A recruiting meeting has two goals: to introduce a newcomer to a new group and to offer him opportunities to return, and even bring a friend.
Here are basic rules for regularly scheduled recruiting meetings. These rules do not apply to special events.
1. The meetings should start on time and close on time. People who are invited to a meeting are being asked to donate their time, which is valuable. They should know in advance what they are being asked to commit to. One hour is safest.
2. The leader starts on time, even if there is only one person in the room. The introduction should be brief: giving the ground rules. Then start a DVD or other presentation.
3. The presentation should be no more than one-third of the meeting.
4. Offer time for questions and answers.
5. Serve dessert-type refreshments after the business session, but some without sugar for people with diabetes.
6. Invite the guest to the next meeting. Hand out a brochure on the next meeting. Follow up with email or direct mail the week before the next meeting. Then the day before. Then the morning of the meeting.
7. Make available free printed information about the group. If there is a table with books for sale, so much the better.
8. Try to get the person's email address. This is valuable. Use it to convince the person to subscribe to the local group's eletter. (Note: use double opt-in procedure to avoid the accusation of spamming. You can use Aweber.com as an email service.)
9. Someone should invite the guest for a meal at home. This establishes a personal bond.
10. If the meeting needs more time for old timers to mix, announce this at the regular session. Schedule it to begin 10 minutes after the regular meeting has ended. This lets the guests get out gracefully.
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