Orientation Program

1
Orientation Program

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

2
Orientation is key to Retention

• Tells the new member what hes 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

3
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

4
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, wed have no
  membership loss.

5
. . . and more facts . . .

• Quality singing will only attract quality
  members Orientation will hold them!
• Image is everything a guests first impression
  says a lot!
• Retention starts the moment he first encounters
  your chapter

6
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.

7
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

8
Basic materials for orientation

• Brochure or flyer about the chapter
• Brochure or flyer about the district
• Introducing the Barbershop Harmony Society
  (4204)
• Tracking system for new members

9
They joined to SING!

• Music orientation is a must.
• Voice placement
• Warm-up exercises
• Craft classes
• Repertoire learning
• Individual help
• Quartet opportunities

10
Orientation before he joins . . .

• He should know
• Dues/payment plans
• Calendar of events
• Attendance policy
• Social/civic program
• Orientation plan
• Chapter bylaws, policies, rules, etc.

11
Ask for the recruits input . . .

• How can you improve his experience?
• What can you do to help him enjoy his hobby more?
• Dont wait for him to leave before ascertaining
  the problem

12
Other orientation support . . .

• www.barbershop.org
• District schools
• District leaders
• Chapter Counselor
• Society committees
• Society Board
• Society publications
• Society schools
• Society staff

13
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.

14
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