Coping with a group growth spurt

As I write this, many of us recently had a large number of new members join our group due to a great Starter Kit promotion.  Now that our initial exultation has worn off, we need to focus our thoughts on our own retention rates and making sure those new demonstrators get the most out of their exciting start. And we're possibly feeling slightly overwhelmed at the magnitude of the change that happened to our group-- practically overnight.

Here's some tips for making the adjustment go more smoothly. The first three are the most important, and in the order I would do them.

First things first: send all your new members a welcome card. The joy of stamping is most likely what drew them to Stampin' Up in the first place, and they will be so excited to receive a handmade card from you. I always include my business card and encourage them to contact me with questions. I wish them the best on their SU journey, whatever they choose to make of it, and encourage them to dream big. No matter how many downline you have and how "old hat" this routine has become, remember that for each of them, this is their own individual experience--so be enthusiastic, because they're excited out of their heads!

Secondly, congratulate the recruiters. Another card goes out to each of them, and recognition at your meeting. It's a good idea to personally speak with each one about the importance of being an available and enthusiastic upline, but especially coach those who have just gained their first downline. Encourage them to start a regular group get-together, if not an official meeting just yet. And help them foster their own sense of "group" by selecting a name and using that in their communications. Let them know that while you support all your levels, they are still responsible to train and support their new downlines just as if you were not around.

Third, make sure all your various address books, databases, Yahoo groups, Rolodex, cell phones and email lists are updated with the latest contact info for your entire downline. Make sure no one gets left out of your communications accidentally. Send out a welcome email to the group right away so they are in the loop about the next meeting and what all is going on.

Another good step to take would be to replenish your recruiting folders. Order new materials as needed now so that you are prepared for future waves (I don't know about you, but mine seem to come in bunches rather than singly). I recently had to up the amount of product I purchase for my prize basket to prevent running out of goodies to give away. It was an exciting moment! It takes money to make money, so don't begrudge or feel guilty about the investment in business materials and other things that this group growth spurt necessitates.

You should also review what you do for incentives and rewards for your downlines and see if it is still feasible with your new larger group. Set realistic policies now (and write them down), looking towards future growth. What would be affordable to do for a group of twenty might break the bank to do for forty.Your group members will understand if you need to make adjustments in the way you do things like your meeting locations or your borrowing policies.

Maybe this growth spurt you also need to look at setting some limits to protect your family time. You can be an involved and supportive upline and still maintain balance. Let your downline know what phone number you prefer them to use, and at what point in the evening you stop taking phone calls for the night. I encourage you to set one or two days a week where you will not conduct group business. For me, these days are Sundays and Wednesdays. My group just knows that unless it is utterly urgent, their best bet is to call 1800 STAMP UP on those days.

Plan ahead: look at the calendar and make sure you are proactive  about communicating about quarterly deadlines, minimums, pending month and more. Don't lose half your new members within the year because of  inertia. While you can't force anyone to stay active, you can do your best to encourage group ties and make sure they have the basic knowledge they need to keep  their demoships--in time for them to do something about it.

Lastly, take time to celebrate. When we first start getting recruits, each one just makes our whole week. We beam with delight at the thought of it. But as recruits become more commonplace, that euphoria doesn't last. You did a LOT of work during that recruit blitz, and sometimes as we gain a lot of downline and the shine wears off, we forget to take that important few seconds to pat yourself on the back. Each recruit represents another responsibility for you, yes--but also another layer of fun, another new friend, and more creativity, self-esteem and personal growth for your group. What a privilege it is to be their guide in the journey! You SHOULD feel great about that. Reward yourself with whatever floats your boat--chocolate, a new stamp set, some cash towards a special fund. Maybe better not do chocolate if you gained TOO many recruits at once! : )

I hope these thoughts have been helpful to you if you are in the same place I am right now. It is a unique and exciting challenge laid before us, and I know we can rise to the occasion. Feel free to pipe in with ideas you have about coping with unexpected growth in your group.

Dream--and celebrate--BIG, friend!

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[Kelly Mayou]

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