Recruiting Tips & Tools
1. Who is a prospective member?
- Friends who are interested in IFT
- Colleagues in food science professions
- Food industry professionals looking for career advancement
- Members of allied associations
- Non-members who attend Section meetings.
- Contact prospective members directly, or send the IFT Member Referral Program invitation e-mail. Sometimes just asking a colleague or friend to join is all it takes.
2. Know the benefits
Be familiar with the many benefits of IFT membership. From the latest food trend information to discounts on educational programming to opportunities for professional interaction, IFT is the catalyst for food science and technology professionals. IFT is your association, and who better to explain the benefits than you, one of our dedicated members. Download and print the IFT Membership Brochure (pdf) to hand out.
3. Use the Membership Referral Application
4. Show your enthusiasm
Show your enthusiasm by sharing first-hand accounts of how your membership in IFT has been a rewarding experience. Prospective members will be much more likely to join if they can relate to how you have benefited from membership.
5. Send them to ift.org
Show prospective members the value of IFT membership by sending them to ift.org. The website contains valuable information about IFT and our member benefits.
6. Follow-up
Following up with prospective members is just as important as your initial contact. Call them, e-mail them, send a letter, or drop by to see if they have sent in their IFT membership application and answer questions they may have.
7. Thank them
Send a handwritten note or e-mail thanking the prospective member for considering membership in IFT. The more contact they have with you, a current IFT member, the more likely they will be to join and stay involved!