How did you get your group to grow, and how do you keep your members active?
Dave Ramsey is a money guru who teaches people how to get out of debt and save for the future. So logically the Dave Ramsey Fan's group is where moms can get together and share their joy and frustration as they follow the Dave Ramsey plan.
Since we're all striving to be better off financially having an active group isn't very hard. There's always someone to give you a recipe or cheap meal ideas. We've even got volunteers that can help members with their budgets.
I'll admit that some of our members have stumbled upon our group by accident. Yet a lot of them stay. Everyone can use a little motivation when it comes to money management.
We
also rely on word of mouth to help our group grow. We've had members
write journals about their journey to becoming debt free. A lot of our
members have tickers showing how much they have paid off, or Debt free
siggies. I imagine that non group members see these things and think,
"Hey I could do that too" or "I wonder how they did that" and then they
join.
How long have you been a group owner, and what made you want to start your group?
I
wasn't the original group owner. But I searched out the group after
hearing so much about this Dave Ramsey guy in other money groups. It is
nice to have other people out there that understand what it means to be
"gazelle intense" (another way of saying be focused) or "I'm on 'Baby
step number two' " (pay off all debt except the mortgage.)
What are your top three tips for someone just starting a group?
Once you have a few members and your getting to know them start asking for volunteers to help with certain things. You can't do it all. And you don't have to make all of them admins. But ask for help. It gets the members more involved, and it gives you a small break.
Let the conversations flow. Their are small tangents to every group. Our group may be focused on personal finances, but that can lead into other conversations. It's okay for people to write things that are slightly off topic.
Show
your appreciation. If questions get answered and problems resolved
without you being there, thank the person (or people) involved in fixing
it. Again they may not be admins, but just tell them that you noticed
and that you're grateful for the help.
What do you think your members take away from their group experience while they are a part of your group?
Motivation,
inspiration, support, and as always the, "you're not alone" replies. We
understand when people fall of the wagon, especially with the whole
getting out of debt thing. Most of us have been there done that. But
instead of letting members sit on the side lines, we encourage members
to get back up and keep trying. It also helps that we have members in
our group that have made it out on the other side. Sometimes the grass
really is greener over there.
Anything else you would like to share with us?
Come join us! You don't have to be a Dave Ramsey fan to find helpful information in our group. We've got members that can help you with a menu plan, budget, a cheap birthday party. Even just a money vent. We're there for you :)
This is a truly amazing group of women. It's one of the few places on CM I have really seen people who are completely non-judgemental! No matter if you're coming in completely broke and up to your neck in debt or debt free and living the dream there is always someone to offer a kind word, advice or encouragement!!
Need some **Time Out for You** ?
- Cafe Amber
on Sep. 29, 2010 at 8:49 PM