What will it take to get more M.R.A. members?
I'd like to see some suggestions from the new members of this website, as well as current and past members, on how to make our tournaments more attractive to fish.
Last year our paid membership was only 20 teams. What rule changes or new ideas would help get more of the many new website members to want to join the M.R.A. and fish the tournaments?
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Good question!
Good question!
I'd attribute the drop-off over the recent years to a combination of things: teams splitting up (sometime creating 2 teams but also zero), the economy certainly and painfully took its toll on many members who were forced to sell their boats not to mention alter their lives, some members choosing (again, as an economic decision) to fish just MRA or another electric league or just the "river tournaments" (our league often viewed as a stepping stone or a retreat) vs. both, high level of competition in our league, and finally the natural attrition from people moving, age or simply "having enough" of competitive fishing.
That said, i think you'll see a steady increase in membership. For those that cant commit to the MRA league and schedule for one reason or another, Rob has again planned the open (to the public) Weekday Warrior Tournaments as an alternative and exposure to local tournament bass fishing. The WW tournaments and this web site can be seen as a community service and way to attract new members.
FYI. There are about 100 REGISTERED users on our web site now. Only about 25% of those users are past or present MRA members. That tells you something. (And i'm talking about users subscribed with user IDs on our site. There are many times this in UNREGISTERED users that peruse our site - some quite regularly.) Further, though we've had A website since 1998, this latest revision about a year old now, much more functional and up with the times, is really in its infancy. Expect many more features, content and subscribed members. I hate saying just wait.. but ... just wait. i could always significantly increase traffic by exposing some of the 850 Hi-def digital photos i have of every inch of Prettyboy 30-45 ft. below full pool. :-) Side and down imaging are good, but not that good.
Go Fish Yourself! <'')))>< ...Respectfully.
Great post Rich.
Great post Rich.
I think what would help is some new sponsors. Every one likes more prize money and or prizes. We always have the same sponsors which are greatly appreciated of course. But I think if maybe a tackle shop or sporting goods store would get on board it would be win-win for both parties. When potential members see how our weigh-ins are conducted and the camaraderie of the fellow anglers, and of course the the trophies and prize money, if they like tournament fishing, the MRA is the way to go. As I have said before, I would fish with 10 teams or 50 teams , also I would fish trophies only, or increased prize money . I fish for the competition and camaraderie. I also think what Craig is doing with the Website is a major bonus for the MRA's exposure. Also with Rob's no nonsense approach for fish care helps to protect the MRA's future.
Excellent Question Rich,
Excellent Question Rich,
I think the website is a very strong support tool for conveying our goals as a club, and for giving prospective members a sense of the "personality" of the club. However, it takes human contact to build a rapport with a prospective new member. If all of us, as members, actively promote the MRA (and the web site) when we are talking to fellow anglers, we can have a powerful impact on club interest. The Open tournaments provide a great opportunity to meet prospective members and show them, face-to-face, that this is a very friendly and welcoming organization. Before, and after an Open tournament, we need to take the time to talk to the non-members who are participating in these events.
One of the things that kept me from joining MRA, until 3 years ago, was that I hadn't had much contact with MRA members prior to 4 years ago. I wasn't sure it was a club into with I would fit, because it seemed to be a closed club. No one seemed to be talking about it. We all seem to be in a hurry at the ramps. If our members would take the opportunity to simply talk to other anglers and share their experiences in the MRA, membership will grow.
As anyone who knows me will attest, I like to talk about fishing. Whether or not I know what I am talking about, is another question. I am certain of a couple of things. I have thoroughly enjoyed my past 3 years with the MRA, my fishing has improved as a result of membership, and I am greatly looking forward to the 2013 season. This really is a good club!
Natural attrition is a fact of life. This is why all businesses and clubs need to continually market themselves. A great web site is important. However, it is only important when people know about it. We can, and should, have 1,000 members on this web site. We need to talk-it-up!
Are the MRA tourneys being
Are the MRA tourneys being held on Saturdays again this year?
See http://www
See http://www.metroreservoiranglers.com/content/2013-season-update for 2013 Metro Reservoir Anglers Tournament Schedule(s).
Go Fish Yourself! <'')))>< ...Respectfully.
More...increasing Metro
More...increasing Metro Reservoir Anglers Membership
For tournaments/club membership:
1. I agree with Walt, face-to-face opportunties like at the boat ramps or on the water are the best great opportunities to promote the club. Sooo many times after talking to someone that i really wish i just had a bunch of MRA business cards simply with our logo and web site name to hand out. Of course, with a phone/smartphone you could get their email and send them our link.
2.)Establish a simple process for mid-year membership. Especially in years when team/tournament numbers are below the 40-50 or whatever boat/team max per lake, allow interested new members to join mid-year (when they are most interested) vs. waiting for the next years general meeting. The member/team would have to pay, upfront (as we do for the whole year) for all remaining tournaments by N number of days (TBD). Not that they would qualify anyway by points, but the team would not be entitled to fish the Tournament of Champions that year. There entry fee would go towards admin expenses or bulk up the TOC prize that year. I say that vs. recalculating the prize money for remaining regular season tournaments.
3. Promote and extend discounts to club members and even registered just registered web site users. MRA receives significant discounts on motors, batteries, and other equipment and supplies.
Go Fish Yourself! <'')))>< ...Respectfully.
Great ideas Craig! - Add to
Great ideas Craig! - Add to those - not have to pay for all tournaments up front - those who do not pay up front would pay ten or fifteen dollars more per tournament ,or, pay for all tournaments up front, but be allowed to get money back for a maximum of 2 tournaments, minus a share for the t.o.c. and expense money.
COME ON YOU 100 OR MORE REGISTERED WEBSITE USERS, WEIGH-IN WITH YOUR IDEAS! - COME TO THE ANNUAL MEETING IN FEB.
Rich
Rob, many people have many
Rob, many people have many different reasons about why they do/would fish tournaments. You make an excellent point about competing with a smaller number of teams that you TRUST vs. a large number of teams that you're "not so sure" about. Great point! I was just talking with another MRA member a couple of hours ago and in our conversation we discussed the 20 teams that we had in 2012 and we both agreed that every one of those teams were a compliment to the club. This is so important. There is absolutely no question that over the years MRA has been a standup club. Decisions throughout the years have always been made to benefit the club. I can tell you from personal experience that the "other" club(s) dont think this way. I say now to the people on this site, let's never forget that people are watching us even when we have no idea. Someone said earlier, how much of an impression it would make for the club if we just opened up in conversation with others at the ramp. It really does go a long way. We have ALL great guys in MRA and this club is going in the right direction. I believe over time (and soon) that if fisherman want to fish tournaments that MRA is where they will come. Who knows with the sad state of the economy how many fisherman our reservoirs will attract?
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