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3 BEST PRACTICES FOR A THRIVING CLUB
Dave Bones, DTM - Club Growth Director
Are you like many other Toastmasters who where the meeting “feels” great. Members
wonder what that “golden ticket” is for a often don’t remember what was said but do
thriving club? Maybe you are like me, and you remember how they felt. When you provide
get a sense that just one more bit of information an agenda for every meeting it shows that
can unravel this coveted knowledge. I don’t you value their time.
know if we ever find a guaranteed strategy
for success. In my 13 years as a Toastmaster, 2. Identify what makes your club unique
and in my current role as D7 Club Growth and express this on your club website.
Director, I am excited to share three best Every club I have attended is unique. When
practices that I have observed throughout my asking a guest to join your club do you say
many interactions with clubs and members. something like, “we are glad you came,”
which is positive and makes the guest feel
1. Keep meetings upbeat with enthusiasm good. “If you decide to join Toastmasters,
and APV, “Always Provide Value.” you could join our club or any club,” this
This is facilitated by the President at comment needs improvement. It implies
the beginning of every meeting and the that your club doesn’t have anything
VPE who ensures that meetings have unique to offer, and I guarantee that
a clear agenda. It is helpful to confirm nothing could be further from the truth. I
roles ahead of time. If you struggle with know of one club that made an important
advanced role commitment, consider filling discovery. Many of their members are
the Toastmaster and speaker roles, and “immersed” in helping within their local
establish a theme at the end of the prior communities. That makes them different
meeting. Allow the VPE to fill in the other from other clubs. Step one is to identify
roles during the week. Get your members what makes your club unique. Step two
to agree on this procedure as standard is to make sure that it is included on your
practice. It is APV that is the guiding club website. They could post a 30 – 45
principle for both tactics previously second testimonial video that describes
mentioned. When the President sets a passion for community outreach and how
positive and enthusiastic tone, that engages it integrates with their weekly Toastmasters
and prioritizes guests, it creates a culture club experience.
18 ONE COMMUNITY
