- Introduction
- Mission Statement
- Section 1 - Initial Contact
- Section 2 - Appeal to Need
- Section 3 - The Follow-Up
- Conclusion
- Appendix A - Etiquette
The Rebel Squadrons Recruiting Manual contains strategies and guidelines suggested by the Office of External Affairs in regards to promoting the battlegroup's presence and reputation. Created to give the Republic recruiter every possible advantage to market the RS, the manual will continue to be updated as needed to ensure the quality of work remains effective. If anyone would like to make an addition to this manual, feel free to e-mail the OEA with your submission.
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The Rebel Squadrons has been many times referred to as a home - a place where Star Wars fans congregate into a community of honor, integrity, equanimity and respect not only for others but also for the fantastic world of adventure created by George Lucas. However, even like our own homes apart from the group, people can and may leave whenever the time calls. Therefore, it should be the duty of every member of the RS to invite others to join our team to ensure that our potential and productivity never falters. In turn, newer recruits to the RS family may also realize and participate in our strive to help develop and nurture every member's personal success through creativity, service and leadership. We, at the Office of External Affairs, hope that this manual may serve to guide every member in their recruiting efforts to bolster the standings and character of our fine organization.
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III. Section 1 - Initial Contact
The Initial Contact is the most important step in recruiting process. Like the old adage warns, the first impression is the best. So, as a rule of thumb, recruiters should make their opening communication the most impressionable. Of course, the message should be clear of what the promoter is offering. At the same time, the enlistment note should not be overly pushy nor imply a service or reward we cannot provide for joining.
Basically, the Initial Contact should catch the attention of the potential recruit while giving them the clear understanding of who the Rebel Squadrons is and how we may be of some benefit to their lives. Because everything happens for a reason, people will join for all sorts of reason. Just keep in mind that the primary cause for enlisting is to have fun!
To give an example, one may try to send a simple e-mail to a friend by starting off in the Subject field with a promising title such as "Looking for a little more adventure?" or "Interest in joining one of top Star Wars Gaming Clubs?" Giving the reader some provocative header will entice them to read our message instead of just ignoring or deleting our communiqué along with their usual junk mail. Naturally, an equally intriguing promotional letter should also follow the title.
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IV. Section 2 - Appeal to Need
Through experience, the most effective recruitment letter should try to give the reader an inclination that there is a need to join the Rebel Squadrons. Because everyone realizes that time is precious, the appeal to necessity will ease the recruit into the understanding that being a member of the RS is not a waste. Furthermore, the idea is to offer the potential recruit that the RS can also be personally beneficial.
As well, the promotional message should resemble a sales contact by offering the possible enlistee an overview of highlights regarding our club. For instance, one could list the games supported or the excitement of multiplayer tournaments that are offered. Inviting gamers a chance to expand their software through online participation allows the reader to not only value their purchase but to extend the games' use. A marketing pitch spiced by the appeal to need can further the success rate of the recruiting process.
Do not neglect the fact that a recruiting letter needs to emphasize that the Rebel Squadrons is primarily for entertainment as well as educational purposes. Though, the sales tilt is essential to grabbing the Star Wars fan's attention often the message ends up resembling a simple advertisement and may delineate from the club's primary objectives as a community. Ensure that the message sent out does not identify the RS as a plain gamer's clan. After all, the Rebel Squadrons strives to be a leader in the Star Wars community.
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After the initial contact with a possible enlistee, a follow-up must be made to ensure that our guest has been given ample respect and interest. The impression they receive is that our club is not concerned with only the quantity of its members but the quality that we provide. So a reply guarantees a favorable standing with the interested recruit and permeates the notion that the Rebel Squadrons was created by the Star Wars fan for the Star Wars fan.
Often, people end up treating their lives with so much carelessness that the carefree spirit results in being replaced by remorse or disappointment. A follow-up message should impress upon the potential recruit that we are serious about having them join our team because we want them to know they can have fun and learn about the creativity, service and leadership skill we can help develop. When a club can offer entertainment and self-improvement along with friendship and belonging, then the recruit wins. In either case, the organization improves through numbers and reputation while the enlistee is given a new adventure and reasons to participate.
Of course, like the initial contact, the follow-up message should not be overly pushy. The idea is to introduce the recruit to the principles of the Rebel Squadrons' H.I.E.R. philosophy through the reply and not to commercialize the organization. Remember to respect the enlistee while trying to recruit him or her, even if they end up not joining. A follow-up letter allows us to reiterate the ideals we stand for through the recruiting process.
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The Rebel Squadrons has always served as a place to call home and to learn by its members. We, at the Office of External Affairs, hope that this manual may assist the recruiter in effectively promoting the organization so that others may also call the RS its own. In turn, the numbers received into group will boost the standings and reputation of the club thereby giving both parties favorable results. Through successful marketing, the Rebel Squadrons can continue to work to be a leader in the Star Wars community. But never forget, the group is all about having fun.
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When recruiting, just remember to keep in mind the H.I.E.R. philosophy the Rebel Squadrons has founded and supports. So to help the recruiter in staying within the guidelines set forth by the group, here is a brief overview of promoting etiquette.
- Always remain respectful and conscious of the possible recruit; do not overstep any boundaries. Gaining their trust is to gain a new friend whether or not they join. They may decide to enlist later anyway.
- Be persuasive and concise; allow the enlistee to know who the Rebel Squadrons is while promoting the group about what we offer.
- Do not make any promises that cannot be met.
- Follow through with the recruits contacted. Guide them personally to the right division and authority to speak with to so that they are placed quickly and correctly into the appropriate courses in the Academy.
- Lastly, always remember as a member of the Rebel Squadrons act accordingly to principles of H.I.E.R.
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