Making It Personal

Words of Wisdom

Personalization is not about creating unique communications for every member.

Small, thoughtful touches applied consistently help members feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

The goal is meaningful connection that can be sustained over time.

What Success Looks Like

New members are consistently welcomed
Messages feel human, even when templated
Communication is steady and reliable

Best Practices

Start with a template, then personalize lightly
Focus on high-impact interactions
Use information the member has voluntarily shared
Keep messages brief, warm, and conversational
Make personalization sustainable and repeatable

Common Pitfalls

Sending messages that feel automated or generic
Including too much information at once
Over-personalizing in a way that feels intrusive
Treating personalization as optional rather than essential

Purpose

Help Membership Officers create meaningful member connections through small, thoughtful personalization that help members feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

What It Looks Like in Practice

Personalization does not mean creating a unique message every time.

Start with a template, then make small adjustments that show:

You see the individual

You are paying attention

You are inviting rather than broadcasting

Examples include:

Adding one or two custom sentences

Referencing their location or area

Mentioning a specific event or opportunity

Removing information that does not apply

Adjusting the tone to feel natural

Examples

Less Personal

Hi,

Welcome to Mensa. Attached is information about our Local Group and upcoming activities. Let us know if you have questions.

More Personal

Hi [First Name],

Welcome to Mensa!

I’m [Your Name], and I help connect members in [Local Group]. I noticed you’re in [City/Area] — we have a few members nearby and occasional events in that area.

If you’re interested, I’d be happy to suggest a good first event or introduce you to a few people.

Glad you’re here!

Where Personalization Matters Most

Not every communication requires the same level of personalization. These moments shape how members perceive the group:

Situation	Why It Matters
Initial welcome messages	First impressions shape future engagement.
First event invitations	Members may need extra encouragement to attend for the first time.
Follow-up communication	Helps maintain connection and build familiarity.
Reaching out to remote members	Personal contact can reduce feelings of isolation.
Responding to member questions