It’s OK to BLATHER, Board Members!

Wow is this idea a hit with board members!

Here’s the deal – what I find is that board members don’t, repeat, don’t know what to say about their cause. This may come as a surprise to smart staff members, BUT it’s TRUE!

(If you don’t believe me, then ask one of your board members what they say to people about your organization.)

I’ll bet that maybe only two or three of your board members have any sense of how they want to share the story of their favorite organization to their friends and the rest of the world.

The problem is this:

Board members think they need to be able to recite the mission statement. Or the 3 main marketing points. Or the five reasons somebody might be interested in their cause. They make it too complicated. And they make it WAAAAY to formal.

And they forget all that stuff. They can’t remember what to say when they have a chance.

And when you ask them to tell the “story,” what do they do? They stiffen up, that’s what they do.

They become all about themselves, and what they are trying to say – and not about the person they are talking to. And their energy plummets. It dries right up into a little hard ball.

Are they engaging and enthusiastic? NO – they are nervous and dry.

SO HERE’S WHAT I SAY TO BOARD MEMBERS: IT’S OK TO BLATHER -

as long as you are totally enthusiastic, engaging, passionate and speaking authentically from your heart.

If board members can just remember that their energy and passion for the cause are what will engage people, then they just might be on fire sharing their story wherever they go!

They just might be a bit incoherent because they are so excited and enthusiastic.

Sure, I prefer a board member with a smooth, well-rehearsed pitch that is exactly right. But until I have them trained well enough, in the meantime I am happy if they are sharing their excited, passionate story over and over with anyone who will listen. Even if they blather.

Because the person who hears them will understand their authenticity and their commitment.

Like the lady on “When Harry Met Sally” who overheads Meg Ryan mimicing sex at the dinner table, they’ll say “I’ll have what she’s having.”

We all know that energy is contagious. And what I want is my board members out there spreading the good news about our cause.

Happily and enthusiastially.

Even if they blather. : )