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BoardRoom Excellence in Achievement Award

Celebrating Excellence: Strategic Club Solutions Wins Big at BoardRoom Awards

We are thrilled to announce that Strategic Club Solutions has once again been recognized for our outstanding contributions to the private club industry. For the fifth consecutive year, we have received the prestigious BoardRoom Excellence in Achievement Award in three key categories: Consulting Company, Branding & Communications, and Marketing Company. Our Winning Approach At Strategic...
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Goal Setting Redefined: Creating a Year of Intentional Progress

As 2024 closes, we’re inundated with the newest planners, questions about resolutions, and, potentially, dreams of how the new year will bring the best versions of ourselves. Let’s approach this differently this year. Instead of simply listing resolutions that fade by February, let’s commit to a more thoughtful and intentional process—one that embraces clarity, reflection,...
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Crafting a Winning Sales Approach for Private Club Memberships

The path to membership is not a one-size-fits-all journey. As we partner with clubs across the country to develop and implement robust membership marketing strategies and tactics, we often encounter two primary scenarios: Those we like to call The Active Seeker: Someone who has already decided they want to join a private club and reaches...
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Be a KEY Connector Leader – Key001: Distinguishing Between Employee Training and Employee Development

Being a leader, a Key Connector, means more than just overseeing training an employee on tasks; it’s about bridging the gap between individual aspirations and organizational goals. It’s the ability to inspire, guide, and equip your team with the tools they need to thrive professionally. Employee training and development are at the heart of this...
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Creating Memorable, Budget-Friendly Holiday Events

With the holiday season upon us, there’s an opportunity to create meaningful events that members will remember fondly. These event ideas are designed with creativity and inclusivity in mind, allowing city clubs, country clubs, and golf clubs alike to spread holiday cheer. Festive Family-Friendly Events Festive Family-Friendly Events Holiday Drive-In Movie NightTransform your club’s parking...
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Optimize Your New Manager’s Onboarding Experience with This 90-Day Success Checklist

At Strategic Club Solutions, we know the difference a well-prepared onboarding process can make for a new manager stepping into a private club environment. Whether you’re welcoming a new department head or an experienced general manager, effective onboarding sets the stage for a successful, engaged, and aligned leader. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive 90-Day...
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The Importance of Balance

General Managers juggle various responsibilities, from member satisfaction to financial oversight. While the demands are high, balance remains crucial. Achieving this balance helps General Managers maintain their well-being and sets a standard for their leadership teams to follow. A culture of well-being positively impacts engagement, creativity, and productivity, which are vital to the club’s success....
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Strategic Club Solutions Welcomes Joyce M. Halama, CCM as Principal Trainer & Club Consultant

We are excited to announce that Joyce M. Halama, CCM, an award-winning club trainer and consultant, is joining Strategic Club Solutions as our new Principal Trainer & Club Consultant. With over 30 years of experience in the private club industry, Joyce brings an extensive background that will further elevate the training and consulting services we...
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Effective Board Membership: ABlueprint for Engaged Stewardship

The role of a board member transcends traditional leadership, demanding a deep commitmentto stewardship. Being an effective board member requires an earnest dedication to preservingthe club’s legacy while steering it toward future success. This involves more than just attendingboard meetings; it’s about active engagement, understanding the business intricately, andchampioning positive changes that enhance the club’s...
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5 Proven Strategies for Member Retention in Private Clubs

Member retention is a critical aspect of maintaining a thriving club. Retaining members not only ensures a stable revenue stream but also fosters a vibrant and engaged community.  Here are five strategies to help you enhance member retention at your club: 1. Enhance the Member Journey Understanding and optimizing the member journey is crucial. From...
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Effective Board Membership: A Blueprint for Engaged Stewardship

The role of a board member transcends traditional leadership, demanding a deep commitmentto stewardship. Being an effective board member requires an earnest dedication to preservingthe club’s legacy while steering it toward future success. This involves more than just attendingboard meetings; it’s about active engagement, understanding the business intricately, andchampioning positive changes that enhance the club’s...
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How to Improve Communication Channels for Better Member Engagement

Effective communication is a cornerstone of member retention and engagement in private clubs. By diversifying your communication methods, you can ensure that members are consistently updated about club activities and news, fostering a sense of connection and value. Here’s how to improve your communication channels to keep your members informed and engaged: 1. Utilize NewslettersNewsletters...
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Retaining Seasonal Employees: A Strategic Asset for Private Clubs

In hospitality, seasonal employees are often seen as temporary fixtures. However, reimagining this workforce as a strategic asset can yield substantial benefits. Seasonal staff not only support peak periods but also bring fresh perspectives and energy, which can invigorate the service quality and member experience. More importantly, engaging and retaining top seasonal talent can reduce...
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More Than Just Onboarding: Shaping a Culture of Continuous Growth For Your Most Valuable Assets

The traditional approach to employee onboarding and training—often limited to the first week of employment—falls short in fostering a culture of continuous learning and engagement. As leaders in our industry, redefining the employee experience is imperative, turning it into a journey that extends far beyond the initial orientation period. We are in the people business,...
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Embracing Skills-Based Hiring in Private Club Management

The paradigm of hiring is undergoing a significant transformation in the hospitality industry. As we step into 2024, the focus has decisively shifted towards skills-based hiring—a method that values the practical abilities and knowledge of candidates over the prestige of their past employers. This approach not only champions diversity, equity, and inclusion by broadening the...
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Sympathetic vs Empathetic Leadership

In a hospitality environment, the distinctions between a sympathetic leader and an empathetic leader are crucial for fostering a positive and supportive team culture. While sympathetic leaders make employees feel heard, employees may not feel genuinely understood which can lead to a connection that’s shallow or transactional in nature. On the other hand, empathetic leaders go...
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The Golden Period: Mastering Governance in Booming Private Clubs

We’re seeing tremendous organizational growth and development in private clubs, many are thriving with robust finances and expanded membership lists. However, this golden period can inadvertently lead to a sense of overconfidence among stakeholders such as board members, committees, and management, potentially leading them to overstep their roles. The Importance of Clear Governance Clear governance...
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Bridging the Communication Gap: Engaging the Next Generation in Club Life

One of the most significant private club challenges today is effective communication with the younger generation. At Strategic Club Solutions, we are consistently seeing a need for diverse preferences in our clubs’ survey data. Unlike previous generations, where newsletters and bulletin boards were the norm, today’s young members seek convenience, immediacy, and a digital-first approach....
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Action Checklist for Clubs: Preparing to Engage the Next Generation

If you haven’t read Bridging the Communication Gap: Engaging the Next Generation in Club Life or 10 Most Critical “Must Not Dos” When Attracting a Younger Generation through Communication, we recommend you check those out first. 1. Conduct a Digital Audit Assess your current digital footprint. Ensure your website, social media, and other digital platforms...
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10 Most Critical “Must Not Dos” When Attracting a Younger Generation Through Communication

Have you read our Bridging the Communication Gap article? We recommend starting there before reading our 10 must not dos. When attempting to attract a younger generation through communication, there are several critical ”must not dos” that clubs should be aware of. Avoiding these pitfalls is essential for effective engagement and building a positive relationship...
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Embracing Artificial Intelligence – Seize the Opportunity or Risk Obsolescence

“AI won’t replace humans but humans with AI are going to replace humans without AI” – Professor Karim Lakhani, Harvard Business School When Professor Lakhani made this statement, it was more than a nod to the tectonic shifts in technology, it was a clarion call to professionals. The underlying message? Growth. In our age of rapid...
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The Neuroscience of Surprise and Delight in Club Management

Have you ever wondered why a colleague’s surprise compliment or an unexpected project success feels so rewarding? The secret lies in our brain’s love for the unexpected – a principle that can be a powerful tool in management. Let’s dive into the neuroscience behind surprise and delight and how it can transform your leadership style....
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Strategic Planning Pitfalls: Top 5 Mistakes Club Board Members Should Avoid

Private clubs are communities bound by shared interests, traditions, and objectives. Yet, the challenges and complexities faced by private club board members today go beyond sustaining these communities; they must navigate the club’s journey towards sustainable growth and resilience. The dual elements that fuel this journey, strategic planning and budgeting, demand our attention. However, as...
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14 Ways to Bring Your Club to Your Members

How to create a "Remote Club" and bring the Club experience to your Members at home
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Ask SCS: Coronavirus Concerns

How should I address the Coronavirus situation with my staff?
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Loyal vs Satisfied Members

Tips for increasing Member loyalty & retention
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Ask SCS: Pro Shop Problems

How does our Pro Shop compete with online retailers when so many people seem to buy everything online?
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Your Beginning-of-the-Year Checklist

Do these things in January to set your Club up for year-long success.
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Ask SCS: Sticky Staff Situation

Our new hire has years of experience and receives positive feedback from Members, but she doesn't get along with others on our team. What should we do?
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