Benvenuti amici!
As most of our readers know, by now, we are based in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Although not the state capital, Milwaukee a/k/a Città Crema a/k/a Cream City a/k/a Brew City a/k/a Mil-Town is the largest and arguably the most culturally diverse city in Wisconsin. But, situated as it is in the northern part of the country, Milwaukee is cold, snow-covered & salted throughout most of the winter months. So, what driving/car enthusiasts refer to as 'driving season' is usually clearly distinguishable.
Driving season, weather permitting, begins in April and ends in September or October. What this means is many enthusiasts/collectors tuck their prized rides away during the months temperatures, weather & road conditions could potentially cause permanent damage. For a car club, the number of active members coming together decreases severely until the Spring Thaw is underway. So, how does one maintain or grow active membership numbers with this known end to favorable driving conditions?
The growing part is easy… Active Recruiting. Have a plan in place for reaching out to new owners of vintage and/or contemporary coaches. Okay. That's settled. What of maintaining ones current group? How does one keep the fire burning in near, at or below freezing temps?
There are many schools of thought on what one need do to keep a car club going during the off-season. To be sure, there are many well-established institutions (auto magazines, petrol head cable shows & internet programs, online auto communities, national Auto Show tour) to support the automobile industry and fans. But I've heard/seen little on what one need do to keep a Driving Social Club… well... social when a long, leisurely drive really isn't an option. Before we cruise in the direction of that subject, let's define what these clubs are.
Driving Socials, while most certainly drawn to specific coach builders & designers ~ as are the vast majority of other car clubs, are centrally focused on human relationships/interactions (supporting your brand/model at a local motorsport event, enjoying winery, museum and/or gallery tours, invading festivals, attending concerts, Cars & Coffee, Guidare e Gelato, taking in a movie or gathering to share a nice meal, etc.).
Now, with that definition of the way, let's face it. Mother Nature will have her way. We have no say in sun, rain, sleet or snow in the forecast. We have only to plan accordingly. Careful planning is exactly what it takes to keep the Driving Social vibe going strong, regardless of the conditions.
Here is a list of propositions:
1) Your club Facebook page... Keep things light & fun. Keep your readership coming back for more.
2) Plan activities daily drivers and car enthusiasts can enjoy. One hurdle I never expected to run into is Famiglia members feeling they aren't invited to attend gatherings in any other car but a FIAT. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes… it's true… we are a FIAT club. But I'd like to think we are becoming a group of friends. Not everyone I know is a FIAT aficionado. But everyone I know likes to have F-U-N.
Whatever you plan for your group, remember to consider what you want most out of the experience. Your choices should support/feed the vibe you promote during the driving season.
3) Visits to your local Studio and/or club partners. This activity can easily be extended to recruiting new partners. That frees up the driving season for… wait for it… driving.
Seasons change, but the importance of making the most of every moment above ground never waivers. Start planning opportunities for good times now. The next opportunity for social F-U-N is waiting to be exploited.
Ciao!
@
Driving Season = Yes
Driving Season = Not
Driving season, weather permitting, begins in April and ends in September or October. What this means is many enthusiasts/collectors tuck their prized rides away during the months temperatures, weather & road conditions could potentially cause permanent damage. For a car club, the number of active members coming together decreases severely until the Spring Thaw is underway. So, how does one maintain or grow active membership numbers with this known end to favorable driving conditions?
The growing part is easy… Active Recruiting. Have a plan in place for reaching out to new owners of vintage and/or contemporary coaches. Okay. That's settled. What of maintaining ones current group? How does one keep the fire burning in near, at or below freezing temps?
FIAT Famiglia F-U-N
There are many schools of thought on what one need do to keep a car club going during the off-season. To be sure, there are many well-established institutions (auto magazines, petrol head cable shows & internet programs, online auto communities, national Auto Show tour) to support the automobile industry and fans. But I've heard/seen little on what one need do to keep a Driving Social Club… well... social when a long, leisurely drive really isn't an option. Before we cruise in the direction of that subject, let's define what these clubs are.
Driving Socials, while most certainly drawn to specific coach builders & designers ~ as are the vast majority of other car clubs, are centrally focused on human relationships/interactions (supporting your brand/model at a local motorsport event, enjoying winery, museum and/or gallery tours, invading festivals, attending concerts, Cars & Coffee, Guidare e Gelato, taking in a movie or gathering to share a nice meal, etc.).
Just another day in the life of FIAT aficionados
Now, with that definition of the way, let's face it. Mother Nature will have her way. We have no say in sun, rain, sleet or snow in the forecast. We have only to plan accordingly. Careful planning is exactly what it takes to keep the Driving Social vibe going strong, regardless of the conditions.
Here is a list of propositions:
1) Your club Facebook page... Keep things light & fun. Keep your readership coming back for more.
- Hold themed photo contests on your page ~ Get people involved
- Post photos to hype your 'followers' up for the upcoming season
- From time-to-time, announce when new 'followers' and/or members
2) Plan activities daily drivers and car enthusiasts can enjoy. One hurdle I never expected to run into is Famiglia members feeling they aren't invited to attend gatherings in any other car but a FIAT. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes… it's true… we are a FIAT club. But I'd like to think we are becoming a group of friends. Not everyone I know is a FIAT aficionado. But everyone I know likes to have F-U-N.
- Indoor miniature golf course
- Ping-Pong/Table Tennis bar/cafe
- Taking in a film or two as a group
- Local museum and/or historic site tours
- Sports Bar/Cafe/Social Club (Formula 1 & other sports)
- Meeting for a cozy lunch or dinner at a local eatery or member homes
- 'Special' club meetings used to plan the upcoming driving season activities… use be sure to include something F-U-N
Whatever you plan for your group, remember to consider what you want most out of the experience. Your choices should support/feed the vibe you promote during the driving season.
3) Visits to your local Studio and/or club partners. This activity can easily be extended to recruiting new partners. That frees up the driving season for… wait for it… driving.
- Have an agenda. Drop in as a small group… just to say 'Hi'. This presents opportunities to build rewarding relationships with your Sales & Service team while checking out new products. If you're visiting a partner, such as a local eatery, it provides the opportunity to give back.
- Ask whether you can keep cars/flyers at the establishment. Make it easy for your Studio and/or partners to support your efforts.
- At the Studio, ask the Studio manager whether there is anything you can to support their efforts… like supplying them with brand-related materials (books, magazines, etc.).
Seasons change, but the importance of making the most of every moment above ground never waivers. Start planning opportunities for good times now. The next opportunity for social F-U-N is waiting to be exploited.
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
@
