By Denise Herron
SNPJ Marketing Assistant
Originally published in the Autumn 2010 SNPJ LIFElines newsletter
Many times in life it’s not what you know, but who you know. This old adage comes into play in our lives in many ways – everything from landing a job to finding a good restaurant. In many cases, it’s our connections that are the most important element in getting us to the right spot. How many times has someone’s recommendation or suggestion saved you lots of time and energy and led you to the perfect solution to your problem? And in the same respect, there have been many times when you have been the one with the answers.
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| Why keep it a secret? Recommending a new SNPJ member benefits our entire Society, and your recommendation could earn you a total of $610! |
Who you know plays an important role in your life, and it’s always amazing to discover who else knows those you know. Most likely you have encountered what’s called the “small world” phenomenon, where you’re chatting to a stranger and then realize that you have a mutual friend. Studies have actually been conducted, and scientists believe that almost any two people from anywhere in the world may well be linked by a chain of half a dozen or so people. That’s only six people between you and – anybody!
People are definitely connected to people, and that has proven to be an important factor with SNPJ membership through the years. A large percentage of new members are recommended to SNPJ by family or friends. That’s a sure sign that our members have confidence in both our Society and our products. Many people actually join the SNPJ for the fraternal and social involvement. Even so, they put a lot of stock in our reputation and the referral of their friends to feel comfortable investing in SNPJ products.
The SNPJ Recommender Program was created based on the knowledge that SNPJ has very loyal members, and that each member has a wide circle of family, friends and acquaintances. In fact, another study has shown that through our clubs, churches, professional groups, etc., each of us knows at least 250 people well enough to refer. If we could convince each of our members to tap just a small portion of that circle, imagine the growth our Society would experience!
The Recommender Program offers $10 to members for each valid recommendation that they submit. In addition, for each referral submitted the member has a chance to win $100 in a quarterly drawing and $500 in a year-end drawing. Needless to say, this can be a profitable program for loyal SNPJ members.
Even with this great incentive, it’s not always natural for someone to volunteer a friend’s name. That’s why our Lodges are in the perfect position to convince members that the SNPJ Recommender Program could truly benefit them. As you meet with fellow members, get to know their hobbies and other interests outside of SNPJ. Find out what they know and who they know. It may surprise you to find that you are connected through mutual friends, and you will definitely be surprised at the number of potential SNPJ members who are circling your current members.
You can help fellow members earn extra cash by encouraging them to take advantage of the rewards the Recommender Program offers. In turn, our members will be helping their friends by pointing them in our direction. It’s important that our members understand that it isn’t “what they know,” but rather “who they know.” The pressure will be off them, and they won’t be expected to explain SNPJ’s products and benefits. Instead, an agent or Home Office representative will be contacting their friends and giving them the information. And, of course, SNPJ will benefit from the human chain by obtaining more loyal members which will help our Society grow in numbers and overall security.