In a previous discussion in our Chamber Professionals Group on Facebook, a member asked about Christmas gifts for board members.
This time, someone asked about gifts for outgoing board members. You’ll note my advice is very different for these two occasions.
My take is that you want people in the community to know how prestigious it is to be on the board of directors of the local chamber of commerce.
It is the height of recognition and success in your community and you get that by treating your board members as if they are superstars, as if you are so lucky to have them that you almost have to pinch yourself. These astounding, successful, prestigious, A-list on the social circuit people are on your board! People like that deserve a public recognition at the end of their term.
Awards Honor Service and Bestow Prestige
Out-going board members deserve a plaque, or a clock, or some kind of a gift that they can put on their desk or on their wall. That way when other people from the community are in their office, they can be reminded of their service. “Wow. You were on the board of directors of the chamber? Very nice.”
It’s very impressive. There’s a lot of credibility and authority there, which I talk about in the book 7 Secret Laws of Society.
You want your community to perceive your chamber as the most prestigious organization in the region. The board members, therefore, are the most prestigious board members of any organization in the region. They need to be celebrated.
It’s not very expensive and recognition needs to be done publicly. Take a picture of your board member with the gift/trophy/plaque/award of service and post it to Facebook, thanking them and recognizing their service. Laud them. Bestow your approbation.
Make them feel like celebrities because that’s what they are due to the fact that your organization is the most special one in the community.
Do this consistently and you will have a waiting list of potential board members. Treat your board members like they are a burden to you and you will find slim pickens when looking for top talent.
