SLASH Members Unite!
- Thread starter Nanook
- Start date
Ask yourselves a few questions.
1) Where do new people entering the hobby go to ....well....enter the hobby?
2) Will people here about your group from this avenue? Why? and Why Not?
3) List five ways people find out about this group?
These questions will try to provide insight as to how is the Club being marketed.
4) Why did all memberships sold decide to join?
A) Were these expectations met? Why? Why Not?
5) How comfortable do new comers to this group feel about ......
A) asking questions
B) gaining knowledge
C) the interactions that go on here
D) description of the groups the reputation....."Brand Name" (is this what's desired?)
6) How does the general public know SLASH?
See I'm quite sure that there was a significant increase in Membership #'s from the Spring Swap.
But how many of those have been "active" either in the club or on here? Why? or Why Not?
These questions should help provide insight as to the groups PR, and it's presence in the community.
Also when answering these questions, consider these same questions for:
Are there other groups in the area? How would they measure up on their own? As a "competitor".
1) Where do new people entering the hobby go to ....well....enter the hobby?
2) Will people here about your group from this avenue? Why? and Why Not?
3) List five ways people find out about this group?
These questions will try to provide insight as to how is the Club being marketed.
4) Why did all memberships sold decide to join?
A) Were these expectations met? Why? Why Not?
5) How comfortable do new comers to this group feel about ......
A) asking questions
B) gaining knowledge
C) the interactions that go on here
D) description of the groups the reputation....."Brand Name" (is this what's desired?)
6) How does the general public know SLASH?
See I'm quite sure that there was a significant increase in Membership #'s from the Spring Swap.
But how many of those have been "active" either in the club or on here? Why? or Why Not?
These questions should help provide insight as to the groups PR, and it's presence in the community.
Also when answering these questions, consider these same questions for:
Are there other groups in the area? How would they measure up on their own? As a "competitor".
TanksDad13
New member
Is there a way to advertise at the LFSs or on the web pages that support us? (marinedepot, BRS, marineAndreef, etc?
Why don't we have a presence on ReefToReef.com or other larger blog sites?
What about partnering up with the LFSs to have SLASH events, BBQ in conjunction with a sale?
Don't some of the LFSs set up at the Home And Garden and other trade shows? What about splitting some of that cost for some of their space? I would bet there are a bunch of people that come to the booth that have tanks that don't know about SLASH.
I know some of us are divers, do we have any presence at the few dive shops in town? There are 2 that I know of.
Why don't we have a presence on ReefToReef.com or other larger blog sites?
What about partnering up with the LFSs to have SLASH events, BBQ in conjunction with a sale?
Don't some of the LFSs set up at the Home And Garden and other trade shows? What about splitting some of that cost for some of their space? I would bet there are a bunch of people that come to the booth that have tanks that don't know about SLASH.
I know some of us are divers, do we have any presence at the few dive shops in town? There are 2 that I know of.
Schplitter
New member
Some things that people have asked me and I really didn't have an answer for them other than its a great club with great people.
What are my club dues used for? Provide a detailed breakdown on the web page. Something like a profit and loss statement. Since this is a non for profit club it should balance out...
Who is handling this and how are they qualified.
What are the benefits of being in the club?
Make all of this information as clear and detailed as possible.
What are my club dues used for? Provide a detailed breakdown on the web page. Something like a profit and loss statement. Since this is a non for profit club it should balance out...
Who is handling this and how are they qualified.
What are the benefits of being in the club?
Make all of this information as clear and detailed as possible.
TanksDad13
New member
makeshift101
Member
Maybe talk more on facebook/social media?
But the day of the swap was football opening season and it was an awesome day, which we talked about during that could have hurt
But the day of the swap was football opening season and it was an awesome day, which we talked about during that could have hurt
Scubareefman
New member
I learned about SLASH by accident. One night I was reading RC and was in a thread a SLASH member had posted about something, I then followed that to the SLASH group. I really had no clue who or what the club was, or how big it was until I went to the first pizza night. Until then I figured it was twenty or so people.
My ideas for getting new members.
Produce a snazzy club ad and post it to run on FaceBook for a few weeks. Make is only go out from STL about 150 miles so it’s not too pricey but effective at encompassing the target audience we want. I have had friends do this for their very small businesses with excellent results.
Get a few SLASH banners or door stickies and see if we can get the shops to display them, add some business cards at the cash register with how to join, web contacts and club benefits…
We take turns in an adult diaper waving a giant foam yellow Tang that says SLASH out by the highway. (I’m betting this is the winning choice.)
My comments on the Swap,
The number one thing I can say as to why I think more money wasn’t spent at the swap; It was held the weekend that was furthest from the 1st of the month pay check and just before the middle of the month pay check. Anyone not living on a floatable income stayed home or just window shopped. I spoke to a few people who were in that boat, they wanted to spend but had obligations. My suggestion would be pick a weekend that hits just after payday and get that impulse money before its gone the next weekend.
But yeah, I enjoyed the swap.
Cheers
Tom
My ideas for getting new members.
Produce a snazzy club ad and post it to run on FaceBook for a few weeks. Make is only go out from STL about 150 miles so it’s not too pricey but effective at encompassing the target audience we want. I have had friends do this for their very small businesses with excellent results.
Get a few SLASH banners or door stickies and see if we can get the shops to display them, add some business cards at the cash register with how to join, web contacts and club benefits…
We take turns in an adult diaper waving a giant foam yellow Tang that says SLASH out by the highway. (I’m betting this is the winning choice.)
My comments on the Swap,
The number one thing I can say as to why I think more money wasn’t spent at the swap; It was held the weekend that was furthest from the 1st of the month pay check and just before the middle of the month pay check. Anyone not living on a floatable income stayed home or just window shopped. I spoke to a few people who were in that boat, they wanted to spend but had obligations. My suggestion would be pick a weekend that hits just after payday and get that impulse money before its gone the next weekend.
But yeah, I enjoyed the swap.
Cheers
Tom
rams
ramtheory
It was appreciative seeing some new faces this past year helping out at the swap. I'm all for getting together soon and talking shop. Club leadership is more than just 5 board members holding positions. It is no secret the hobby goes thru a summer of cruise control. As most of you get back in it would be cool to see the core group of contributors grow. If you are interested shoot me a PM. I would like to organize a lunch, dinner maybe a BBQ to collaborate. You don't have to hold a position to help lead this club. Some fear the year commitment. Look at it more as building a better friendship with those in the hobby. Everyone has that crazy friend that nobody understands. We can help!
rams
ramtheory
We could add this to the membership info thread, Facebook and other places needed. I agree if not already there.
Some of the advantages of being a member: CDP, HELP Program, Free entrance to Swaps, Membership Raffle ticket which costs the club two APEX units a year. We have had raffles at stores as of late which we purchase gift certificates. Dues have helped build our swaps up to the venue that they are currently being held.
HELP Program: I grabbed the gear from Nick before the swap. The rest was brought in during the swap. Plan on rebooting that program with Nick; October 1st with some new rules. Going to ask the board for some new stuff. So if you got any ideas let us know.
Mr D smack
Active member
I have to agree with you rams. The new faces helping out at the swap was great. If more would step up to the plate instead of talking that would be even greater for the club.
As for promoting the club, we do have a Facebook page, however its hardly used by anyone. Some of the old timers refuse to use Facebook which we respect, but times have changed. I know we did not promote the swap no where enough on Facebook, which we are already working on correcting. As for the other Facebook groups in our area they have 99% of the same people, except for the one person that the new page admin doesn't like, to much drama for me personally to follow 15+ group pages.
More input is welcomed
Appreciate all the input so far. I've always liked hanging out casually with friends, looking at fish tanks and enjoying some good pizza. When we started this club I was 240 pounds, then over 10 years I got up to 280 pounds
Our club branched out from SEASL because that club wasn't willing to change with the times and our large following on the RC Forum. We had informal pizza nights that were getting to be 20-30 people large. Forming SLASH was the next logical step. Folks always come and go from this hobby, I know about 10 people here that have stuck with it for the last 5-10 years. Many guys/gals get into it, then fizzle out, that is part of the problem.
Social media sites like Facebook have attracted most of the millenials, so websites like RC aren't as trafficked as they used to be. Reef to reef doesn't come close to RC's traffic, RC is just that much larger, so I don't think moving would help, but having a forum there could be an option if the membership decides. The club is about the membership and what they want, so pretty much anything is possible. Slowing down in the summer has never been a slash thing, we go year round
I think we are most successful when we schedule regular outings at LFS, while we've never been big purchasers on those nights, I think the good will the LFS creates by having us pays them over the long haul when we return to give them business. Pizza nights and tank tours are a lot of fun and take us back to our roots in our mission statement. Consistency in organizing and keeping these events and this forum active are crucial to keeping our club together. That being said, if the folks on social media have ways to bring more folks together, then I'd like to hear their ideas too!
Participation has always been optional, many folks frequent here and never join which is fine. It's never been about the money in the bank, it's been about the fellowship amongst reefers with a love for the hobby of saltwater aquariums. It's never even been about the size of the frag swaps, that is just something the membership wanted.
Hoping folks will chime in that see this thread and show up when we put on a pizza night soon:beer:
Our club branched out from SEASL because that club wasn't willing to change with the times and our large following on the RC Forum. We had informal pizza nights that were getting to be 20-30 people large. Forming SLASH was the next logical step. Folks always come and go from this hobby, I know about 10 people here that have stuck with it for the last 5-10 years. Many guys/gals get into it, then fizzle out, that is part of the problem.
Social media sites like Facebook have attracted most of the millenials, so websites like RC aren't as trafficked as they used to be. Reef to reef doesn't come close to RC's traffic, RC is just that much larger, so I don't think moving would help, but having a forum there could be an option if the membership decides. The club is about the membership and what they want, so pretty much anything is possible. Slowing down in the summer has never been a slash thing, we go year round
I think we are most successful when we schedule regular outings at LFS, while we've never been big purchasers on those nights, I think the good will the LFS creates by having us pays them over the long haul when we return to give them business. Pizza nights and tank tours are a lot of fun and take us back to our roots in our mission statement. Consistency in organizing and keeping these events and this forum active are crucial to keeping our club together. That being said, if the folks on social media have ways to bring more folks together, then I'd like to hear their ideas too!
Participation has always been optional, many folks frequent here and never join which is fine. It's never been about the money in the bank, it's been about the fellowship amongst reefers with a love for the hobby of saltwater aquariums. It's never even been about the size of the frag swaps, that is just something the membership wanted.
Hoping folks will chime in that see this thread and show up when we put on a pizza night soon:beer:
I would suggest that we should also think about what we do when a new member joins to help them understand how the club operates and how to get engaged. I was a member for almost 6 months before I found all of the activity on Reef Central. I was watching the SLASH website and the facebook site, and wasn't seeing much activity. I finally sent a message to the President to ask why there were no more Pizza Nights, and was directed to RC. Not sure how I was suppose to know to go there.
It is one thing to get new members, but we need to get them engaged quickly so that they stay involved and renew thier memberships.
It is one thing to get new members, but we need to get them engaged quickly so that they stay involved and renew thier memberships.
U4ick, those members you mention that long for SEASL can sign on up over there, we don't want them Once a month meetings in church basements or libraries is not what we are about. If you want to stir up chit instead of actually helping then take your LFS and bow-out, your BS won't be missed:hammer:
If you truly want to help, then you have to understand our club before you can criticize it. We aren't LFS groupies/loyalists, we are hobbyists first and foremost. Most LFS businessmen don't want educated and informed customers like the ones that are lucky enough to find forums like this, because we are conscientious aquarists that have been schooled on a lot of things that LFS folks can take advantage of on newcomers to the hobby.
All due respect, you're just here because it's a customer base and you like to network. I get it, but your grasp of the club is just your usual theories gone haywire.
Once a month meetings in church basements or libraries is not what we are about. If you want to stir up chit instead of actually helping then take your LFS and bow-out, your BS won't be missed:hammer:If you truly want to help, then you have to understand our club before you can criticize it. We aren't LFS groupies/loyalists, we are hobbyists first and foremost. Most LFS businessmen don't want educated and informed customers like the ones that are lucky enough to find forums like this, because we are conscientious aquarists that have been schooled on a lot of things that LFS folks can take advantage of on newcomers to the hobby.
All due respect, you're just here because it's a customer base and you like to network. I get it, but your grasp of the club is just your usual theories gone haywire.
Scubareefman
New member
I hit quote when I was trying to edit my post sorry.
TanksDad13
New member
As a matter of fact Nook Marine Solutions DOES still offer a 10% discount and I think the opinion of someone who does in fact own a LFS should be taken into consideration. Do we help them? I know that any time I have asked for help I have received great advice from U4ick and his staff without being steered to purchase anything. What do ALL the LFSs think, how can we become more symbiotic? His question is valid for sure. To further the point, he and most of the stores have maintenance accounts that they call on and can help spread the word and drive membership. Just has to be win win.
Koddie Doo
Czar of All ThingsAwesome
I had a kid, so I am blaming the wife.... I have always been a big supporter of SLASH. The club has a lot of good people. It is because of this club that I have a few very good friends that I would have never met otherwise. I would say even though I am not involved like I was when I was on the board. I still care about its success. Like it was stated earlier the club has to evolve just like a small business needs to. The evolution of the swap is in my opinion why the club was getting as big as it was. Not going to the last one, it would not be right for me to comment, but what was the big new thing this go round? In prior swaps it was new, then it was the larger venue... Do you think there needs to be another big change? I have other opinions, but I will save those for when I have a beer, a shot and a pizza in front of me.
All good points
I'm still wanting to hear about the 10% SLASH discount from u4ick though. I'm thinking the clubs and LFS can help each other more, but if the LFS owners are as misinformed as Damon about SLASH, THEN PERHAPS A SIT-DOWN, is in order. We can't be that far apart on common ground if they really care like you mention in your post. I know of a couple LFS that are downright critical of slash and I just NEVER go to them anymore and tell everyone I know what they're really about.
