New Potential Members for a P2P Network
From P2P Foundation
Contents |
Introduction to New Potential Members for a P2P Network
What do newcomers want or need to know about a P2P Network the first time through? Your network may be more or less complicated or involved, but there are probably a few things that folks need to know, and a few more things that you might want to show them so they can see a bit of how you model what you preach and do.
Meeting Potential New Peers where they are
There is nothing like recruitment. There's a certain hope that all networks can grow to the extent that they are able to continue to serve the needs of the members. If they get too large, they can split or duplicate, and do so with the intention of interoperation, but reducing numbers in the immediate network of members so that everyone can stay as close as needed to each other.
If your network is inviting in new members, it might be for a number of reasons. No matter what, do your best to be clear about where your network is coming from, where you are going, and what is expected from new members. This can help potential new members get the clearest picture of what is happening.
Print Information
When you are publishing information about your network you could probably cover a few of the following areas, even briefly, to give potential new members a sense of what it is you do, how you do it, and what they can expect if they drop in or contact you to find out more. Some of these could of course be covered when they drop in, and in-person meetings can be a great time to explain by showing instead of telling.
- How the network was organized, and what the purpose is
- What an individual might hope to get by being a part of it
- What the individual will probably need to contribute in order to participate
- How the network agreement is made, and how governance functions operate
- What types of systems the network uses, and how someone might like those
- All the fun that can be had when everything goes well, which is most of the time
That might seem like a lot, but it can be done pretty simply and in a few short words. Try it out. Some folks say that a 30-second speech is all that's needed to start the most important relationships in our lives. Perhaps you can fit into that span or less.
Welcome Meeting
A meeting for potential new members is a great opportunity to show off what it is that you do, what you are not, and to show just how things get done in your group. It's a good idea that people get a chance to pick up printed information if they need it, perhaps get a few minutes to review and ask questions, but why not try and have some fun?
- Craft a situation or engagement that allows some of the folks to participate in a typical "day in the life"
- Find key elements of your network identity that will give visitors a chance to understand how you are going to go about what it is you do
- Invite them to be themselves and to have fun with the situation; hope they can do both at the same time!
If your goal for the meeting is true then you will probably want to make sure that folks see just how important it is that potential new members understand what it is that is happening in your network, and get a clear idea for themselves about whether they want to fit in.
Present Choices for Potential Members
If your network is clear about goals and outcomes, and knows that members make the decision for themselves about membership, then you can also keep in mind that they may be interested in something specific. They may be looking for your network to display something about how you are different from others, and particular, as opposed to being better, bigger, smaller, or more general. If your group wants to help members find a fit that's right for them, perhaps pointing out other solutions will be a good idea, too. In some cases your network may be more interested in making sure members make the right decision for themselves than choosing your network over others. That decision can save a lot of headaches in the long run.
Collect a list of networks that are just on one side or the other from you. Explain differences by playing with folks and making examples, when possible, without listing all the policy that makes you different and unique. This is especially the case when you get the novel chance to meet folks in person.
If you have a moment give those other networks a call. Make sure you understand who they serve and how things are going with them. Let them know you'd like to recommend them, ask how you can do a better job of it, and ask them to provide you with relevant materials if they prefer.
Special Circumstances
Is your network recruiting because you just split or are planning to do so soon? This is a great time to review a whole laundry list of needs that are important for new members, and to do so in a way that looks closely at the needs of current members as well.
Network Planned Split
Your network may be splitting for any number of reasons. A difference in direction or outcome by a significant portion of members may be one reason, or perhaps you have reached a capacity limit and it's time to build new capacity so some of the old members will pioneer a new and complementary network. Either way, if your network is splitting and the new network has a different purpose than the old, there's a great opportunity to revisit your network purpose, and to find ways to support members who may split off during a difficult time of transition.
Splits can also effect the color and feel of welcome meetings. Giving potential new members a clear understanding of how the split will effect them, and a picture of the unknown quantities you may be facing together is a fair way of introduction.
Planned Network Expansion
If your network is expanding new potential members may react positively or negatively to the opportunity. On the one hand, if they are being invited into the expansion, they may like the direction, align with the purpose, and associate with the pioneers who are moving along with it.
Others may place doubt on new and unknown territory, seek the safety of the old network, and could perhaps find a place in it.
Either way, it's a good idea to inform potential new members about the risks of either direction, and to invite them to consider them before making a decision.
Publicity
Publicize your network with care. Be clear about what you offer, and invite people for visits as long as you can pay them they attention they deserve as potential partners. Every person who touches your network can alter the fate of it, and publicity can touch an awful lot of people.
Clear communication means offering people the chance to make a choice to be part of what you are doing, in one way or another, time after time after time. The more times you offer and the more times you hear the word yes the more chance your network has of succeeding now and into the future.
Start small, be clear, and keep giving folks the chance to take what they have and walk away. The folks who should be in the room will be there at the end of the day.
