The Rotary Club of Boise Sunrise decided to get a booth at this summer’s Farmers Market. The big idea, of course, is to promote the club in a way that would be attractive both to potential members, as well as networking partners (other organizations/causes).
The Boise Farmers Market (BFM) is very well attended – hundreds, possibly even several thousand shoppers over the course of the half-day, reputedly generating over $3M in (vendor) sales over the course of the summer. What’s attractive is that although these folks are ostensibly shopping for produce or goods, it’s a huge social gathering for many, with lots of casual conversations about any/no/thing. Many folks aren’t there just to hit-and-run; they like to hang out for a few hours with friends – old ones and new ones.
Demographically, all potential niches for Rotarians are represented: retirees wanting to “give back”; recent (re)locators seeking community; professionals wanting to expand their network; young professionals attracted by the Seven Pillars of Service; and, others who just want to add some spice to their lives – e.g., join a club! Meet new friends! Do good!
The BFM management allows non-profits a limited number of attendances, three (3) in our case. (Total price for all three is a mere $175) So far, we’ve conducted two (2), having successfully “recruited” one new club member and planted seeds with a handful of others. The key – as in any sales – is to 1) Listen first – seek to understand; and 2) position our “value proposition” to them in a way that resonates with “what’s in it for me?”; and 3) invite them to a meeting (in our case, “breakfast is on us.”) To that end, we’ve prepared various brochures that speak to that.
All together, the BFM is a fun, relaxed affair with lots of humanity to chat it up with. And while most folks walk on by our booth with glazed eyes, there’s some real great prospects there for us to relate to. After all – we want the cream of the crop! I highly recommend giving it a go in your community.
Happy hunting!
Steve Banick, President, Boise Sunrise
