As we near membership renewal for many of our members, it is a great time to share some tips and tricks for unlocking the best ROI for any group memberships. This can be personal, professional, or a mix of both.
Think about the stereotypical January 2nd gym membership purchase. We go in with the best intentions and thoughts of becoming better at something along the way. Some time goes by, and the auto charges continue, but you haven’t gone more than a handful of times! If you are not using your membership- LEAVE IT! Deciding that something doesn't work for you does not make you a bad person.
And when you make that choice, it is the perfect time to assess what you really need. If they send a feedback form, the best thing you can do is take 5 minutes and complete it- and honestly. Not for them, but for YOU. This is how you can decide if you need other offerings, if you need more or less of anything, or if the schedule just didn’t match up. You can take this information with you the next time you are looking for a group, wondering “Is this the group for me??” and you can make better decisions before jumping in.

Joining a business group can be a strategic move to build connections, gain industry insights, and propel you forward, The value of networking and community engagement cannot be overstated. But how do you ensure your membership yields the best return on investment (ROI)? In this blog, we’ll explore real-time strategies to help you maximize the benefits of memberships. For the purpose of BOSSY, the rest of this blog will be focused on business-related groups, but these tips and tricks can be used for any group membership.
Return on Investment (ROI)
ROI, or Return on Investment, is a measure of the tangible and intangible benefits you gain compared to the costs of your membership. These benefits might include increased revenue from new business opportunities, enhanced skills through training, or the value of partnerships and collaborations that stem from group interactions and meeting new people.
While the monetary ROI is often the focus, don’t underestimate the importance of intangibles like brand visibility, professional development, access to exclusive industry insights, and belonging to a safe space where you can learn and grow.
Factors That Influence ROI
To ensure your membership pays off, consider these critical factors:
Alignment with Your Goals:
Choose groups that align with your industry, target audience, and objectives. Think about it like a Facebook group- is this something that makes sense? I am not joining the bass guitarist lessons on Mondays group.
For example, if your goal is to expand locally, think about regional chambers of commerce or networking groups. If you are in Irondequoit, you should not be looking at the Brighton Chamber. But if you want to expand past local, you need to join groups with connections that have a farther reach.
Cost vs. Value:
Evaluate not only the membership fee but also any additional expenses, such as event tickets or travel. Can these costs be offset? Can you trade for membership? Can you present and get tickets to the event included in your fee?
Look for perks like discounted services, free workshops, or promotional opportunities that can offset costs. Are there opportunities to share posts on socials, or share events and information on websites/blogs/podcasts/emails?
Time Commitment:
Effective participation requires time. Balance your involvement with other business priorities to ensure it’s sustainable. What does participation look like? Is it convenient? Can you control the timing and amount? And when you participate, how does it make you feel?
Engagement Level:
Passive membership rarely yields results. Active participation in events, committees, and discussions is key to unlocking the full potential of your membership. But be honest- only sign up for what you have time for! Back to that gym membership… You have to know yourself to get the most from things!
How to Maximize ROI: Set Clear Objectives
Define what you want to achieve before joining. Are you looking to generate leads, expand your professional network, or enhance your knowledge? Having clear goals allows you to focus your efforts and measure success. Does the group have a way for you to achieve those goals?
I will use BOSSY membership as an example. For BOSSY, our membership is $100. How can you get that money back many times over?

Utilize social media. Send us your posts and events to share on our public page and emails! Because we are a niche account, the followers are invested in supporting local women business owners. We have 739 people on our email list, with an average 46% open rate. Our IG has 2590 followers, and our FB has over 2,200 followers, mostly locals and all choosing to support local women-owned businesses!
Ask a question. Use the 11 years of information on the private group page and search the topic! Or ask it live- even anonymously if you aren’t comfortable sharing publicly. These women will gladly be honest with you and for FREE- just because they know what it means to be a small business owner.
Get referrals. Ask the group! The women who are BOSSes are not likely to refer someone who is not worth it. We won’t waste our time replying, or your time with someone that we had a negative experience with.
Host a BOSSY Hour or a co-work. Why? You get to showcase your business and what you do and pick the meeting topic. You will meet other women business owners and will feel the power of the hive mind. When you pose a topic or question to BOSSYs, each will likely share their own experience or questions on the topic, and you can gain invaluable insight.
Engage in the private FB group. Bounce ideas, look into other memberships and partnerships, share new marketing ideas, and ask ANYTHING. Someone has been there and the women that are in our group want to help other women succeed.
Teach others. Host a seminar and teach others what you are most knowledgeable about. Why? Make some side cash, of course, but also to make authentic connections, and showcase your expertise! Plus, it is a great opportunity to gain some content for your socials and website.
Use members as secret shoppers. This is one of my favorite under-utilized benefit. Give them event tickets or a gift card and have them share their experience with you. As business owners, we love a reason to get out, and we are not going to hold back on our feedback!
Overview of how to make the best of group membership:
Before joining any group: Research before you join. Take time to assess:
The group’s mission and focus.
The demographics of its members.
The quality and frequency of events and resources offered. Seek testimonials or talk to current members to gauge whether the group is a good fit for your needs. Ask to visit a meeting for free to assess the group.
Participate actively: Showing up is half the battle, but true success lies in active engagement:
Attend meetings, workshops, and networking events regularly. Put it on your calendar! Belonging to business groups is an integral part of your job- schedule it that way.
Regardless of the Group
Regardless of the group you belong to, USE IT before you lose it! Not every group is for every person- so make sure you are specific and intentional in 2025. Money is tight for many of us, so any group we belong to has to mean something to us. Successful businesses lead with intention, and networking with intention is the easiest marketing strategy there is. Niche groups lead to direct connections and growth. So get out there and engage with the money you are spending!
With love and support,
Kelly & Kelly
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