Type of members - social butterflies
Sometimes, a new person wants to join your club and to your surprise they have a friend (or two) who is tagging along. These are the social butterflies in your club. They are usually more interested in the social aspect of your club than the physical aspect.
Let’s dive one more time into the last type of members we will analyze for this series.
What defines them?
Social butterflies are outgoing and approachable. They thrive on interaction and have an easy time making friends and connecting with other people. They are able to bond with anyone over any topic and always make you feel like you are the most important person they are talking today.
The always have a smile on their face and are always looking to lift someone up through tough times.
One of the key differences that distinguishes them from any other type of member you have in your club is that they care more about being around people than working out. This isn’t a problem in and of itself though. They will still work out but will maybe push themselves only to 80%. They, probably, won’t achieve their full potential in a given sport but they make up for it by creating bonds and simply having a good time while doing something good for their mind and body.
Where they excel?
Because of their incredible networking skills, they have a wide group of friends or acquaintances. This can be a big opportunity for you club in terms of finding sponsors, bringing in new staff or generally enhancing your club’s dynamics.
They are, also, masters in organizing events. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fundraise, club party or charity event. Just give them the basics and watch them execute.
Being able to talk to everyone has another huge benefit. They help resolve conflicts much quicker. They can act as mediators in disputes between teammates and ensure a harmonious team environment as well as be a further link between the coaches and athletes.
Where they have problems?
Overcommitment is something they struggle with constantly. Saying yes to every request will put unnecessary stress on. They might start feeling like they have to do all the uninteresting tasks nobody else wants to do. It’s very important to spread the load in the club so that social butterflies can regain their balance.
With time, they can forget why they joined your club in the first place. Sure, they always cared about the social aspect but their initial goal was to do something for their mind and body while also having a good time with their teammates. A coach needs to remind them of the fact that they need to train first before they can take on more tasks not really related to training. This can be especially true when it comes to training intensity. Just going through the motions and doing the bare minimum isn’t benefiting anyone. Keep them focused as much as you can.
Social butterflies enrich the club culture, foster camaraderie and community. Let’s celebrate their social prowess while ensuring they stay on track athletically.
