D50 After Dark Podcast
View the slides from Aletta Rochat’s Saturday 4/20 10 AM Workshop
Slide Show Presentation: “Building Clubs that are Member Magnets“
**Video available with a FREE Spotify Account.
Show Notes:
In this episode of D50 After Dark, host Mickey Bennett interviews Aletta Rochat about strategies for growing Toastmasters clubs and building membership. 3:49 On attracting new members, Aletta emphasizes the importance of sharing success stories, focusing on the benefits and outcomes of joining Toastmasters rather than the learning process itself. A success story shows how the program has helped a member with a problem, whether it be gaining more confidence, giving a toast at a wedding, or speaking up at business meetings.
4:22 Aletta suggests that clubs schedule a “Member Moment” at each meeting, where a member shares a 2-minute story about how Toastmasters has positively impacted their life. These stories can be captured on video and shared on social media or the club website to showcase the variety of benefits members have experienced. At certain times of the year, the member moment could feature being a leader or club officer to encourage members to see the value of stepping up for a leadership role.
11:19 To retain current members, Aletta recommends keeping them engaged through personal relationships, mentorship programs, and educational sessions led by experienced members. When a member has missed a couple of meetings, another member phones them and checks in with them. 13:05 In the mentoring program, both mentor and protegee are engaged in a supportive, valuable way. 14:26 Experienced members can lead educational sessions that cover Toastmasters-related topics as well as relevant career and life skills, demonstrating the value of the organization beyond the club setting.
16:49 When it comes to starting corporate clubs, Aletta cautions to avoid discussing the mechanics of starting a club. She advises promoting the benefits to the company, such as improved employee confidence, efficient meeting management, listening and feedback skills, and getting things done on time. With those outcomes on the table, she emphasizes the value of the ongoing, embedded learning and long-term support provided by Toastmasters, 17:39 in contrast to one-time training sessions.
18:56 To underscore the significance of this approach to potential corporate clubs, she quotes a former South Africa district director who said, “Sell the sizzle; don’t sell the steak.” That is a good way to remember to sell the transformation. Companies buy the transformation, not how you get there.
22:00 Marketing community clubs can be done through social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Meetup, and LinkedIn, depending on the preferences of the club members and their target audience. Aletta suggests regularly sharing photos, videos, and meeting agendas to keep the conversation lively and engaging.
24:38 The episode concludes with Aletta encouraging listeners to attend the District 50 Spring Conference to meet friends, learn, and have fun, promising an enriching Toastmasters experience. She looks forward to meeting D50 members there.
View the slides from Aletta Rochat’s Saturday 4/20 10 AM Workshop
Slide Show Presentation: “Building Clubs that are Member Magnets“
Recent Comments