At a recent
local NAIFA function, I was asked to say a few words regarding my involvement
with NAIFA; specifically, why I am a member.
Seems like a pretty straight-forward question and answer. Here’s the problem; I’m preaching to the
choir. If I were speaking to a group of
non-members maybe my comments would be more impactful. The reality is that there is nothing I’ve
said that our local membership hasn’t heard before. I decided to approach it differently.
Just like
handling an objection before the prospect or client brings it up, a pre-emptive
strike so to speak, I acknowledged that there were those among us who have
questioned the value of their membership, or will question it sometime in the
future. The reason I continue my
membership is not because of meetings, CE, camaraderie, or any of the other
legitimate reasons that a member will cite.
I’m a member because of my core belief that I am protecting my chosen
career by contributing to the viability of our association. I couldn’t possibly afford to hire a lobbyist
or a team of attorneys to represent me so that I can continue working in the
industry, unless I have the economies of scale that association membership
provides.
It would be
great to inspire people to join us, and maybe guilt works with some, but how
about an appeal to common sense? We can’t
do this by ourselves and they (non-members) can’t survive without us. We all
know a non-member or an unengaged existing member. APIC is a great example of our strength in
numbers. Getting involved at a grass
roots level is what we do. Member and non-member
alike; we need each other. That’s APIC!
Richard l. Miller, CLU, ChFC, CASL, LUTCF
APIC Chair
As usual, your approach makes sense and is duplicatable by every member of NAIFA.
ReplyDeleteRichard Ek