Don't Settle for Mediocrity!

I hear from members from time to time that become frustrated with networking in their chapters. Either not enough referrals are being generated, attendance is off, not enough guests are invited, the chapter isn't growing fast enough, etc.

Why do you think that is? Take a moment to analyze your chapter. Be tough, but objective about it. Spend some time reviewing the chapter member handbook to review all of the guidelines for successful chapters. You can find it on the AmSpirit web site. Find anything there that might surprise you?

Most chapters that fall short of expectations also deviate from the guidelines written in the handbook. Reasons for not following guidelines are many:

• "We don't want to be so regimented."
• "This gets boring with repetition."
• "I don't know why we need to do that anyway, it's silly."
• "We all know this already, so why do it every week?"

I've seen chapters that used to do everything 'by the book', then gradually begin changing the way their chapter functions. New Chapter officers follow the previous years' example and continue the erosion of processes.

Before you know it, membership is shrinking, referrals are down, and everyone scratches their heads and wonders, "does this networking stuff even work?" Yes! It does work! But only when the collective chapter follows the process (developed over more than 10 years, by the way) and effort is given by everyone.

Do not settle for mediocrity! Chapter boards need to be not only the best examples for the members, but also hold everyone accountable to the standards for success. Chapter members are required to:

• provide at least 2 referrals per month (average of 24 per year)
  
• not miss more than 2 meetings in a row or 3 in a rolling quarter
• stay current with any local and national membership dues

Members are also strongly encouraged to:

• attend outside networking events, either AmSpirit or otherwise. This helps to become a better referral giver and also enable you to recruit potential new members for your chapter.
• bring at least 4 guests each year to your chapter.
• meet regularly with your lunch bunch partners in your chapter. How else will you get to know everyone on a personal level?
• attend as many chapter socials as you can. This also helps you get to know, like, and trust those in your chapter much quicker.
  

Now, ask yourself whether your chapter does all of these things. How often have you witnessed members not hold up their end of the bargain and no one says anything? If your chapter is less than what it should be in terms of results, maybe it's time to get serious and follow the guidelines and ensure your chapter board holds others accountable as well as themselves.

If you're wary that members will leave the group, don't be. Those are usually the ones keeping your chapter from being successful in the first place. They will either step up their game and become a productive member, or they will self-select out of the group.

You just might be surprised that your chapter begins attracting serious-minded professionals who want to network. When the results are positive, the chapter will grow. Success breeds success!

So the next time you tell someone that you're not happy with the way things are going in your chapter, take a critical look at how the chapter functions. I guarantee there is a failure to follow guidelines at some level!