Orientation Program

What do you do after they commit to becoming a member?

Orientation is key to Retention…

• Tells the new member what he’s joined• Gets him on an equal footing with the rest

of the chapter members• Gives him a “Barbershop Boot Camp”• Offers him a chance to become fully

engaged much more quickly• Encourages him to share his new-found

hobby with his friends

So, what does he need to know?

• His voice part• Chapter organization• Schedule of events• When he can sing in

public• Chapter history• Music basics• Qualification

procedures

First, some facts . . . • Nearly 35% of first-

year members do not renew their memberships!

• Our retention is one of the highest at 87+% per year.

• If we raised that just 1%, we’d have no membership loss.

. . . and more facts . . .• Quality singing will

only attract quality members: Orientation will hold them!

• Image is everything – a guest’s first impression says a lot!

• Retention starts the moment he first encounters your chapter

Fact: Orientation = Retention

• Orientation fills in the missing pieces for guests and new members alike.

• A thoughtful orientation will keep members informed and active and renewing.

Bear in mind . . . • Provide a bridge for

newcomers• Be honest with them• Provide hand-outs• Have a written curriculum

and follow it!• Provide opportunities for

new members to be integrated ASAP without disrupting the chapter

Basic materials for orientation

• Brochure or flyer about the chapter

• Brochure or flyer about the district

• Introducing SPEBSQSA (#4204)

• Tracking system for new members

They joined to SING!

• Music orientation is a must.

1. Voice placement2. Warm-up exercises3. Craft classes4. Repertoire learning5. Individual help6. Quartet

opportunities

Orientation before he joins . . .

• He should know:1. Dues/payment plans2. Calendar of events3. Attendance policy4. Social/civic program5. Orientation plan6. Chapter bylaws,

policies, rules, etc.

Ask for the recruit’s input . . .

• How can you improve his experience?

• What can you do to help him enjoy his hobby more?

• Don’t wait for him to leave before ascertaining the problem

Other orientation support . . .• www.spebsqsa.org• District schools• District leaders• Chapter Counselor• Society committees• Society Board• Society publications• Society schools• Society staff

Singing is Life . . . the rest is just details!

• Take responsibility for your actions and your image, and remember; Orientation is a detail necessary for good singing to happen on a regular basis.

A final thought . . .

No one ever came to a meeting determined to make a mistake or to do counterproductive things to the Society. When we make the time to orient, we eliminate mistakes, establish the value of our organization and ensure that our members will never want to do anything else when they could be barbershopping. In short, we fulfill our obligations to our members. -- Ev Nau