In order to help your Lions Club grow, you will need to get all your members motivated to "sell" the advantages of being a Lion.  None of us like to be "sold" but all of us like to use the title of Lion once we learn what it's all about.

          So how do we move our prospective members from not knowing who we are to wanting to be apart of our organization?  We need to "sell" them on the benefits of being a Lion.

          The following sales process will be recognizable to anyone who has had some sales training, and can easily be grasped by anyone else who wants to help their Lions Club grow.  By following these steps, you can build a healthy, striving Club to grow in no time at all.

Knowledge of your product:  Learn as much as you can about Lions, so that you can present the benefits of being a Lion.

Target your audience:  Talk to people who you feel would fit into your Club's personality and to those who you feel could add strength to your Club's future growth.

Create or discover a need?  People have a natural need to associate with others.  Most people (especially business people) also have a desire to help their community.  We fill both of these needs in Lions.

Approach:  As part of your conversation, you want to raise questions like these... "John, are you active in any civic or volunteer organization?"  "Have you ever thought of getting involved in one?"

Approach:  Try to build up general images of what a good Club would be.  "Do you think you would enjoy working with other propel like yourself to help better our community, while having a lot of fun?

Approach:  Here is where Lionism comes in.  Here is where that knowledge about what we do will pay off.  "You know John, I've recently been involved with a great group of people who are doing some wonderful things for children and families who suffer from child abuse.  We meet every two weeks for a meeting and take part in some fun and some easy group projects to help those kids and their families.  In addition, I've made some good friends and some helpful contacts for me personally."

Approach:  Here is where the rubber meets the road.  You've got to ask them to join you.  "John, I would like to have you join me this week for dinner so you can meet some of the members and find out a little more about Lions.  I'll even drop by and pick you up.  What time will you be ready?"

If I have made this too complicated for you, no need to worry.  If you know your prospect well you may be able to cut through the "philosophy of a sale" and just invite him or her to the meeting.  "Hey John, how would you like to join me for dinner, it will give me a chance to introduce you to a few friends of mine."

You don't have to make it difficult, it isn't.  It really is something you should want to do, and it certainly isn't like selling a used car.  You already know that you are part of a great organization.  So why not share it with others???