Making Clubs Work : A practical guide to creating successful clubs, societies and other membership organisations

As anyone knows who has tried to organise any sort of group, from a book club to the National Trust, from a scout troop to a business networking group, it is an enterprise fraught with challenges – acquiring members, involving members, retaining members, keeping the organisation focused, functioning and vibrant – none of this is easy. Brad Parkes has been involved with membership organisations at the highest levels for a number of years, and has developed a number of tried and tested strategies and approaches which, when applied, will help any membership organisation to flourish. A skilled and much sought-after speaker, Brad presents his ideas in a lively and attractive way, using a threefold approach – through the story of a young man, Billy, just starting out on his career, his boss and mentor Alex, and a cafe called Archie's; through case studies and real-life examples; and, finally, through suggestions, hints and tips to apply in order to a membership organisation successfully. It is Brad's great belief that membership organisations play an incalculably valuable role in providing individuals with a sense of belonging, a place and a purpose, and that, in today's increasingly fragmented society, it is crucial that membership organisations of all sorts and sizes survive and thrive.