Making It Personal
Purpose
Help Membership Officers and volunteers create more meaningful, human connections with members through personalized communication and outreach.
Personalization increases engagement, reduces barriers, and helps members feel seen and valued.
Guiding Principle
People respond to people — not systems.
Even small personal touches can make a significant difference in how members experience the group.
What “Making It Personal” Means
Personalization does not mean writing something completely unique every time.
It means adding small, thoughtful details that show:
- You see the individual
- You are paying attention
- You are inviting — not broadcasting
What This Looks Like in Practice
- Use the member’s name naturally
- Reference their location or area
- Mention a specific event or opportunity
- Offer a simple, clear next step
- Keep the tone conversational and human
Examples
Less Personal
Hi,
Welcome to Mensa. Here is a list of upcoming events. 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
- Initial Welcome Messages
- First event invitations
- Follow-up communication
- Reaching out to remote members
- Responding to member questions
These moments shape how members perceive the group.
Practical Ways to Personalize
Start with a Template, Then Adapt
Templates save time — personalization makes them effective.
- Add one or two custom sentences
- Remove anything that doesn’t apply
- Adjust tone to feel natural
See:
Offer a Specific Connection
Instead of:
- “Here are our events”
Try:
- “I’ll be at [event] — happy to meet you there”
- “This event might be a good fit if you enjoy [interest]”
Keep It Short
Personal does not mean long.
- 2–4 sentences is often enough
- Focus on clarity and warmth
Use the Right Channel
Different methods can feel more or less personal:
- Phone or in-person → most personal
- Email → effective and scalable
- Text → useful for coordination or follow-up
Choose based on context and comfort.
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
Key Takeaway
You don’t need to write perfect messages.
A small, genuine personal touch is often enough to make someone feel welcome and included.