Elevating Member Retention through Effective Onboarding

We all understand the pivotal significance of member retention - it's a fundamental metric that guides our efforts. From scrutinizing member engagement to identifying those at risk, our commitment to retaining members remains unwavering. Does this sound familiar to you?

However, it's crucial to recognize that the foundation for long-term retention should be established from the very first day a member joins the club. This is where an impactful onboarding program comes into play, capable of not only enhancing initial engagement but also exerting a positive influence on sustained retention rates. In fact, research underscores that a compelling onboarding experience has the potential to amplify member retention rates by a staggering 23%! (Reference: MobileFit Blog)

Typically, a comprehensive onboarding program revolves around three core components:

⫸ Introduction to Clubhouse and Staff
⫸ Introduction to Other Members
⫸ Introduction to Clubs, Groups, and Events

While most clubs proficiently address the first two facets, a critical aspect of club life often gets overlooked in onboarding experiences - the integration of new members into the vibrant array of member-run groups that serve as the club's heartbeat.

Member-run groups can be categorized into two types - private and public. Although certain groups might not be open to new members, this tends to be the exception rather than the norm. Generally, groups eagerly welcome new participants, provided that the group captain's workload remains manageable (and we're here to assist with that too). Think about groups like book clubs, golf groups, tennis or paddle enthusiasts, pickleball aficionados, bridge players, canasta devotees, mah jongg mavens, birdwatchers, knitting circles, and more. These groups usually relish the idea of welcoming new members and can have a ripple effect that resonates throughout the club. (Reference: Pipeline Agency)

But how can a new member discover these groups and seamlessly join them? While traditionally this task might fall on the shoulders of the Membership Director, the intricacies of knowing all existing groups and their activities can be overwhelming. Moreover, new groups emerge continuously, necessitating ongoing effort to keep track, introduce newcomers, and maintain an up-to-date record.

Imagine directing new members to a dedicated webpage on your club's website, meticulously listing ALL available public groups. Envision these newcomers being able to join any group of interest with just a single click on that page. Picture this page automatically updating with new group information and displaying a comprehensive list of current members. Such a webpage would undoubtedly become the go-to resource for both new and existing members curious about available offerings. This marks the pinnacle of effective onboarding!

Enter GroupValet, a pioneering solution that seamlessly integrates this page into your club's existing website. Not only does it enhance website traffic, but it also delivers a valuable service that expedites the assimilation of new members into the club's fabric. To delve deeper into the possibilities, visit groupvalet.com or reach out to me at jtomberg@groupvalet.com.

Revolutionize your onboarding process today and elevate member retention to new heights with GroupValet. Your club and your members deserve nothing less.