How to Bring Out the Best in Your Recruiters
Recruiting new members while helping to retain existing members can be challenging. HBA staff simply can’t do it alone, which is why encouraging current members to step up as recruiting volunteers is a great way to build engagement and get your HBA’s name out there.
“Volunteers are your biggest cheerleaders, and they are most likely the biggest reason why someone was persuaded to join,” said Anthony Footé, Fredericksburg (VA) Area Builders Association (FABA).
For some, recruiting comes naturally. They are the volunteers who have big personalities, can connect with people easily and have a wide network of relationships. But organizations are made up of all different types of people, and utilizing everyone's unique strengths is crucial to growing membership.
Footé spoke during the most recent Third Tuesday Townhall — a free, monthly webinar series hosted by NAHB to discuss membership-related topics — where he shared several examples of how FABA's members have had recruiting success by emphasizing their unique strengths. Some of his tips included:
- Keep volunteers knowledgeable by hosting training sessions to review not only your local benefits, but also the state and national ones.
- Make cold calling less daunting by providing a script or talking points.
- Simplify how members can communicate with their contacts by providing draft email language.
- Pair newer members with seasoned recruiters who are more familiar with the process.
- Allow stronger recruiters to reach out on someone else’s behalf when they have a lead.