How to Engage People Quickly

Ask nearly any working person how they are, and the answer will likely not be, “good,” or “okay,” or even “things could be better.” What you’ll most often hear is some variation of, “I’m so SO BUSY!” “Busy” is not really the correct answer to the question, but it captures the times perfectly.

We are busy, overwhelmed, have too much to do, and too much we want to do, which is why I’m constantly finding ways for membership organization staff and volunteers to improve engagement without spending any extra time or money. Seems like a dream, right? Well, it’s actually possible!

A few years back, I spoke at a conference for an association with an executive director who was running the whole event almost single-handedly.

As she whipped by a bunch of us in the hall, lips pursed, someone stepped forward and said, “May I ask a question?”  The ED said, “No time!” and continued to zip away.

Contrast that experience with another at a similarly sized conference and member organization also run by a solo and new executive director.

She was quickly strolling from one room to the other when I caught up with her. I needed a bit of information before my program, so I asked if I could ask a very quick question. She turned to me with a big smile and said, “If you don’t mind walking with me, you’ll have my full attention.”  

See? Engagement doesn’t have to take any extra time and money. Sometimes engagement happens because of the way you approach people or react to their requests. Of course, this gets harder when you are stressed, so pre-plan behaviors and responses that you can lean on in the heat of the moment.