Invite Your Members to Interact with You

I learned to drive a stick shift in a rusted-out Subaru. Then my Dad bought a base-model Ford Escort brand-new for $4,000, which was a steal even in the late 80s. After that, you could see me in a string of no-nonsense, no frills Honda Civics. It didn’t much occur to me that cars could be fun.

That was until I met my husband, who had recently renovated a bright yellow 1969 Land Cruiser. (It looks like an old-style Jeep.) We used to take it out for adventures, such as going to the drive-in movies or festivals. We were even asked to participate in a couple of parades.

The most interesting part about those trips, even an everyday trip, was how often people talked to us. When we parked, people would approach us. While we were driving, strangers would wave or give us a thumbs-up. Passing by sidewalks or stopping at crosswalks, people would often offer a few kind words. That car invited interaction. (It helped that we never had the windows up—or doors attached.)

I use the same methodology when I select my “speaker costume.” The key piece is my jacket, which consistently inspires interaction (I discussed this strategy in a recent, popular LinkedIn post).

Where do you want members to interact more with you, your staff, or your organization? What unique thing can you do/wear/hold/give/say to invite interaction?