Spring is in the air! Despite winter looking to hang on, all the signs are here. Easter is this weekend, followed by the Master’s next weekend. The Jays began their season with a sweep of the Athletics, while the Leaf’s season officially wraps up April 13.
For Applewood Probus, the indoor golf season ends on April 7th, while Outdoor Golf coordinator, Steve Jones has ambitiously set our first game at Mount Nemo for April 28th. While Doug Johnston’s Walking Group has weathered the winter, I am sure they are looking for safer, more passible trails. Those in the Cycling Group, will likely be hearing from Joe Reid in the coming weeks. Lastly, the Events Group with Kent Newell has several programs he will happily share with you, including the Niagara Wine Tour, the Blue Jays and a tour of UTIAS.
The US’s reckless war is raging on in the Middle East, with little obvious long-term planning or exit strategy. Look no further that the strategy for the Strait of Hormuz, of “I broke, you fix it”. I am sure our April speaker, Peter Macleod, will share his thoughts on this and the threat to democracies around the world. His topic is: Democracy is in Peril. It’s time for the Second Act. This should make for some lively discussion among participants in Paul Moore’s, Common Room.
The "Original" Influencers
We often think of "influencers" as social media stars, but the most powerful marketing tool we have is you. Research shows that 69% of people trust recommendations from peers over any traditional advertising or promotion.
Long before digital marketing, there was Word of Mouth (WOM)—organic recommendations based on trust and shared experience. As our Membership Group looks for new ways to reach senior men, remember that your personal stories are our greatest asset.
Your Challenge: Be an early "influencer." The best way to grow our community isn’t through a screen – it’s a conversation. Share your favorite Probus experience with a friend this week and invite them to see what we’re all about. And if you have successfully recruited a new member to our group, make sure you tell your grandkids that you are an “influencer”. I am sure you will have their attention.
“The most impactful marketing we could ever do is word of mouth from our members.”
