NAWBO Chicago : Membership

Project Summary:

NAWBO Chicago looked to Big Buzz Idea Group for help with growth and retention, as well as the best way to differentiate its value for members. The organization wanted to communicate that it offers an “experience” beyond any standard membership. Working closely with the NAWBO Chicago membership committee, Big Buzz Idea Group created a member onboarding process. As a part of that, Big Buzz created new member welcome kits—physically mailing gifts and information to delight members and provide an introduction to the organization and its benefits.

Project Results:

In three years of working with Big Buzz Idea Group, NAWBO Chicago has seen a 42 percent increase in membership. Previously in the top five nationally, NAWBO Chicago is now the largest NAWBO chapter in the country and has maintained that position throughout 2020-2021. Big Buzz isn’t stopping there: The goal is to double membership by 2024 with a focus on a more diverse range of industries, members, speakers and sponsors. 

In building and executing NAWBO Chicago’s onboarding process, Big Buzz has helped welcome and integrate new members into the organization’s community. Because of Big Buzz’s ongoing work, board members are consistently up-to-date on the status of membership renewals and follow-ups and have access to a comprehensive reference document that outlines the full value of membership. These pieces help the board build connections with members and increase member engagement.

Testimonial:

“[Big Buzz does] a really good job of staying on top of members who are expiring or are coming up for renewal or new members—making sure everyone on the board knows who’s been on-boarded or who needs an introductory phone call or email. Big Buzz tracks that for us, and I think it helps us [board members] to stay better connected, not only to individual members but to what’s happening from a membership perspective.”

Taneka Tucker

Board Member