The two Browns were on duty: Darrell Brown at the door and Mitch Brown was Chairman. There was no Sergeant's session. We had apologies from Graeme Isaacson, Andy Bell, Al Sirovs and Rosie Rocco.
The meeting commenced with a presentation by Paula Brand, the head of the upcoming Small Business Expo. Our club has been invited not just for a fundraiser as we were last year, but this year we also will have a stand at the event! Mark it into your diary: your body will be required on 22nd May 2019 (Setup) and 23rd May 2019 (day of the Expo, take-down). Put it into your diary now! See separate report for more details.
The main purpose of the meeting, however, was a Membership Workshop, conducted by Membership Chair Charles Thomasson and Treasurer Mark Twyford. Charles outlined the way the Rotary Club of Adelaide, one of the oldest clubs in the nation, applied their Strategic Plan, with the result of their membership not only increasing again, but with a wider diversity in age groups and introduction of more women into the club. "We not only need to have our 'Elevator Speech' ready, but we need to clearly differentiate ourselves", Charles explained. "Social and Service Clubs have become increasingly specialized. Not only do we compete with other social groups and clubs, but there are also about 15 or so Rotary Clubs on the Gold Coast alone." We need to be quite clear how we are presenting Surfers Sunrise. One of the best ways is to start with 'I am in Rotary because....' Because it is one of the most trusted organizations in the world, because it allows me to give back to the community, to mentor (and be mentored), because I meet real people, have real relationships. Because the meeting is NOT about drumming up new business, as a lot of other meet-up groups are.
At the previous meeting, members were asked to write down names of potential people whom they could invite. Well, now is the time to ask! For example, next week's meeting will feature the world famous Barber Shop group. 'The Blenders'. Just as you would in business do some Sales & Marketing, the same applies to our Rotary Club. Come on! Pick up the phone!
So, you got your Elevator Speech all ready? You've got your 'Motherhood Statement' all worked out? But how to start that conversation (you don't need to be in an elevator to start, by the way...). Well, for example, are you wearing your Rotary Pin?