Tips for Retaining ISPE Members
Experts say that it costs 7-to-13 times more to recruit a new Member than to retain a current
Member. Fortunately, it only requires a little extra effort to make a big impact on the number
of Members who renew each year.
Please note: The most vulnerable Members—those with the highest non-renewal rates—are
1st-year Members. However, don’t forget to target 2nd-year Members. They have the secondhighest non-renewal rates.
Here are some ways you can help retain Members:
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Make sure all Members feel welcomed. Introduce new Members and prospective members
at meetings and make sure they feel like they are an important part of the group.
At Affiliate/Chapter events, take an extra minute to introduce yourself, find out a little
about them, and, if possible, get contact information. Send a follow-up email to find out
their thoughts about the event—and invite them to return to future events.
Have officers make a special effort to visit with the new Members while at events. Many
Members are reluctant to speak to the officers. If there is a meal function, have the officers
sit with different groups to increase the interaction.
•
Establish a buddy or mentoring system. Assign an active Member to be a mentor to a new
Member as soon as they join. Extend a personal invitation and introduce them to other
Members and guests at Affiliate/Chapter meetings.
•
Conduct a new Member orientation. The opportunity to meet and network with peers
reinforces the decision for joining.
At the orientation, review Affiliate/Chapter membership benefits, events, volunteer
opportunities and board responsibilities. Distribute copies of ISPE’s membership brochure,
and show the “ISPE Roadshow” PowerPoint presentation during the orientations or
periodically throughout the year at Affiliate/Chapter events.
•
Engage new members. Ask Affiliate/Chapter Members to call new Members after they join
your Affiliate/Chapter. Find out their interest in getting involved in planning or carrying out
Affiliate/Chapter activities.
And get all members involved! Don’t forget to look within your Affiliate/Chapter to identify
Members who can strengthen the association. There are individuals who have talents, skills
and abilities to help your Affiliate/Chapter achieve its goals. Ask yourself:
1. Is there anyone with strong writing skills who could help write articles or special
features for your newsletter or website?
2. Who is an effective speaker and could represent our association well at trade shows,
conferences and other events?
3. Who are potential Board Members? Potential Committee Members?
4. Who is actively involved in the industry and allied associations, and is willing to recruit
volunteers?
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Additional Ideas
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Promote one member benefit in each issue of your newsletter and on your
Affiliate/Chapter website. ISPE membership staff can help you with this (contact
dsher@ISPE.org).
Send a thank you to the renewing Members and offer to send a thank you to their
employers, highlighting the value they receive from ISPE and Affiliate/Chapter
membership.
Provide plenty of networking time at Affiliate/Chapter events. Incorporate group
discussion time into meetings and programs whenever possible.
Use the creativity and manpower of your volunteers. Create a retention subcommittee.