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Are We Missing the Mark?

Phyllis Harmon, DTM, PDG - Publisher/Editor

Happy Holidays! Christmas is past and a new year is just around the
corner. We are at the half-way point in our Toastmasters year. It's time
to review the Club goals we set last July and adjust our expectations
accordingly. Looking at my own Clubs, there is much work to be done if
we intend to reach our Distinguished Club goals.
Membership growth is challenging as potential members appear less
enthusiastic about making long-term commitments. It seems to me that this
is a paradigm shift for the years ahead. We' all know about companies who
are struggling to fill open positions. And, the same people who are unwilling
to return to work are the same people we are trying to recruit as members.
Does that make sense? Perhaps its time to readjust our thinking about what
motivates someone. . . anyone. . . to join our ranks.
Beyond the skill building inherent in the program, what do we offer to
potential members? Support through evaluations and on-the-job leadership
training? Of course—but are they enough?
Are our marketing messages out of touch. . . missing the mark. . . in today's
world? Shouldn't we be doing some extracurricular research and finding out
what today's workers are looking for? Surely it would be imperative that our EDITORIAL
messages speak to the needs and wants. . . the WHY. . . of potential members!
Our future lies with those born after 1990. They hold the future of this
98-year-old organization in their grip. What can we do to attract this age
group to Toastmasters?
Our messaging focused on career advancement and upward mobility
appears to be out of step with the cultural norms of today. Let's rethink
what we are doing. Let's create new talking points that address the needs
of today's potential members. For if we do not, our
Clubs will continue to dwindle, and none of us will
be reaching our membership goals any time in the
foreseeable future.

Volume 9 Issue 5 November 2022 Monthly Columnists 2022-23 Officers Administrative Manager
Dave Bones, DTM District Director Janet Cerasin, DTM
Publisher David Freedman, IP3 Lorri Andersen, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Eldred Brown, DTM Program Quality Director Public Relations Manager
Harvey Schowe, DTM Stephana Johnson, DL3
Senior Editor Jennifer Schmidt, EH2 Jim Robison, DTM
Phyllis Harmon, DTM Jim Robison, DTM Club Growth Director Voices! is published monthly by District 7
Ken Coomes, DTM Dave Bones, DTM
Associate Editor Lee Coyne, ATMS Toastmasters. First issue published August
Leanna Lindquist, DTM Lorri Andersen, DTM Finance Manager 2014. Submit articles or contact us at
Paul Fanning, DTM Karen Semprevivo, DTM voices@d7toastmasters.org

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