Making THIS Decision Now Will Connect WAY More People This Fall

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Did you know there is a decision you can make now that determines how many people you connect this fall?

Well, there is. And it actually is a simple decision. It's sometimes not easy, but it is simple.

The reason so many of us grimace at the thought of it is that it's a simple decision with some consequences that affect constituents (odd word, I know, hang with me).

Here's the decision

The decision? Focus on launching new groups this fall.

Focus on launching only new groups this fall (and to do that you will need to not focus on launching existing groups).

Why the big deal about new groups?

Easy. Focusing on new groups leads to a growing number of groups and people connected in groups. Focusing on adding people to existing groups leads to treading water (both in number of groups and number of people connected).

Focusing on new groups leads to a growing number of groups and people connected in groups. Share on X

Frequently asked questions about prioritizing new groups:

"What if I have a semester system?"

You can prioritize new groups. It just adds a wrinkle to your registration process. You may need to add a small group connection to your list of options and only list existing groups that meet certain criteria (for example, the leaders have attended your training on How to Find New Members for Your Group). Alternatively, you may need to figure out a way to fill the new groups first or deemphasize the groups that are continuing for another semester.

"What if we usually have a small group fair that allows existing groups to add new members?"

You can still prioritize new groups. Maybe you position the new groups nearer the front and position the existing groups further from the front? Maybe you run the fair two weeks and the first week is new groups only? The key is that prioritizing new groups leads to a growing number of groups and number of people connected.

"What if existing groups are counting on me to "restock" them with new members when old members drop out or move away?"

You may need to retrain your existing group leaders to fish for themselves. See also, Skill Training: Top 10 Ways to Find New Members.

Bottom line: 

If you want to increase your percentage connected, you must focus on launching new groups.

If you want to increase your percentage connected, you must focus on launching new groups. Share on X

Further Reading

Image by Alon