Editing Member Contact Methods

{{Words of Wisdom
|wisdom=Use a mix of contact methods and adapt based on what works—personalization matters more than the method.

Members have different communication preferences, and flexibility improves effectiveness.
|success=* Members are reached through at least one method
* Outreach feels personal and welcoming
* Members respond in a way that works for them
* The approach is manageable and repeatable
|best=* Use more than one method when appropriate
* Keep outreach simple and personal
* Adjust based on what gets responses
* Respect member preferences and boundaries
* Focus on connection, not just completion
|pitfalls=* Relying on a single contact method
* Sending long generic or mass-style messages
* Over-contacting without response
* Avoiding follow-up after initial outreach
* Assuming preferences based on age or assumptions
}}
== Purpose ==
Provide guidance on selecting and using member contact methods effectively, recognizing that communication preferences vary.

== What This Means in Practice ==

* Start with one method, and follow up with another if needed  
* Personalization matters more than the specific method  
* Respect boundaries and responsiveness  
* Use the methods you can sustain consistently  
* Use member contact information only for legitimate Mensa purposes
* Respect requests regarding communication preferences

== Key Actions ==

=== Use a Mix of Contact Methods ===

No single approach will reach everyone:

* Some members appreciate postal mail
* Some prefer quick, informal contact (text or email)  
* Some respond best after multiple touchpoints  

Using more than one method—when appropriate—can improve response rates.

=== Prioritize Personalization ===

Regardless of method:

* Use the member’s name  
* Reference their membership or interests when possible  
* Keep messages short and genuine  

A simple, personal message is more effective than a longer, generic one.

See: [[Making It Personal]]

=== Matching the Method to the Situation ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Situation
! Possible Approach
|-
| New member welcome
| Postal mail, email, or phone
|-
| No response to initial contact
| Try a different contact method
|-
| Sharing resources or links
| Email
|-
| Quick reminder or check-in
| Text message
|-
| Complex conversation
| Phone or in-person discussion
|-
| No response after multiple attempts
| Pause outreach and try again at a later date
|}

== Contact Methods ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Method
! Strengths
! Considerations
! Best Used For
|-
| Postal Mail
|
* Stands out
* Personal
* Memorable
|
* Slower
* Cost involved
|
* New member welcomes
* Personal notes
|-
| Phone
|
* Highly personal
* Immediate interaction
|
* Many members do not answer unknown numbers
* Time intensive
|
* Follow-up conversations
* Complex questions
|-
| Email
|
* Easy to scale
* Allows detailed information
|
* Can be overlooked
* Easy to make feel impersonal
|
* Initial outreach
* Sharing resources
|-
| Text Message
|
* High visibility
* Quick responses
|
* Clearly identify yourself (Hi, this is <name> from <Local Group>)
* Keep brief
|
* Introductions
* Follow-ups
* Reminders
|-
| Social Media / Messaging Apps
|
* Convenient for ongoing interaction
|
* Not all members participate
|
* Continuing engagement
* Informal communication
|}

== Related ==
* [[Welcoming New Members]]
* [[Making It Personal]]