I think the deciding factor in whether a new member makes it out to their first meeting and subsequent meetings has to do with the ever important first impressions they receive when learning about your group.

It's those first points of contact that solidify a relationship in the early stages in business and personal life and running a user group is no different.

Impression points to be aware of:

• Your user group blog: is it updated regularly? Is there recent content?

• Your 1^st email: did you reassure them this is a valuable use of their time and address what’s in it for them?

• Their first discussion with you – did you ask questions about them and take time to find out why they came out?

• Their first meeting: did you greet them at the door and take time to speak with them afterwards?

The key is simple: focus on them and what they can get out of it. Reassure them, ask questions, listen and show you’re there to be a resource to them. Members are like customers (and in many case become customers!) if you treat them well and provide value they will keep coming back for more.

And now for the "why." Why do should you care about new members so much? They are the lifeblood of the group. New members = new ideas, experiences, contacts, contexts and more. They keep your momentum going and keep it interesting. Running the group can be a lot of work but it continues to be interesting as long as you have a stream a new members trickling in. Make lasting first impressions and they'll keep coming through the door.