Quit Asking People "TO JOIN" Motor City Connect
Before my rant on membership we are looking for individuals or companies who would like to submit a logo for our Blood, Sweat and Gear Campaign Logo Contest. Details here.
Quit asking people to “join” Motor City Connect. Please.
We are full on “joiners”. We have passed our limit of them. We sincerely don’t need even one more joiner.
Can you invite people who will participate? By all means, please do so. Folks that are serious about their business and know that there are new ways to get business done are the ones we want. We love new professionals who join the group, fill out their profile, add to the discussions and show up for a meeting or two. We need folks who are enrolled in our mission:
Growing your business, yourselves and OUR community through better connections.
It’s that simple. That’s why we started this. If you’re not here for any of those reasons, it may be time to go (should you wish to leave, go to the “My Settings” tab on the upper right hand side of the home page. Once in my settings, scroll all the way down and you will see “remove me from this groupsite”. You will be missed and are welcome back anytime you are ready).
We’re serious about “culling the group”. Those members who have not spent any time on their profile and some who have only put little information will be receiving a note from us. The note effectively says “You’re either in or you’re out. Right Now”. (Thank you Danny Ocean- Ocean’s 11). If your profiles are not up to snuff by 8/1/09, you will be out.
We are also kicking around the idea of charging $5.00 a month to be a member of this group. Lots of people have said they are in favor of this because it lets them know they can connect with serious professionals. Feel free to join that conversation here:
Our goal is nothing short of Connecting the Detroit business community with the things that matter most to them. We want to support our most active members. We need to hear from you on how we can best do that.
As always, we look forward to seeing you online, in person and in our community.
Be connected-
Terry Bean
F/R/E/E admission to the first four who RSVP
The Charlie and Terry show is being offered at night for the first time next week. If you’re interested in learning about Social Media and how it can grow you business you may want to come on Wednesday night. On Thursday, we will be teaching Linkedin for business. You can see the rest of July’s Calendar HERE.
* The first two people who register for each event will attend gratis.
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Nice and arrogant! good job! way to make people who might have been thinking about going to that monthly meeting in Ann Arbor, or Southfield, feel like they are not part of the group. I appreciate your honesty though.
Not sure of your point Andrew about Southfield or Ann Arbor.
Anyone who is thinking about attending any of our meetings should try them. The vast majority leave saying it was the best networking meeting they have ever attended.
This note was directed at people who "join" the group and are not seen from again.
It even called out the folks that we like: those who sign up, fill out their profile, add to a discussion and attend a meeting or two.
What's interesting to me is that the people who know me, have met me or value this group have been sending notes like "Bravo" and "Way to go".
Hope to see you again sometime Adam. In the meantime, put up a photo. Your profile will be seen about 80% more often.
Terry
Thanks for the kick in the pants. I was active in the Ann Arbor group when it was getting started, but had become disengaged. Putting the July Lunch on my Calendar now, and look forward to reconnecting.
Brian
Obviously, this is your baby. You had a vision and sought to fulfill a need.
However, a few people I had recommended the site to, did not understand the site. Did not know how to use it. I must admit, until I went to the luncheons, I didn't either. I really enjoy the luncheons, the seminars and I look forward to businesses hosting the networking events so we can see their facilities and learn more.
I think you are offering a great opportunity for many organizations and individuals to connect. Sometimes people are not ready to jump in with both feet, but just want to dip a toe to test the waters. Trying to find their way in an ever-changing ways we connect.
I never thought a phone would be replaced by text messaging as a preferred way to communicate. I think it is different for everyone.
So many people are out of work who have never had to do any type of networking before and don't have a clue and need to take one of your seminars or come to a lunch. Some stop before they ever get started. So I am hoping that you will have a little tolerance for those just starting and haven't completed their profiles.
Terry: Hear your frustration and can easily see you saying it. Nothing like a good rant. Can't imagine anyone being more dramatic.
Thought/perspective: This idea of seriousness and commitment is a question every community or organization has to wrestle with, whether a religious group, a communal group (like Kiwanis), or even a social networking community (e.g., BNI, LBN, LinkedIn, Facebook). The question comes down to quantity (we want lots of people?) versus quantity (we want only serious people?).
Recommendation: Tier things. You want people to get involved easily and painlessly. And, yes, I don't have a problem with quantity (this issue comes up a lot with Twitter and Facebook, even religious organizations). The argument is that if people get to know Motor City Connect they will find it attractive to move to the next step.
* Create a "Professionals Group" and charge some fee like $5/month. People who are real serious can clearly idenfify those people who are committed and communicate accordingly. This group will have access to benefits that regular members do not. Make it attractive. Let some creative people come up with ideas here.
* Create an "Inner Circle" or some group that is using MCC as a major part of their strive for professionalism and business promotion. In effect, you already have such a group informally, people who attend most if not all of the major events, people who run the lunch groups.
A thought, sir . . .
Excellent ideas and well said!
Terry:
I appreciate your candor. Not everyone joins for the same reasons and not everyone has the same resources or time available to contribute. I agree that active involvement makes it a better organization for all, but circumstances are different and I believe those that joined under one set of guidelines should have some leeway.
If you believe the group is getting too large, then go ahead and change the criteria for membership,but the rules should be clear from the beginning not changed after joining. It's beginning to sound like the credit card companies.
You certainly have the option of charging a nominal fee, and that will accomplish your intention of reducing the size of your group. I will be one of those leaving not for the $5/month, but for your arrogance. If you' re upset at the direction the group was headed bring it to the table a little sooner than 30 days before implementing requirements.
This turn is disappointing since I thought the sub-groups was a great idea. MCC will continue as will other networking goups. It is your choice to exclude members as it is our choice to determine which social and business networking groups work the best for each of us.
Bob