Gentlemen,
Your help in developing the subject is greatly appreciated. Having previously discussed a general overview of the subject, our next & initial major step is to develop a "blue sky" unconstrained laundry list of all the "objections" we have heard or perhaps used ourselves on why current, retired or former military are not interested in joining MOWW. These objection per se or combined are typically "showstoppers" for not joining MOWW. In addition, we will also develop a laundry list of "reasons for hesitation" for postponing or not joining MOWW, which are not necessarily "showstoppers" but may reflect prospects "sitting on the fence" or those who just don't know how to say "NO!".
To save meeting time and as a catalyst for added thinking and edits as discussed previously, I have put together the attached illustrative "filling in the blanks" of "objections/ hesitations" with brief "examples" as well as associated preliminary "neutralization points". Do not view the attached as "cemented in stone" but as a more detailed framework for discussion/ brainstorming for plug in/ plug out editing on the theory that is always easier to react and expand "something" rather than starting from a blank sheet of paper or "white board". So please put on your "thinking caps" and be prepared on this Wednesday PM to add your edits and thoughts to the attached "objections/ hesitations" laundry lists. In subsequent task force sessions, we will shall develop a wide ranging laundry list of MOWW "benefits" and eventually turns this elements of the long range MOWW recruitment plan into recruitment "gauges" for up to half dozen military officer prospect segments such as:
- Active duty,
- Relatively recently released from active duty & single or married with no kids
- Relatively recently released from active duty & married with young kids
- Mid civilian career & married (i.e. late 30 up to age 50) with kids (probably teens or in college)
- Peak civilian career & married (i.e. age 50+ to age 60+) probably empty nested
- Retired "old duffers" (aka "crusties") but young in spirit and hopefully looks and health
I would greatly appreciate if the subject task team members arrive at the usual meeting room at the USCG HQ @ 1545 to settled in & get the subject underway at 1600 so we can finish before the staff meeting at 1700 which in turn can then finish before 1800 for those who are members of the Wardroom Club. Any other MOWW members on the CC list that may be interested in the subject are also welcomed to join us at 1600 on 19 Feb.
Fair winds and following seas,
Paul
Paul E. Mawn
Captain USN (Ret.)
MOWW Marshall - with badge
p.s. When we finish all of the above, we will then shift our attention for a similar plan for the too many MOWW "ghosts" (i.e. those who joined MOWW at one point and may continue to pay dues but never show up at our delicious monthly luncheon meeting at the Ye Olde Union Oyster House).
