Northeast Regional Report: July - August 2015

With the echo of a starter pistol in mind, it is time to take our mark and envision our victory next November. In every race there are decisive moments that determine the ultimate outcome. We like to think that presidential elections are dramatic campaigns pitting party against party. While ultimately that may be true – the most definitive moments often occur long before the general election kicks off. Now is the time to prepare for our enduring fight for freedom. To succeed: 1) We must be seen; 2) We must be heard; and 3) We must be prepared! As presidential campaigns ramp up; it's important that you are making the greatest impact possible on potential NRA members.

Order supplies that will attract potential members. I encourage you to consider investing in any that will help strengthen our organization. Among other things, we offer great NRA banners and tablecloths that will increase the NRA’s visibility and are sure to draw attention. Our X-Frame Standing Banner is a great way to display the NRA’s membership benefits for all to see.  For a full list of our materials, please visit recruiting.nra.org.

Use your enthusiasm, passion, and love for our organization to help you recruit new members. Your enthusiasm is contagious. People will want to be a part of an organization with passionate members. One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is the ability to find commonalities with each potential member we engage. Whether it's the love of freedom (After all, who doesn’t love our great country?!), youth shooting sports, hunting, target shooting, range development, education, or training, we all have something in common with prospective members. Identify that commonality and mold your conversation (and ultimately, your sales pitch) around that. It will help break down the invisible wall and defense mechanisms that prospective members tend to put up. Conversations will become natural as the individuals will be more engaged, attentive, and responsive. Continue to deliver your sales pitch and ask for the sale. A familiar and relative tone creates a more personal sale for prospective members, increasing their likelihood of joining our organization. It is important that we all continuously hone and improve our sales skills. Be sure to check the weekly E-Cruiter for recruiting sales tips!

Preparation is essential. Organize your supplies so recruiting materials are nearby. New members have come to our events from restaurants, doctor's offices, grocery stores and many other unexpected places. Were it not for prepared recruiters, these individuals would still be NRA supporters.  Now they are among NRA's members! Be prepared not only with supplies, but with the facts. Please familiarize yourself with NRA-ILA. And remember – talk to everybody when you're recruiting!