Six Step Plan for Sustainable Rotary Club Growth

What will rocket your club to new
heights in membership growth!

Written by Robyn T. Braley

Membership growth is a primary focus for every service organization.

However, the challenge is not growth for growth sake. The challenge is to achieve sustainable growth to ensure long-term viability..  

Rotary Club growth requires a commitment by its' members to share their passion for living out the mission of the organization with others. As we know, enthusiasm is contagious.

I know what question is on your mind. "Is there a magic bullet that will propel my Rotary Club to unprecedented growth?"

Probably not! Sustainable growth is seldom that easy. It is a process that takes time.

And, the 'sustainable' part is hardest. Put simply, if your club has an influx of new members, will they become integrated and stay? 

New members add vitality and energy. The way they are nurtured and helped to blend into the life of your club impacts it's future. 

Why is that important? Because the work Rotary does in serving others is too important not to continue doing it through future generations. 

Tribute to Dr. Marmie Hess; Rotarian, Humanitarian and Philanthropist

Guest Post Written by Steve Allan*   

Forward

Marmie Hess was a Rotarian. She was  also an Officer of the Order of Canada and a proud Albertan. She received Honorary Doctorates from three Alberta Universities. Most of all, Marmie was a great humanitarian and philanthropist who cared deeply about her community. 

She received many accolades that many close to her weren't even aware of because Marmie didn't talk about them. She was a humble person who thousands simply called friend.

Dr. Marmie Hess

It may seem out of place to find a personal tribute on a blogsite about branding. But Rotary is all about people working together to make a difference. That, in a nutshell, is the heart of the Rotary brand.

This is the story about a lady who lived her life guided by a clear set of values and principles. That was the heart of her personal brand.

She recently died at the age of 100. Steve Allan, the Past District Governor of Rotary District 5360 gave a moving tribute at the celebration of Marmie’s life.

Why Media Kits Play a Key Role in Engaging Media. Tips

Media Kits help generate news

 Written by Robyn T. Braley

This post is part of a series about how to develop a media program for service clubs and other not-for-profit organizations. The series answers the question, “How can we generate media stories about our cause?”

Why a Media Kit

Why do you need a media kit? To answer this question, let me ask another. “How do you tell the story of Rotary on single page?” The short answer is, you can’t.

The story is complex and has many layers. If you try to tell it in a single multipage document crammed with information, readers will become frustrated and confused. In the end, few will read any of it.

Does Speaking to a LARGE or Small Audience Scare You Silly? Intimidated? This post is for you!

People expect to be entertained while they learn.

At some point, every leader must speak to various sized groups. If you regularly: 

1. Chair meetings
2. Must  move people to action through an uplifting speech
3. Share good or bad news with employees shareholders, congregants or club members
4. Give reports or describe compelling personal or group experiences to an audience

Leaders must acquire basic public speaking skills as a function of being a leader. If any of the following profiles describe you, public speaking ability is a required skill. 

Ø  Lead service clubs like Rotary

Ø  Own a business

Ø  Lead industry or community associations

Ø  MC business or community events

Ø  Chair meetings of any type

Ø  Participate in politics at any level

Make Them Cry!

Public speaking success comes through engaging your audience. However, to get to that point, you must remove distractions of all kinds.

If you are a Rotarian, you have heard professional speakers, politicians and various business leaders talk to your club who were powerful presenters and masters at technique. 

"If your club is like mine, you have also heard a single mom tell how her life was forever changed because of the support your club gave to a community program that fed her family or provided other help.

As she spoke, you heard sniffles and saw tears being wiped away throughout the room because what she said came from her heart. Be authentic. Be yourself. What this post offers are practical tips that will help the real you shine through.

How Do I Explain My Rotary Clubs' Brand?

A brand is more than just a logo.
It reflects your soul!

Written by Robyn T Braley

Rotary is all about doing. And, it’s the doing that gives us meaning.

Branding is living out an inner meaning in a way that breathes life into an organization. It provides outward evidence of an internal belief system. 

So, how do you define your clubs' brand in a way that's easy to understand? In short, a brand is what others think it is. This is how I explain it in my seminars.

“A brand reflects the soul of an organization. It communicates vision, values and principles. Brands work from the inside out to connect with customers at an emotional level.”

Creating LinkedIn Profiles for Rotarians; Connecting With New Members

Written by Robyn T. Braley

Connect with your network and millenials. Introduce both to Rotary

LinkedIn has become a powerful social media tool for growing your professional network, enhancing your personal brand, and building meaningful relationships. The platform provides excellent opportunities for attracting new Rotarians. 

A new member recently joined the Calgary West Rotary Club. I didn't have a chance to introduce myself and welcome her, but within days I received an invitation to connect on LinkedIn.