Onboarding
Onboarding is the process of integrating new members into the association and creating awareness of how to access and avail themselves of its benefits and features. Studies have shown that successfully orienting members as to how to utilize the benefits of membership is the single greatest indicator of whether they will continue their membership in the future.
Welcome Email – Upon joining, members receive a formal confirmation and welcome email to begin to introduce them to their new membership benefits. On the following Membership Monday, they receive information on the next Member Orientation (including links to an on demand session), as well as several other benefits of membership.
Welcome Outreach – Staff will arrange for new members to receive a welcome voicemail from the NAIFA President, alert their Chapter(s) and referrer (if applicable) so they can make contact, and notify appropriate members of the Brand Ambassador Team (BAT) so they, too, can reach out and welcome new members to their NAIFA community.
Brand Ambassador Team (BAT) – Members of the BAT are passionate NAIFA enthusiasts who reach out to new members to welcome them and help them feel engaged with their new financial services community. We have traditionally sought out one BAT for each major company, but the program is growing to identify as many members as are willing to serve. We will also expand beyond the career company model to include other demographics including lines of business, affiliations, or any other relevant classification.
Chapter Outreach – Chapters are strongly encouraged to develop their process to welcome their new members via direct mail, phone call, and/or email ensuring they understand that their dues include belonging to NAIFA at the national, state, and local levels - either through a Local Chapter or Affiliate. This helps them to appreciate the full breadth and depth of their membership, as well as their home in the NAIFA community.
New Member Packet – Each member receives a new member packet in the mail with an official welcome letter, a copy of the NAIFA Code of Ethics, and a lapel pin to wear proudly as their badge of membership. Receiving a membership packet provides a tangible representation of belonging.
Understanding Advocacy – An essential step of a successful onboarding, and ultimately, retention process for NAIFA is to ensure that new members understand the importance of advocacy, both in general and specifically to NAIFA. We will, in collaboration with the Government Relations Department, include the Welcome to NAIFA Advocacy video, as well as other materials to familiarize new members with the importance of supporting IFAPAC and our grassroots program as part of our onboarding strategy.
Other Onboarding Ideas
Member Profiles & Videos – Ask members to conduct a short interview to profile them on social media. You can also ask them to produce quick videos on why they joined to use in marketing.
New Member "Pinning" Ceremony – Chapters should invite new members to meetings or programs for the purpose of recognizing their commitment to their profession with an official “Pinning” Ceremony. While members now receive their pins directly via mail, it does not negate the value of formally recognizing them with a ceremony where they can be officially pinned and publicized, solidifying their retention from the start of their journey. A new member pinning ceremony script can be located here.
New Member Press Release – Chapters can increase awareness of NAIFA by submitting a press release to local news outlets when a new member joins.
Social Media – Welcome new members on your Chapter's social media platforms, using NAIFA's new member graphics.
Quick Links
Welcome Email Example
Member Orientation
Benefits of Membership
New Member Letter Example
Welcome to NAIFA Advocacy
New Member Pinning Ceremony Script
New Member Press Release Template
New Member Graphics
