Here's what I'd suggest we do to increase the takings versus cost ratio. 1) Provide a better supper, and charge more for it. Maybe even to the point of commissioning a person or firm to provide something.
2) Increase the door donation. Is going to a meeting plus a nice little supper worth $5? By nice little supper I mean a savory of some sort, a cake and a cup of real coffee or tea. A response to this idea is openly canvassed. Please let me know - off list if you wish. 3) Advertise off the list. However display advertising in the Press is an extremely expensive lark, and in my experience it provides a pretty minimal return. i.e. imho it's an utter waste of money for small organisations. OK if you are a sizable business and have the budget to have a regular spot in the paper. That works, but small, intermittent ads. just don't even touch the surface. The population is bombarded with advertising to such a degree that we have all become almost completely desensitized. 4) Make sure the speakers can speak to an audience. Now I know that Guru-Geeks are not, by and large, into Oratory, but If you are going to give a talk to a hall full of people you have to speak in such a way and volume that the people in the back of the hall can hear what you say. Toastmasters can help if you want to become a better speaker. Finally I suppose we should think consider pretty carefully whether there is still a need for meetings at all. -- Sincerely etc. Christopher Sawtell
