Written By: Susan Savkov
At various times as an HFTP member, you will meet a fellow industry professional who is not a member. You are talking with them and they tell you about themselves, and you think they are a good fit for HFTP, or maybe HFTP can help them.
Recruiting a new member sounds daunting, but it does not have to be. We have all experienced it at one time or another not knowing what to say. How do you come across as less sales-y and more of “how can I help you?” As long-time HFTP member and Chair of the HFTP Membership Concierge Advisory Council, Jim Schiff pointed out: HFTP membership “is not about selling, it is about selling yourself.” He is right, who knows HFTP the best? It is you.
So whether you are an accountant at a hotel, undergraduate or postgraduate student or a club technology director, here are five tips to help start conversation about your HFTP membership.
- Get Back to Basics
Remember when you were thinking of joining HFTP? Did a member help you or share a resource? Think back to that time and remember how it felt to be in their shoes. Think to where you are now. Your enthusiasm and excitement for HFTP will shine through and help create conversation.
- Listen for Clues
As you talk with them, ask questions and listen for clues they may be telling you about where their need is. Such as how they are trying to find new options for IT security for their club or they are starting out in the industry and want to make connections or how their boss asked them to create a financial model for their hotel. You might not know the answer at that moment, but you can let them know you will get back with them.
- Be a Connector
Take those clues and think about how you can be a connector. Connecting two people you know who would benefit from knowing each other is a great way to get the ball rolling. Be sure to let all parties know first you would like to connect them. You not only build a strong network but also long term relationships down the road. HFTP members discuss in this video, how HFTP connections are what make an impact in their lives.
- Re-familiarize Yourself
Before you go to an event, take a refresher by looking at HFTP membership benefits, just to make sure you know all the available resources which you can share with someone new. You could invite them to a local chapter meeting to hear an interesting speaker or tell them about your experience at HFTP’s HITEC conference. You could send them an article from The Bottomline which are now available on PineappleSearch.com as well as archived on the HFTP website.
5. Be Intentional
As an HFTP member, following up with someone can help you grow your reputation as someone who delivers on their promises. If you promised to send a resource, send it with an email or note letting the person know it was a pleasure to meet them. Check in with them regularly to be keep in touch. You may learn something new from your colleague as well.
You will know when there is an opportunity to mention to that person about joining HFTP. If they are interested, you can put them in touch with your chapter leadership, direct them to the HFTP website or reach out to our HFTP Global membership team.
As I mentioned earlier, you should not think of when you meet a fellow hospitality professional as selling HFTP but as an opportunity help to grow our association and hospitality industry.
We would like to hear from you in the comments about how you tell others about what your HFTP membership means to you.
Susan Savkov is the HFTP Membership Marketing Manager. Contact Susan at Susan.Savkov@hftp.org or +1 (512) 220-4028.
