This article was featured on page 1 of the Fall 2007 Newsletter
School is in the air. Classes are starting, bookstores are making bank and you find out your cute neighbor is in your stats class. For all of us in PBL, the beginning of school also means recruitment.
Recruitment can be stressful if not handled correctly, however, recruitment can be a fun way to meet new people and revamp your chapter. So grab a bag of popcorn and a highlighter. I’m about to give you the low-down on getting your membership way up.
Get Out There, Get Seen:
The first step in successful recruiting is what radio advertisers’ call “getting your name out there.” Whether you’re making flyers or standing at a booth, you need to get people’s attention and direct it to PBL and what the logo represents.
Getting seen can happen in many ways. If you’re using a booth or table you can use a game (like balloon-darts or basketball shots). You can also have music and food (our chapter’s personal favorite is a popcorn machine that can be rented from the student center for $50).
If you’re using flyers as a recruitment tool, get permission to put them in main halls and commons areas. Make sure they are professional looking and include contact information. One idea is to use PBL pictures taken at conferences or activities to attract attention.
Use Knowledgeable People:
People are our greatest resource, so use them. The people staffing your booth are you best asset. They serve as a tool to get people to your booth or table and are invaluable in answering questions and helping others sign up.
Make sure the people at your both know about PBL and can answer enthusiastically about conferences and activities, but try to diversify. Don’t rely solely on officers of advisors. This helps to help other chapter members feel involved and can bring more numbers in.
Sell the Benefits:
It is easy to see how PBL can benefit a resume and a life. The benefits of PBL are many and should be used in recruitment. National competitions, state conferences, and chapter meetings all keep PBL members involved and informed.
Talk about the networking opportunities, the fun and exciting activities and services projects. Recruitment happens because people see something in PBL that they want to be a part of. Sell PBL for what it is.
So now that you have some of my ideas, add your own. Schools starting and there is no better way to start out the year than with your very own creative and successful membership drive. Good luck and happy recruiting.
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