YPM Groups – Step 1: Recruit Your Group
In previous posts, I discussed:
-
Young Professional Men (YPM) Foundation Principles:
- What is a YPM Group and Why Would I Need One? (http://andrewparkes.me/2009/06/26/what-is-a-ypm-group-and-why-would-i-need-one/)
Today, I will focus on how to recruit your YPM group in 6 steps:
(Adapted from Keith Ferrazzi’s excellent book, ‘Who’s Got Your Back?’ )
1. Brainstorm.
Come up with a list of potential members. Ultimately you want 3-6 people in your group, but not everyone will take you up on the offer, so don’t limit yourself in the brainstorming stage.
You’re looking for 3-6 members who are:
- People you respect and admire and wouldn’t want to let down.
- People who will truly hold you accountable and ensure that you respect your core values.
- People who share your level of commitment and ambition
- Highly motivated people who are ready to roll up their sleeves.
- Goal-oriented people—even if they haven’t yet articulated their own goals.
- People with a positive attitude, no matter what their field of expertise.
- Empathetic listeners, who tend to repeat what you have said in a way that makes it clear they “get it”
- People with diverse backgrounds, for a variety of viewpoints.
Ask yourself:
- Is the person willing to speak candidly to you? Does he have the courage to tell you the truths you need to hear? Will he allow you to be candid with him in return?
- Is he able to be open and vulnerable with you? Is he understanding about your fears and struggles?
- Is he ready to hold you accountable to help you achieve your goals, and overcome the behaviors that are holding you back? Will he let you do the same for him?
- Is he generous to you and others? Is he generous enough to let you help him?
2. Reach out.
Send your potential recruits (whether you’ve identified one or twelve) a casual email or give them a quick call – whatever feels right to your relationship – to feel out whether they’re interested.
The email might look like this:
I’m putting together a peer support group of Young Male Professionals to make a big push toward accomplishing some major career and personal goals. The idea is that as a team, we can get further faster by giving each other feedback, supporting each other, and holding each other accountable to progress. The goal is to become a group who’s deeply committed to not letting each other fail.
We’ll be meeting biweekly for at least the next three months. If you’re interested in hearing more, give me a call!
Don’t be offended if guys you contact say no! You’re asking for a big commitment and not everyone will be at a moment where they want to pursue their success with such focus and commitment.
3. Follow up.
If they express interest, have a phone call to:
- Tell them more about the idea behind and need for the group
- Talk about your personal goals and theirs
- Talk about the time commitment they could make:
- Meetings should run two hours, but will they be weekly, biweekly, or monthly?
Ooverstate, not understate, the commitment. Tell them not to decide now… take a couple days to think about it first.
4. Once you’ve invited everyone to your group, get everyone’s input on:
- When to meet (ask everyone for three weekly 2-hour windows of availability)
- Where to meet (anywhere can work, as long as it’s quiet, comfortable and convenient to all, and reasonably private)
- The names of other potential members, if you need more
5. Confirm the time and place with an e-mail to all group members.
6. Surrender your crown.
Once you’ve got your team onboard and aligned around a first meeting date and place, it’s time for you to step down as leader. Everyone has equal ownership of the group. Congratulations and get set for your first meeting!
Stay tuned… tomorrow I will post a suggested agenda for your first group meeting. Get to work on recruiting your group!
