Sure, Just Visit The Website

by Hailey M. Mangrum

Let’s play a scenario.

Person 1:  Hi, welcome to Starbucks, what can we brew fresh for you? (or whatever they actually say)

Person 2:  Ahh, yes. I see you have this drink called Latte XYZ – what’s in it? Is it good?

Person 1:  For more information on all of our drinks, please visit our website. We recommend you doing your research before deciding what to order.

Pause. Wait..what?! How?! Imagine waiting in line and finally getting to the counter just for an employee to tell you to visit the website to learn more about Latte XYZ. It feels strange. It feels unfriendly. Honestly, it feels rude AF.

This scenario is way too familiar to the ways in which we, sometimes, engage in conversations with people interested in joining our organizations. The customer in this scenario had a question about the experience and/or something the experience could offer. The customer was a potential member of our organization. Now don’t get me wrong – I do think we should still encourage research so people can make an informed decision. We must realize our conversation with them is apart of their research.

We have been bamboozled to think discretion means directing people to the website and that’s not true at all. In fact, you can still practice discretion by engaging in a conversation with an individual. Discretion is just another way of figuratively moving in silence. So have the conversation, friends – but let’s be more intentional.

Here are a few questions to help guide a conversation with the next person to express interest:

1. What are you passionate about? Really, if you could positively impact something, what would it be?

2. What does leadership mean to you?

3. What are you involved in?

4. How are you connected on campus?

5. What are you looking forward to accomplishing before you graduate?

Not only are we members of our esteemed organizations. We are ambassadors of our mission, pillars of our purpose, and archives in the making. We have a responsibility to share our organization with the world so people know just how significant, relevant, and amazing we are.

Let’s play a scenario, again.

Person 1:  Hi, welcome to Starbucks, what can we brew fresh for you?

Person 2:  Ahh, yes. I see you have this drink called Latte XYZ – what’s in it? Is it good?

Person 1:  We’re glad you asked. The Latte XYZ comes from our signature coffee. I actually enjoy it because it’s refreshing and gives me energy to start my day. What do you usually order when you visit?

And a conversation begins. It’s not giving them all the keys. It’s being courteous, gracious, and approachable. We are organizations rooted in relationships and culture. We are the bridges between our communities and enacting positive change. We are agents of leadership. And, most importantly, we are the chosen few to carry out the legacy of those that came before us. So next time someone asks you about your organization, share what you love most about your membership experience before telling them about the website.