Tips For Presenting Your Chapter In NAFAConnection
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Getting your chapter meeting write-ups into
NAFAConnection is a terrific way to not only share your chapter's accomplishments, but to publicize future chapter events. But like any business strategy, you've got to know how to leverage it to your advantage. Here are some tips for how to make
NAFAConnection posts that draw potential attendees in.
1. Think Like A Reader - You don't have to think like a writer to make a great
NAFAConnection post, but you do have to think like a reader. A reader wants to know the things that happened at the chapter meeting that they wished they had been there to see. A presenter tackles the subject of distracted driving and throws out a piece of data that blows your mind. You write it down on a pad because it is something you want to take back to the office.
The readers would agree with you, and that's something you would want to include in your chapter write-up. Don't worry about tidying up the language for the post -- that's what the newsletter staff is for. Also, don't worry that you're "giving away the gold" from the meeting. Your goal is to have "gold" at every meeting, and the only way to entice potential membership is to give some of that away. The reader wants to know why they should have been there. It's important that you provide those details.
2. Speak Like A Fleet Manager - Communicate with your peers in the language you both understand: the language of the fleet profession. If a presenter puts out an idea and an attendee asks a follow-up, or even questions what they have heard, that's something you would want to read. If you had been at the meeting, it's something you yourself would have asked. What was the response? Be that knowledgeable fleet representative and share that info. You can be sure it will be compelling to readers.
3. Look Like a Crowd - Not every chapter meeting can be standing-room-only, but that's no reason to leave the camera-phone in your pocket. (Admit it, you have one!) Take pictures of the presenters, or of the Chapter Chair and Vice Chair. Take pictures of individual attendees smiling if you cannot take pictures of eager, excited groups. Articles without pictures or with pictures of mostly empty chairs and
the backs of heads say a few things subconsciously. They say "I had
nothing to show you from this event," or, "Our event is poorly
attended." Don't sell yourself short!
4. The Past Predicts The Future - A chapter that presents itself as a vital entity, putting on meetings that you just have to be at right now, looks like a great place to be. In order to get the best from future events, you have to show the best of what you have right now. Be proud of how many show up! Point out the interesting people you chose to speak at your meetings. Show that the networking is exceptional. If you don't show what you have now, no one will actively make time for it in the future.
Use these tips and you will see greater enthusiasm and participation in your chapter meetings. After all, no one follows the light you hide away!
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