Member Recruiter Shares Keys to Success
Rebecca DeLorenzo’s industrious recruitment efforts for National Membership Day paid off as she brought in 17 new members to the Flagler SMC, and won the NSMC Individual Recruiter contest.

How does one person recruit so many people? With a thorough approach that included face-to-face recruitment and handling objections, as well as an SMC that helps recruiters retain members.

Meet Your Target Members in Person

With a handful of flyers, she “hit the streets and marketed directly to sales associates that sit at the models,” said DeLorenzo. “I let them know that this organization was formed to help them increase their profits, improve their marketability, allow them to learn from professionals in their industry and recognize their professional accomplishments.” Meeting prospects face-to-face allowed her to explain the benefits of the SMC and handle their objections — something that a direct mail or phone call couldn’t accomplish. It also showed prospective new members her dedication to the SMC, which is a positive reflection of the SMC.

Handle Objections

The most common objection that DeLorenzo heard was that membership in the SMC was an additional cost that included meetings and extra effort. To tackle this problem, she “reiterated the membership benefits and that the Sales and Marketing Council would help increase their bottom line.” Since the SMC had been working hard to bring in quality speakers, she invited prospects to an educational seminar. Once at the seminar, the programming was the final selling point for prospects.

Recruitment Never Ends

Luckily for DeLorenzo, her SMC was committed to gaining new members, and has a program in place to get new members involved on the committee level. All new members are invited to Board meetings and encouraged to attend. Each member receives emails with upcoming events. The SMC is determined to get new members involved. Even though DeLorenzo was successful in her recruitment efforts, the strength of her SMC will help new members become involved and stay involved. Once a new member has paid, it is important to keep selling them on the benefits of the SMC during their first year of membership.

Be Successful at Your SMC

“Be prepared for objections and be knowledgeable on what SMC has to offer,” said DeLorenzo as final advice for recruiters. “As with any sales or marketing attempt, you have to believe in what you are selling. I believe in the SMC. As long as you're passionate about what you are selling and have quality programs, educational opportunities, fun socials, and an awards program it should be easy to recruit.”

Congrats to Rebecca DeLorenzo for winning the Individual Recruiter Contest for NSMC's National Membership Day. [ return to top ]