| September 4, 2022 -- What is the experience people have when they attend a meeting or event at your Grange?
Now, more than ever before, we weigh our experience with an organization against the decision to join. Why? Society has moved from a “service and loyal based mindset” to an “experience and return on investment mindset.” In the past, members showed up because it was the “right thing to do” and it didn’t matter if it was fun or even memorable. This built traditional and predictable events and experiences. Same thing over and over again, which was easy and expected. So much has changed. Today’s consumer has a bigger expectation. This is not generational. We live in a time when things are available in minutes, on demand, virtually and algorithms that intuitively know what we like. With all things available, all the time.
As a society we are investing in experiences. We spend money with organizations that offer unique experiences and the statistics show that what makes society happier is having great experiences, even more than buying “stuff.” This is in part because people are craving an escape from reality and they are craving to be part of a community.
Wait. Isn’t that our specialty? We have community leaders, educators and inspirational speakers visit our halls plus as a Granger, community is part of our foundation. Yes, there is more competition than ever for our most valuable resource, time. So how do we differentiate our “member experience”? Of course, the competition out there is already offering the same, heck, even better benefits than we are offering. Can we offer an educational series or are we the Grange that makes new members feel amazing? I ask that your Grange work together and contemplate what your members and visitors experience. Imagine how attendees of meetings or an event may feel, what they may see or hear. What can you do to make it better? If your Grange is doing well, you can use this conversation to reinforce the working plan continues.
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