COBCOE New Innovative Ideas for Recruitment Retention

Director’s Training “Road to Recovery” Session : Seeking New & Innovative Ideas for Member Recruitment & Retention 4th April 2011 London City Airport, Aviation House Presentation by: Peter Byrne MSc Business Mgnt (Organisational Behaviour) BSc, Dip Mkt, Dip Finance Chief Executive Officer South Dublin Chamber Objectives of the Seminar In this seminar we will:  Assess the impact of the current economic conditions  Assess your Chamber’s USPs (unique selling points)  Look at how we recruit and retain members  How can we use innovation in this area Tour de Table minute on your country’s Economic Environment Reactive Or Proactive Response by your Chamber What Impact has your economy had on your Chamber? • Finance • Strategy • Staff • Board/President/Executive • Members • External relationships e.g Local Government Exercise One List your Chamber’s Unique Selling Points Recruitment Tools Recruitment Material Newsletters/Annual Report – Brochures Website Social Media Press/PR Events Member Recommendation Recruitment Strategies Integrate into on-going operations Use existing staff and volunteers Launch Recruitment drive - Use existing staff and volunteers - Hire Recruitment Professional (full-time or on a contract-commission) - Executive loaned from a member company Recruitment Strategies Variable Subscription Rates - Corporate members - Full Members - Associate members Phased Increase in Subscriptions - 2-3 years Subscriptions based on Turnover (not number of employees) Winning New Members – Making Contact • • • • • • • Direct Mail New Member Evening Referrals Offer Incentives Target Invitations Advertising & Public Relations Website Keeping Members – Involvement •Consulted through regular surveys •Involved in electronic response groups •Involved in Committees •Met and spoken to by staff/officers at Chamber events Recruiting SMEs Speak their language Understand their needs Focus your recruitment, make it sector specific Retaining SMEs Provide services/information/supports they need (Have you surveyed this group?)  Real and meaningful involvement  Places on your Governing Board  Good two way communication  Advice / Funding / Import / Export  Political lobby / Voice in the press Exercise Present your best recruitment idea All Chamber activities involving members are network opportunities Effective Networking •Start with people with whom you are most comfortable •Develop relationships, find things in common •Keep a database of contacts, set goals and measure results •Act like a host, not like a guest •Be opportunistic: every interaction is a networking opportunity •Follow up regularly •Continuously build new relationship and maintain the ones you have •Pick referral sources that are useful to your business •Ask for feedback on your networking skills Exercise Why are they members? Discuss A Chamber’s role •Provide opportunity and added value •Be innovative •Be strategic – ensure suitable groupings and develop appropriate partnerships •Facilitate, stimulate, inspire, entertain •Coach/mentor – provide training Chamber’s role contd •Be creative •Find out what members want/need •Provide a range of events – something for everyone •Sell the benefits of each event clearly •Get member feedback on the success of the events What is innovation? Innovation in Recruiting Innovation in Retention Innovation in selling your Chamber Today we have looked at the further development of our retention and recruitment, building on knowledge and experiences of others and trusting our own judgement Thank you for your attention… Presentation by: Peter Byrne MSc Business Mgnt (Organisational Behaviour) BSc, Dip Mkt, Dip Finance Chief Executive Officer South Dublin Chamber Email:peter@sdchamber.ie