Reflection Before Perception

Most People are Not PNMs. 

Our research tells us that 43% of those entering college have a high or neutral interest in fraternities or sororities. We also know the national average of undergrads affiliated with a fraternity or sorority is 10%.

So, why are people who ARE interested, not joining?
Why are people who are neutral not joining?
And lastly, do you have members in your chapter that were not initially interested but joined after meeting you and your chapter members?

You Have Options: 

How will you or your chapter show up for them?

• Option A: Do you genuinely care about them as individuals?

• Option B: Or are you more concerned about what they’re willing to do to become a member?

How do they know they can trust you?

• Option A: We are transparent and answer their questions honestly and fully.

• Option B: You tell them it’s a secret and that it takes a lot of “work.”

What do you want to achieve as an organization this semester?

• Option A: Do you want the biggest pledge class, then just do stuff and things?

• Option B: Or do you want high-quality, high-impact students who will help you continue achieving greatness through specific plans?

What will be your impact?

• Option A: Are they joining a group that will bully them, hurt their feelings, or harm them physically or emotionally?

• Option B: Or are you going to lift each other up, be there for them at their best and worst, and ultimately help them graduate?

How will you be perceived?

• Option A: Will you be a group that isolates, says “no new friends” for 50 weeks out of the year, and only spends time with each other?

• Option B: Or will you be a group that changes the way people think of fraternities on your campus and in America by making a massive impact in class, on campus, and throughout your community?

How do you approach recruitment?

• Option A: Do you treat recruitment as a numbers game, focusing on how many people you can get through the door?

• Option B: Or do you approach recruitment as a relationship-building process, focusing on the quality of connections you make and the long-term impact those relationships will have on both your chapter and the individuals involved?

   

Who Are You? 

• Who do you and your organization want to be?

• Who do you want to be for the everyday student on your campus?

• Who do you want to be for your potential interests?

• Who do you want to be for your community?

• Who do you want to be for your alumni?

• Who do you want to be for YOU?

• And who do you want to be for?

Now act like it. Be nice, be kind, be authentic, be curious, and BE NORMAL! 

Recruitment Questions You’re Getting Asked:

• Where is the best place to eat off campus?

• Where is a good spot to study?

• Where’s the gym?

• How do I get student tickets?

• What is there to do here?

The Opportunity Ahead

In the coming months, you have a chance to shape the perception of fraternities and sororities for more than a quarter of the student body.

Reflect on who you want to be and strive to be the best version of yourself -  not just on social media or out on campus, but also when no one is around to see it.

And if you continue to strive for excellence in all things, excellence will join excellence.

Written by Jayson Davis, Customer Success Training Manager