Lost members-why & how to get 'em back

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

I made a suggestion along these same lines to Don Shafer "I visited the local Airstream dealer recently and the only items I found concerning the WBCCI were a few stickers and pictures of prior International and other rallies. I think that WBCCI, and Airstream, are missing a great sales tool, that is "buy an Airstream and look at all of the places you can go and people you can meet on Caravans, Unit Rallies and Special Event Rallies", in addition look at all of the Airstreams which are over 25 years old (this shows the longevity of the product, for which Airstream asks so much for)."

His reply was as follows: "Airstream dealers are independent business people, not a sub organization of the Company. Some dealers are very interested in WBCCI, others, particularly new ones, don't understand. This is something Airstream lives with and attempts to solve, so do we. We do explore the dealer/unit relationship, and some are very successful."

It has been my experience that a salesman is willing to accept help from anyone if it helps make the sale. Perhaps WBCCI has no value in this sales process. This should stop.

Bill

Hubby and I were speaking about this just the other day and he said something very similar. A salesman just isn't going to care about talking about the club when he is trying to close a deal. The only way to get a salesman wanting to push this is for an incentive or if the salesman already knows the value the WBCCI could be to a new Airstream owner.

Now maybe a local unit could convince the dealership of the benefits and they could provide a one-year membership with each new purchase or at the least local unit contact information to the new buyer, but I think this type of effort would really need to be made at the unit level by creating a rapport with the dealership.

I honestly have to say I am not sure I would be too happy if I discovered a dealership was just giving out my name and contact information without me knowing about it.

Kristine

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by bobkelly

The reality is that those former members who have left the unit are gone forever. Not much can be done to entice them back. Spend you energy on the incoming new members and the returning long time members.

I am not so sure about this being true. Certainly there are people who won't come back, but I have heard of a few members in the NEU unit who came back and have really spearheaded where the group is presently going.

Originally Posted by bobkelly

The great news is having 1000 new members each year with which we have a chance to make a strong, positive first impression. Focus on that. Focus on meeting & greeting these new members as soon as they join up. Spend some quality time with them, be their buddy at the first couple of unit events, and the unit will experience improved retention with the new members.

YES! This is great news and it deserves a great deal of attention. I agree with you that member retention needs to be focused on.


As members of the NEU we have been blessed with a group that does greet us when we arrive: they welcome help and participation: they are friendly and focus on the joys of camping, camaraderie, the love of Airstreams, and so much more. We want to support the values of this unit and their plans for the future and if it is necessary to pay for membership in the WBCCI then we will. However, with that membership we do have the right to encourage and support changes. Do we have to? Certainly not. Will we. Most definitely.

[mello mike]

and join an Airstream Club. Which one is truly the best, value wise?

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by mello mike

and join an Airstream Club. Which one is truly the best, value wise?

I do agree, the floor does look great!

Being in NH and members of the New England Unit, I don't have any advice for you on the best local unit for you, but here's to wishing you success in your search!

Congratulations on making the decision to join.

Cheers!

[nohillgrish]

My observations on Perry: This was my first international, and overall it was worth the approximate 2,000 mile round trip. We were greeted, parked and checked out on water & electric systems to see that everything was working properly--all by older and very friendly volunteers in very hot weather. The seminars were a little lacking as to what I was looking for, but I had a great time just looking at 1,000 + rigs and meeting a lot of very nice people (older and young). In fact, it was some of the older folks that motivated me the most. The club must offer something that would bring folks out with physical impairments that would have those weaker in spirit in some type of care facility. Although older members were in majority, I did see more younger families than I expected that were very involved and having a good time. I was quite impressed with the spirited VAC involvement with the legislative process. I saw their recognition, however, that to be most effective they need to work within the structure now in place until necessary changes can be made. The formality and continually changing dress code was pretty humorous, but I for one was never out of shorts and t-shirt. I did get turned away from one evening event because I forgot my badge, although my wife had hers. My first inclination was anger, but I just swallowed my pride and went to find my badge. The "gate keeper" was just following his instructions, so my criticism goes to whomever was giving those instructions. My two biggest disappointments were the absence of "how to" seminars on trailer maintenance, and limited number of vendors. Although the club may not be exactly as I would like, I do see hope for positive changes on the horizon. So, I'm going to stick around for awhile and am looking forward to next year's Montana rally. Besides, I don't need anyone to tell me how to have fun camping.

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by mello mike

and join an Airstream Club. Which one is truly the best, value wise?

Mike,
I would like you to check out the 4CU (Four Corners Unit) of the WBCCI.
Four Corners Airstream Camping Unit
We are new and it's all about camping. Don't let the New Mexico part of our name fool you we have many members here in the valley. This year we had a rally in Cottonwood and another in Tucson. I am trying to get one together the end of this month in the white mountains as well. Labor Day we will have a rally at Meteor Crater near Winslow. Octorber we head for the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, but that one is sold out. I almost forgot we had one in June at Lizzard Head Pass near Telluride (I missed that one, but I won't miss the next). Maybe you could join us at Meteor Crater and see if you like what you see. We are working on several more rallies as well. The rallies are kick back and alot of fun. We don't have alot of children in the unit yet, but we would like more. We do have plenty of dogs!
BTW, our dues are $55 for the WBCCI and $1 for the local unit.

[pyanke]

I have been a member since 2003 (I think). I planned my first club event in 2004. When I plan an event it always revolves around something I like to do. It is always laid back and easy going. I am going to have a good time. If others want to join me, great. I will be co-hosting our unit caravan to the Region 7 rally. Its a short 2 day caravan. You only get out what you are willing to put in.
Pete
3rd VP MN Unit

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Mike,
I would like you to check out the 4CU (Four Corners Unit) of the WBCCI.
Four Corners Airstream Camping Unit
We are new and it's all about camping. Don't let the New Mexico part of our name fool you we have many members here in the valley. This year we had a rally in Cottonwood and another in Tucson. I am trying to get one together the end of this month in the white mountains as well. Labor Day we will have a rally at Meteor Crater near Winslow. Octorber we head for the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, but that one is sold out. I almost forgot we had one in June at Lizzard Head Pass near Telluride (I missed that one, but I won't miss the next). Maybe you could join us at Meteor Crater and see if you like what you see. We are working on several more rallies as well. The rallies are kick back and alot of fun. We don't have alot of children in the unit yet, but we would like more. We do have plenty of dogs!
BTW, our dues are $55 for the WBCCI and $1 for the local unit.

Thanks, Richard. I sent you a private mail.

[thecatsandi]

Since you asked. I will tell you why I am not going to renew.
They club hold no value to me. I was able to join and attend one unit rally. The people were nice but the structure an rules are for the birds. Having to wear a badge all the time? give me a break! I will gladly wear one but actually requiring to wear one! and being "fined" for not wearing it!?
Tour here, be here by this time. Dinner at 6.
Another reason. I have no say in what goes on in the club. Since my work schedule requires me to be away during the unit rally times I cannot vote.
The magazine is pathetic. Has no real value. I get more out of Airstream Life. I wanted to join the free wheelers intra club. No email address. The phone just does not work well for me most of the summer. I am who know where for those times.
I have thought about joining other units but just does not work for me. Being a member at large gives me no "rights".
I am going to save my money and not renew.

[Stefrobrts]

I just think it is completely ridiculous that we keep hearing people say

Hey you who didn't join our club/dropped out of our club, join up and change it to your liking.

and

If you joined up and failed to change it to your liking, you didn't try hard enough.

and

You get out of it what you put in it.


I don't join clubs as projects to change them to my liking. I join and pay dues to organizations that provide me with some sort of benefit - either travelling arrangements, social opportunities, entertainment, etc. I have other clubs I am a member of which are a lot cheaper and do provide me with meaningful rewards, and I do not have to 'work to change' those at all.

For the amount the WBCCI charges, they should provide spectacular benefits, and they simply do not. As an outsider (and I felt like an outsider the entire 4 years I was in it), it is not my responsibility to change a club, which is international in nature and has thousands of members who are happy with it just the way it is.

If the WBCCI had as much fun at their rallys as forums people do, people would beg to be let in. There are a few units around the country which have the potential to do that. Instead of looking outside the club, why not look within at these successful units and try to follow their example? Then you can quit blaming the club's problems on the people who are not in it, because the more you do that, the less likely it is you will ever get those people back.

[craftsman]

I've been on the forums for a couple of years now and listened to about very point of view posted about bringing change to the WBCCI.From what I read, it hasn't really changed all that much. Basically the same complaints and and discussions are going on today as were two years ago.Younger, and some not so young people that do join, soon leave because they are dissapointed in what they find. I agree with Stephine, people don't join the club to make change, they at least expect to find something there that they can relate to.The vast majority of the club seem to be made up from a generation of people that I at 57 can't relate to. They are generally very nice people but their views of the world, rules,camping and having fun are light years away from mine. I know there are people who are members that don't like to hear this but I know it's true for others as well as myself. There is a NEED for a new club and I hope someone starts one. It's really to bad because they won't be able to use the Airstream name as well as most of the other proprietary property, but I would bet that if it were set up in the same spirit as this forum and with the vision of Airstream Life the current WBCCI would dwindle to a much smaller group holding on to a lost way of life.

[LI Pets]

It is much easier to band together and get the changes made than start from scratch.

I think you would have a much harder task to start a new club without the Airstream name to say the very least.

How about a brief outline of the steps needed to do it.
I bet it's not so easy, care to tell us how you would organize?

I'll nominate Craftsman president, I'm all ears.

[craftsman]

I'll be the first to admit that I have neither the skills or talents to start a new club, but there is someone out there that does and I'll bet it's just a matter of time.

[LI Pets]

So now you have a choice, wait and do nothing until that parson comes along but that may not happen in our lifetime.

Or change the WBCCI in the near future, I'll make you a bet, you'll lose the first bet.

Come and help-contribute in any way you can to change the club.

[Pam]

We review our membership list a few times a year. Review who's active, who's dropped out and try to figure out what happened.

First, the WWII generation was a large demographic in the club and they have been retiring and passing away at a fast rate. So that accounts for a big drop in membership anyway.

The next group, those who joined and never attended an event. We follow up call or send an email inviting them to an upcoming event. Just trying to touch base but not be pushy. Some joined because they acquired an Airstream and just wanted more information but never intended to participate.

The next group, those who joined, attended an event and never returned. Well, we do follow up and usually find that it wasn't the right mix of people for them, they don't have enough time to attend or they are retired and caravanning so aren't in the area.

Just communicate with your members past and present. Make sure you know why they made their decision, learn from it and let it go.

Obviously every Unit has it's particular personality and maybe won't be the right mix for everyone, but, keep searching and you will find a Unit that is right for you.

Don't focus on the membership number, increasing the number, when what you really want and need is participation. All the members in the world won't matter if no one shows up for a rally or event.

There are some Units in WBCCI with very high membership numbers and very few rallies or participation in rallies or caravans. I thought the purpose of the club was to camp and travel...

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I just think it is completely ridiculous that we keep hearing people say

Hey you who didn't join our club/dropped out of our club, join up and change it to your liking.

and

If you joined up and failed to change it to your liking, you didn't try hard enough.

and

You get out of it what you put in it.


I don't join clubs as projects to change them to my liking. I join and pay dues to organizations that provide me with some sort of benefit - either travelling arrangements, social opportunities, entertainment, etc. I have other clubs I am a member of which are a lot cheaper and do provide me with meaningful rewards, and I do not have to 'work to change' those at all.

For the amount the WBCCI charges, they should provide spectacular benefits, and they simply do not. As an outsider (and I felt like an outsider the entire 4 years I was in it), it is not my responsibility to change a club, which is international in nature and has thousands of members who are happy with it just the way it is.

If the WBCCI had as much fun at their rallys as forums people do, people would beg to be let in. There are a few units around the country which have the potential to do that. Instead of looking outside the club, why not look within at these successful units and try to follow their example? Then you can quit blaming the club's problems on the people who are not in it, because the more you do that, the less likely it is you will ever get those people back.

Stephanie,

I do see what you are saying about why someone joins a club and what the WBCCI should be providing for the rate they charge. I agree with both points, however, I think the quotes above are being said because the WBCCI is experiencing and needing so much change that this is about saving the WBCCI historically for the future of the club.

Your statement about people begging to join the club if they were "as fun as forum rallies" supports this point exactly: a large number of WBCCI members who want to support the history of this club want the WBCCI rallies to be fun and have the members wanting to be there. It is people like yourself who know the difference who can assist to make this a reality.

What is your definition of a forum rally and why is it "more fun"? I realize a forum rally begins here on the forums, but I am looking for more specifics about what happens at the rally. Is the rally organized and/or initiated by a WBCCI member? Are WBCCI members present? Is there unit equipment used for cooking or the tent set-up for gathering? What is it that you feel makes it special and interesting enough for you to want to attend?

Kristine

[Gunnyusmc]

WBCCI Rallie Vs Forum Rallies

Forum Rallies are fun because they are about fun not RULES.
1. If you want too sleep in at Forum Rallies, No problem, Big problem at WBCCI Rallies Rule violation.
2. WBCCI Rallies don't like pets, Forum rallies love pets.
3. WBCCI Rallies don't like non members unless someone sponsered you, Forum Rallies invite you over for pot luck even though you don't have a dish too bring.
4. WBCCI Rallies don't allow SOB's, Forum Rallies will invite SOB's over and make them fell welcome. (after all they are camper's and future Airstreamer;s who just haven't been clued in yet)
5. My local WBCCI Unit meet's during working hours which left me out and because I didn't care for there one run each year I was a instant non-member.
6. When I went fulltime, no vote.


Last two have nothing too do with forum rallies, but burn me as an outcast.

I like some others hear, don't see why I should spend my time changing a club that has RULES to prevent change.

I also don't like being awaken at 2 AM too be told too "Get your Non-Airstream off our property" (73 Argosy at the terra-port in Jacksoncenter) This has neve happened at a forum rallie and never will.

If you need more reason's just call me 512-497-5120.

Don

PS: If you want too change the WBCCI, go too there FORUM and tell them about there problems and leave us on the forum alone, oh I forgot they don't have a forum because they don't care. You don't get new mwmbers by telling them they are the problem and need to change the WBCCI.

[moosetags]

I didn't realize that that an Argosy was a "non-Airstream".

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by Gunnyusmc

WBCCI Rallie Vs Forum Rallies

Forum Rallies are fun because they are about fun not RULES.
1. If you want too sleep in at Forum Rallies, No problem, Big problem at WBCCI Rallies Rule violation.
2. WBCCI Rallies don't like pets, Forum rallies love pets.
3. WBCCI Rallies don't like non members unless someone sponsered you, Forum Rallies invite you over for pot luck even though you don't have a dish too bring.
4. WBCCI Rallies don't allow SOB's, Forum Rallies will invite SOB's over and make them fell welcome. (after all they are camper's and future Airstreamer;s who just haven't been clued in yet)
5. My local WBCCI Unit meet's during working hours which left me out and because I didn't care for there one run each year I was a instant non-member.
6. When I went fulltime, no vote.


Last two have nothing too do with forum rallies, but burn me as an outcast.

I like some others hear, don't see why I should spend my time changing a club that has RULES to prevent change.

I also don't like being awaken at 2 AM too be told too "Get your Non-Airstream off our property" (73 Argosy at the terra-port in Jacksoncenter) This has neve happened at a forum rallie and never will.

If you need more reason's just call me 512-497-5120.

Don

PS: If you want too change the WBCCI, go too there FORUM and tell them about there problems and leave us on the forum alone, oh I forgot they don't have a forum because they don't care. You don't get new mwmbers by telling them they are the problem and need to change the WBCCI.

Don, this sounds horrible and I am sorry it has been your experience with WBCCI rallies. I can't imagine anyone being so rude as to tell you to get off of the property at 2:00 a.m. That is truly unacceptable right along with the other items you listed.

We have attended only WBCCI rallies so far and we have not experienced any of this nonsense. We sleep in if we want to, we have 2 dogs, we attend potlucks and haven't always brought something to share, we attended the Region 1 Rally without even being members because we asked the coordinators if we could and they welcomed us: not because we had a sponsor, we don't know when the local WBCCI meetings are so I can't speak about that, but I haven't felt left out if I wanted to know something. We have 2 children who are made to feel welcome as well. These differences are because of our unit as a whole: making an effort to focus on camping and having fun, thinking about what they would like to do and sharing it with others, being considerate that we are all different, but share our love of Airstreams, and embracing the basis of what the WBCCI is supposed to be about. It certainly isn't the rules. This is why the members make the difference and people participating who want to have fun will make this the norm rather than the exception.

Kristine

[Nuvite-F]

Craftsman,

There is a NEED for a new club and I hope someone starts one. It's really to bad because they won't be able to use the Airstream name. . .

Why? As far as I know the Airstream name is owned by Airstream, Inc. and I am not aware that WBCCI has an exclusive license to it. If anyone knows any more about the situation I would appreciate enlightenment.

My perception is that Airstream, Inc. would be glad to see another Airstream-brand club appear as WBCCI is not really doing much for them any more, what with only 15% of new Airstream owners joining WBCCI.