DO “FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIPS” WORK AT NON-PROFITS LIKE YOURS?

One need only look at the Icons on one's computer, phone or pad, to realize the obvious answer! Free or trial memberships can be a great way to way to access services or content with very little upfront costs. sThe S*M*A*R*T veterans' group shows it works! Let me explain.

Many offer limited access to standard services and products enjoyed by

current memberships for an unlimited period. Such is the case with the

extremely successful and popular business/professional media

LINKEDIN.

Others grant full services for a limited time (usually 30 days or six

months) in order to instill a sense of “equal rights of membership.” Most

of the readers are currently paying one company or another for the

privilege of using their channel, cable, podcast, editing services,

software, etc...

Although most of them are open to the public and are profitable in

selling merchandise, very few, if any, are offered by non-profit

organizations offering a sense of instant access to “brotherhood and

sisterhood!” ... I stand corrected!

At the national meeting of RVing military veterans in Charleston SC, the

international Special Military Active Recreational Travelers (S*M*A*R*T)

last month, I discovered such an invitation!

SMART brings military veterans, and their families together to share

camaraderie, travel, camping, and support to veterans. Honorably

discharged veterans from U.S. and Canadian Armed Forces, come

together in parks, campgrounds and travel on multiple caravans, touring

the U.S. & Canada.

Some have even served as Reserve, National Guard, Air National

Guard, Coast Guard, and also USPHS, and NOAA. It is a recognition

that such services were indications of honor, valor and devotion. The

post-employment gatherings occur in local Chapters, various caravan of

RVs and informal activities.

Why do many military veterans and members of their family join SMART

using their six-months “test memberships?”

They begin the process of meeting new friends with common interests

at campgrounds, musters and meetings. As with most closely-knit social

groups, they become a “member of a family” by virtue of having served

their countries.

They soon realize that the experiences will have a beneficial outcome

as friendships and travel opportunities increase. Instead of listing all of

the benefits I found in their organization, I wonder ... “Why don't more

non-profit organizations do what SMART found that works!”

If your non-profit organization is interested in expanding its membership,

why not try to do it the S*M*A*R*T way?

Sorry, I had to throw in the pun!

Louis J. Finkle, Ph.D, CFP retired