The MemberWise Network is unique as being the only Network led by association and membership professionals. A core part of our team are the MemberWise Ambassadors; a group of practising membership professionals specialising in a specific area that we consider core and crucial to the world of membership such as engagement, recruitment and value.

In recent years, we have branched out into complementary areas such as governance, leadership, communications and PR, and people/volunteer management in order to show how the membership role requires broader business insight and experience.

We are now pleased to announce that we have appointed a second Ambassador to work alongside Ian Oxley from the National Trust in the area of new member acquisition (also known as member recruitment): Sam Rankin, Head of Membership and Customer Service at British Canoeing.

Let’s get to know Sam, who’ll be championing this crucial area of activity…

How long have you worked in Membership?

I have previously worked at the Law Society as a Regional Manager and then as Membership Manager at British Triathlon.  I have 11 years of experience working in membership so far.

What does your role involve at British Canoeing?

I head up the Membership Team, and I have 3 direct reports.  I am responsible for the whole of the membership experience.  I develop the annual plan using data insight to inform plans and activities, and responsible for growing and retaining members, working collaboratively with other departments to support membership.  This could be on the marketing campaigns, digital services, fulfilment, customer services and working with our partners to provide benefits. I use our CRM data, membership surveys and analytics to improve and add value to membership and services.

How will you champion your ambassador subject area (new member acquisition)?

New member acquisition is a goal that every membership body shares and having the right strategies and resources is crucial to this.  I want to share and champion best practice that can be implemented across the sector.

What advice would you give to others also working in membership?

Build contacts with other membership professionals in the same sector.  They are likely to have had similar experiences and challenges.  I would also say to get to know the whole of the organisation and how your members interact with each area.

Tell us something we don’t know about you!

In my spare time I participate in triathlons going up to half ironman distances and I have a ‘SUP, Bike, Run’ race in the diary for next year.

The MemberWise Team welcomes Sam on board as MemberWise Ambassador (New Member Acquisition (Recruitment).