Member Services

A Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker

By Melody Benjamin

Recently I went with a member to visit with a couple of businesses from which he purchases input items for his ranch. He told me they need to be Nebraska Cattlemen members, but he was unsure how to approach them. At both places he introduced me and told them we were there to talk with them about a supporting membership with Nebraska Cattlemen. He explained that I was there to answer any questions they might have that he could not answer.

The first question was “How much is it?” The second was, “Who do I make the check out to?” The third question was, “Why didn’t you ask me before?” 

I could easily answer the first two questions but the third one stumped me. Why had he not been asked before?

Supporting memberships cannot be recruited very well by staff; members need to do this recruiting. If you are writing a check to a business, they are making their living off your business. Most of these business people are willing to support your trade organization, Nebraska Cattlemen. But you have to ask.

As you sit down to pay your bills this month, make a list of those businesses to which you write a check and then contact them about an NC membership. Supporting memberships count toward Top Hand rebates, so as we wrap up the membership year, you could be eligible for cash back on those businesses you sign up.

If you prefer, NC staff can provide you with an insert for your bill that has the membership application on one side and a note reminding the business that this bill is paid for by money generated in the Nebraska beef industry. The drawback of the insert is that many times an accounting clerk is the only one who sees it, so contacting the manager or owner is still the best method.

Where do your checks go? The feed store, the veterinarian, the REA, the co-op, the bulk fuel company, the well service, the equipment dealer, the auto parts store, the meat processing plant, the trucking company, the hardware store and the automobile dealership all got a check from me this month. All of them are members. How about the companies you do business with? And don’t forget your bank and the sale barn.

The next time one of your vendors asks, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” don’t let it slide. Ask them to support your organization, Nebraska Cattlemen.  Y  Melody Benjamin is NC’s vice president of member services.