Making Guests Feel Special – The Rotary Way
One of the best parts of being a Rotarian is the chance to share the joy of fellowship and service with others. Every time a guest walks through the doors of a South Tyler Rotary Club meeting, it’s an opportunity to make them feel welcome, valued, and inspired to return.
From the very beginning, a warm greeting sets the tone. When a guest arrives, be the first to say “We’re glad you’re here!” Take a moment to explain how the meeting will flow, invite them to sit with you, and make sure they know where to get lunch. Don’t forget to gather their contact information or business card so we can stay connected after the meeting.
Hospitality doesn’t end when the bell rings. After the meeting, connect with the guest personally—invite them back next week, let them know we’d love for them to become a member, and share opportunities to engage right away. That could mean joining us for our next social, participating in an upcoming service project, or even meeting for coffee or lunch to answer any Rotary questions. Be sure to direct them to our website where they can sign up for the club newsletter and learn more about what we do.
As hosts, we should also keep in mind the silent questions every guest is asking themselves:
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Do people seem glad I’m here?
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Is the meeting room comfortable?
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Is the meeting well-run?
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Are there people in this group that are like me?
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Does the group feel welcoming or too much like a clique?
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Is this a good use of my time?
And perhaps most importantly, they’re wondering:
Let’s be intentional about answering those questions—both through our actions and through conversations. A personal invitation to return, to get involved, and to consider membership can make all the difference.
At South Tyler Rotary Club, we believe that every guest could be our next great Rotarian. Let’s make sure they leave knowing just how much we would love for them to join us on the journey of Service Above Self.
