IMPRESSIONS continued
member dentists either within or outside organized dentistry . Without a structure to contact and notify dentists , many of these events would never take place . Non-members don ’ t see all of the efforts of organized dentistry because they are not part of the system . Frankly , many members are oblivious to the efforts of organized dentistry as well .
What I am proposing is a massive grassroots effort to show non-members the power of membership . Gone are the days of sending letters and postcards . Each member should have a new task to convince a non-member to join . Explain to them why we need their support . Explain that there are so many behind-the- scenes benefits that they just don ’ t get . Having a non-member respond with , “ Well , I ’ m not a joiner ,” or “ I don ' t have time to go to meeting ” is simply a starting point for one of us to say , “ Listen , I ’ m not stupid and I think membership is great . I can ’ t imagine not having the ADA or the PDA .” We are going to have to hold their hand through the entire process . Look at the success of marketing giants like Amway and Mary Kay . They promote personal contact . Making sales to friends and family are the easiest , low hanging fruit . We need to do the same . Younger dentists are social , just different from previous generations . We need to capture their connections and promote it . My challenge to all of you is to find a way to make a connection with someone that leads to a new member joining . Don ’ t sit around and wait for it to happen or you may find one day that the organization that cared for you has died !
Carpe Diem .
P . S . MH you may be missed , but you won ’ t be forgotten .
— BRT
6 J A N / F E B 2 0 1 4 | P E N N S Y LVA N I A D E N TA L J O U R N A L