trick’ is to call ahead and find out reporters names who usually do features - hand address envelope to them/call week later to assure they receive. Invite reporter to event.
Hand addressed envelopes with personal note written on the back: thank you/God Bless assures immediate personal attention/mail will be opened and delivered to person in charge. Another hint: hand address and send to organizations with name of president or executive leadership. It will be read and probably shared with peers - maybe even posted or printed.
News Stories are for features. News Releases just give the basics but are placed in multi columns ongoing on a weekly basis. Make sure if events change, you notify paper with update.
What were the best features that won them after they were wooed in?
There was a `welcoming person’ in charge of one thing only…
by their side introducing and showcasing ins/outs of what was going on.
A one-page information sheet was given at first meeting that described the basics…contact names/numbers, formula, special features.
A volunteer assigned to do follow-up call just to `chat/answer any question’. Another volunteer available to greet the 2nd time. This was ongoing several times. It’s a buddy system.
Info card was kept on file…important dates/names. If there was a newsletter, names were mentioned for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
(This hint by the way is one of the most important in sales…buyers focus more attention on the ones who make the effort to personalize relationships that transcends business).
Guest is acknowledged with personal thank you note/card for supporting, participating. Form requesting feedback inserted that could be filled out anonymously and returned by mail and/or dropped off in suggestion box. Questions should be open: What would you do specifically if you were the leader of a group; what would you like as first-time visitor?
Think of `kudos’ - saluting members who go above and beyond.
For example, it is always advisable to offer first experience complimentary. But then, if a member brings a guest one time, make sure honored in acknowledgment and/or symbolic gift. Do follow-up calls to `new beginners’ especially if they suddenly stop coming. Find out reasons:
cost, empathy, boredom, hospitality lacking, someone hurt their feelings?
Sliding Scales for dues is a plus…seniors, disabled, students traditionally have a much harder time managing…discounts and/or scholarships not only help others but are a symbolic badge of just what kind of honorable group you are. If your organization can afford it, set a policy of giving a symbolic gift to each new member; you can find nice candles at the $1.00 store - best kind are ones that might last forever…my favorite:
Wal Mart $1.00 photo magnet frames that stick to a refrigerator are great.
Set up your group as a legitimate nonprofit…not as hard as it may initially seem…http://www.nolo.com Available at local library books by Nolo Publishing/other: for How To Start A Nonprofit. How To Forms available also from: The IRS, Fresno, CA 93888 (800) 829-3676 - Form 990 and Schedule A. - State of California Franchise Tax Board, Box 942857, Sacramento, CA 94267 (800) 338-0505 Form 199, Registry of Charitable Trusts, Box 903447, Sacramento 94203-4476 - Form CT-2.
ARC
AssociationRenaissanceCreators@yahoo.com
501 © (3) 95-3855901 * CA Reg. No: 9789024 * D23701
NY Reg. No: 21-26-60 * MD Reg. No: 17319
http://www2.guidestar.org/PartnerReport.aspx?partner=networkforgood&ein=95-3855901 - ARC beginning roots: http://www.ulchq.com/ Charter 146
Founder/Volunteer Director Renee’ Mary Namaste’ (aka MJRG/RMNG)
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/index.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/ARCwsContents.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/ARCnonprofitHowTo.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/SamaritanRooms.html
Some clubs do what they consider creative ways to stimulate extra money from raffles to fines for silly made up offenses. One has a positive connotation, the other negative. Positive always a winner; negative can backfire. Are you prepared if there is a deluge of guests? What exactly is goal for how many new potential members? Will you have to change venue if interest increases over expectations?
Hints: if you are hosting an event at your home, be safe and do it on an RSVP basis securing address and phone numbers. This way, in an exigent situation, you have a means of contacting; plus, follow through with personal thank you notes. In addition, make sure you give special street parking instructions juxtaposed with respect for neighbors regarding noise. In other words, good event times are 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. after neighbors home from work. Announce fifteen minutes before end, start goodbyes.
Some groups take turns hosting combining with pot-luck and/or use complex recreational facilities. Events hopefully will be non-alcoholic.
I don’t know anyone who would want it on their conscience that something happened because of an event they hosted; plus potential lawsuit if accident.
Email News Story to every member and ask them to forward to their contacts requesting one/all to care/share. Assemble a list of all organizations that might have an `interest’ connection. This is the list you will draw from regarding speakers; send them a copy and personal note that you will be contacting soon and requesting guest speaker.
Just like News Stories are done to encourage participation; do another one describing how great event was which is seeding for future time.
If you go to a group, pick out three people on the sidelines - make an effort to draw them out. Giving always brings out the best in us. Have you ever noticed that an outfit you once got a compliment is showcased in the closet. Compliments are remembered - memory moments that can lift us up and away. Speaking of memory…my favorite ice breaker is asking someone to describe a Magic Moment and Memory. Wonderful icebreakers!
Does your group have an altruistic mission like 10% of all dues go to a different charity each month? Great news story. Do you `take care of your own’ - observant if a member has family illness and/or economic need?
Pay attention to TV advertising…notice how often it is repeated. New buzz words, repetition are key advertising techniques to wooing and winning. Be alert to the difference between `hard and soft’ sell.
Hard may succeed initially but upon reflection, individual usually feels uncomfortable and avoids. Soft gives respect and consideration, encourages individual evaluation, positive response.
Also notice advertising semantics and demeanor.
You - your dress - your language: represent your group -
best advertising of all.
The words you use and the enthusiastic way you present yourself
and your group is the difference between black and white or Technicolor over-the-rainbow spring. Your group is you; let it shine, let it grow!
###
I’m Going On A Lion Hunt
© ARC - RMN - March 2011 - Please Care/Share+
It is December 31, 1960 - two scores and a decade ago, I am 19 years old at the Rose Bowl Parade with family members.
We left Orange County early in the evening; parked the car, staked out our street position right next to hootin’ and hollering college kids and joined the revelry welcoming in the New Year. By 2:00 a.m., I am exhausted and even though in those early salad days of my life had the youthful exuberant energy of next door curb neighbors, I was ready to crash. The glamour had worn off; settling down into street sleeping was not my cup of tea. By dawn the crowd started to stir to groans of those who had partied harder than others; some never stopped. The endless slithering of bodies going to and fro trying to find restrooms was uncomfortable; fun energy had dissipated considerably - atmosphere was icky with discontent. Weather was clear and cool - perfect for anticipated parade. But, instead of eagerness, there was a general impatience - let’s get this over with.
Suddenly, from the college area, out sprang a young woman into the middle of the street. It was so sudden that she immediately caught the attention of everyone. She stood there - gazing at the crowd intently. She turned inch by inch - never dropping her gaze - rotating in a circle - like a hunter and then jumped up and down - assumed an arm position as if holding a spear and exclaimed: I’m going on a lion hunt…and then put her fingers to her lips…whispered loudly…ssshhh. She waited…repeated it all; and then as if on cue…looked at her peers and they in unison: repeated …ssshhh! She pivoted, turned to `us’ next to her peers…did it again - and we repeated it…ssshhh! By the time she had done her circle again…no one cared about any parade - all we wanted to do was go on a lion hunt with this phenomenal woman who wooed us and won us. And from that day forward, prime desire for me was to be like her: phenomenal role model in `attraction/command/chutzpah‘.
Fast forward a decade plus five; early 30s - two children - divorced -entrepreneur running business - facilitating nonprofit - part time university student - re-entering the singles scene and frustrated as I tried to navigate around: who, what, where, when, and why. I discovered groups jealously guarded members - avoided learning and/or talking about peers.
I was shocked. Whatever happened to the spirit:
“If it’s not at Macy’s, it’s at Gimbles‘?”
I started a `list’ - would go to a new group - hear across the room: there she is, the lady with the list. I also was frustrated. Many groups were church sponsored; divorce was anathema. I couldn’t `find’ the enlightened group that I needed so I started one with simple refreshments, $3.00 donation. It was a soiree that had a formula: RSVP’d guests warmly greeted, shown around, introduced to others - encouraged to bring literature/business cards and place on display table. Guest Speaker was scheduled for fifteen minutes to do presentation. Speakers were invited from eclectic range…single, religious, educational, political, fraternal. They were encouraged to bring resource information on whom they represented to place out and leave; told it would be saved and showcased again at next event so keep me supplied.
What was the result? Representatives brought back to their groups
in vivo experience of what event was all about. Word spread, guests increased.
I decided to host a complimentary press party so that all groups could be represented. I called reporters from local media and asked for on site coverage. When I was assured there would be representative local media reporters there, I called each group, invited them, and requested they send me `one descriptive flyer’ so I could make copies at my expense, assemble all group information brochures in a `press book’ to hand out to each reporter. It was a phenomenal success!
I learned from them and academic studies the following:
Newspapers love `filler’ human interest stories, especially when work done for them. A news story with a catchy title/hook and interesting details that cover the basics of who, what, where, when, and why are winners.
Public Service Radio loves making announcements for nonprofit groups.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-public-service-announcement.htm
http://www.mab.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3303
http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=publicservic
An example of a catchy title: How to Woo ‘Em and Win ‘Em - I’m going on a lion hunt. Target your audience. If you want to reach out to `singles’ - slant article that way. An example: Singles enhancing dating communication social skills at Toastmasters bi-monthly afternoon one-hour meetings. How about the business sector? Entrepreneurs learn the art of business communication at Toastmasters bi-monthly afternoon one hour meetings. Since Toastmasters is for one/all, you could showcase a different group each month. Now the `inside trick’ is to call ahead and find out reporters names who usually do features - hand address envelope to them/call week later to assure they receive. Invite reporter to event.
Hand addressed envelopes with personal note written on the back: thank you/God Bless assures immediate personal attention/mail will be opened and delivered to person in charge. Another hint: hand address and send to organizations with name of president or executive leadership. It will be read and probably shared with peers - maybe even posted or printed.
News Stories are for features. News Releases just give the basics but are placed in multi columns ongoing on a weekly basis. Make sure if events change, you notify paper with update.
What were the best features that won them after they were wooed in?
There was a `welcoming person’ in charge of one thing only…
by their side introducing and showcasing ins/outs of what was going on.
A one-page information sheet was given at first meeting that described the basics…contact names/numbers, formula, special features.
A volunteer assigned to do follow-up call just to `chat/answer any question’. Another volunteer available to greet the 2nd time. This was ongoing several times. It’s a buddy system.
Info card was kept on file…important dates/names. If there was a newsletter, names were mentioned for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
(This hint by the way is one of the most important in sales…buyers focus more attention on the ones who make the effort to personalize relationships that transcends business).
Guest is acknowledged with personal thank you note/card for supporting, participating. Form requesting feedback inserted that could be filled out anonymously and returned by mail and/or dropped off in suggestion box. Questions should be open: What would you do specifically if you were the leader of a group; what would you like as first-time visitor?
Think of `kudos’ - saluting members who go above and beyond.
For example, it is always advisable to offer first experience complimentary. But then, if a member brings a guest one time, make sure honored in acknowledgment and/or symbolic gift. Do follow-up calls to `new beginners’ especially if they suddenly stop coming. Find out reasons:
cost, empathy, boredom, hospitality lacking, someone hurt their feelings?
Sliding Scales for dues is a plus…seniors, disabled, students traditionally have a much harder time managing…discounts and/or scholarships not only help others but are a symbolic badge of just what kind of honorable group you are. If your organization can afford it, set a policy of giving a symbolic gift to each new member; you can find nice candles at the $1.00 store - best kind are ones that might last forever…my favorite:
Wal Mart $1.00 photo magnet frames that stick to a refrigerator are great.
Set up your group as a legitimate nonprofit…not as hard as it may initially seem…http://www.nolo.com Available at local library books by Nolo Publishing/other: for How To Start A Nonprofit. How To Forms available also from: The IRS, Fresno, CA 93888 (800) 829-3676 - Form 990 and Schedule A. - State of California Franchise Tax Board, Box 942857, Sacramento, CA 94267 (800) 338-0505 Form 199, Registry of Charitable Trusts, Box 903447, Sacramento 94203-4476 - Form CT-2.
ARC
AssociationRenaissanceCreators@yahoo.com
501 © (3) 95-3855901 * CA Reg. No: 9789024 * D23701
NY Reg. No: 21-26-60 * MD Reg. No: 17319
http://www2.guidestar.org/PartnerReport.aspx?partner=networkforgood&ein=95-3855901 - ARC beginning roots: http://www.ulchq.com/ Charter 146
Founder/Volunteer Director Renee’ Mary Namaste’ (aka MJRG/RMNG)
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/index.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/ARCwsContents.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/ARCnonprofitHowTo.html
http://www.webspawner.com/users/ARCLiberty/SamaritanRooms.html
Some clubs do what they consider creative ways to stimulate extra money from raffles to fines for silly made up offenses. One has a positive connotation, the other negative. Positive always a winner; negative can backfire. Are you prepared if there is a deluge of guests? What exactly is goal for how many new potential members? Will you have to change venue if interest increases over expectations?
Hints: if you are hosting an event at your home, be safe and do it on an RSVP basis securing address and phone numbers. This way, in an exigent situation, you have a means of contacting; plus, follow through with personal thank you notes. In addition, make sure you give special street parking instructions juxtaposed with respect for neighbors regarding noise. In other words, good event times are 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. after neighbors home from work. Announce fifteen minutes before end, start goodbyes.
Some groups take turns hosting combining with pot-luck and/or use complex recreational facilities. Events hopefully will be non-alcoholic.
I don’t know anyone who would want it on their conscience that something happened because of an event they hosted; plus potential lawsuit if accident.
Email News Story to every member and ask them to forward to their contacts requesting one/all to care/share. Assemble a list of all organizations that might have an `interest’ connection. This is the list you will draw from regarding speakers; send them a copy and personal note that you will be contacting soon and requesting guest speaker.
Just like News Stories are done to encourage participation; do another one describing how great event was which is seeding for future time.
If you go to a group, pick out three people on the sidelines - make an effort to draw them out. Giving always brings out the best in us. Have you ever noticed that an outfit you once got a compliment is showcased in the closet. Compliments are remembered - memory moments that can lift us up and away. Speaking of memory…my favorite ice breaker is asking someone to describe a Magic Moment and Memory. Wonderful icebreakers!
Does your group have an altruistic mission like 10% of all dues go to a different charity each month? Great news story. Do you `take care of your own’ - observant if a member has family illness and/or economic need?
Pay attention to TV advertising…notice how often it is repeated. New buzz words, repetition are key advertising techniques to wooing and winning. Be alert to the difference between `hard and soft’ sell.
Hard may succeed initially but upon reflection, individual usually feels uncomfortable and avoids. Soft gives respect and consideration, encourages individual evaluation, positive response.
Also notice advertising semantics and demeanor.
You - your dress - your language: represent your group -
best advertising of all.
The words you use and the enthusiastic way you present yourself
and your group is the difference between black and white or Technicolor over-the-rainbow spring. Your group is you; let it shine, let it grow!
###
posted by R. M. Namaste' at
March 25, 2011
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