“We All Need Our Cookies”

Recently I joined the East Bay PEN, the Professional Experience Network, an organization composed of professionals who help other professionals. Couple of weeks ago, I attended my first General Meeting. Although I’m a new member and I haven’t yet completed my training, my résumé coach, Mr. Ben English, looked me square in the eyes and said, “You’re going to attend this meeting.’

We’d only just met, but I knew this much: if Mr. Ben English says I’m attending a meeting, if I know what's good for myself, I’m gonna attend that meeting.

I sat quietly, trying to get the lay of the land. Because I was the FNG, I didn’t feel it was my place to say anything. (Vietnam vet slang for “Freaking New Guy.” Except they used another word instead of “Freaking.” You never wanted to go out on patrol with the FNG because he’s green and he’s gonna get you killed.) Much of the meeting concerned attendance. Why were members dropping out after a few weeks? What could the organization do to serve them better (and reduce the rate of attrition)?