<VV> On promoting CORSA

[airvair at earthlink.net]

"Contacts" means more than just email posts and phone calls. It means
networking with PEOPLE face to face, talking to them, telling them your
needs and vice versa, putting out verbal "feelers", socializing, etc.
Sorry, as good as your internet experience was, it can't even come close to
what you get from being a member of a national club like CORSA. But maybe
you just have never had that experience. Hence you're clueless. But take
heart. You and a lot of others who aren't "joiners" are in the same boat.
How sad.....

FWIW, I wouldn't have half the "stuff" I have now had I NOT been a member
of CORSA. And it's the personal contacts that I've made through the years
that have allowed me those opportunities. I can't imagine why anyone would
deprive themselves of such richness, and for what? I just don't understand
"anti-joiners"..... They are cutting off their noses to spite their faces.

I will be a member of CORSA til the day I die. And love every minute of it!

-Mark


> [Original Message]
> From: Dave Hammelef <davhammcar at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: <VV> On promoting CORSA
>
> Jay, 
> Interestingly you have made these contacts without joining Corsa. I have
not yet made one contact through Corsa. I have had contact with probably a
few hundered or more Corvair owners. Even had one go with me to look at a
car several years ago (thanks Norm if your still on here). 
>
> So if this biggest thing to get out of Corsa is contacts I would say the
model does not work. And you are living proof. Of course saying its about
insurance or a magazine probably are not it either. I think Corsa needs to
be lots of things to lots of people, and from the sounds of it right now it
is one or two things to a very few people. 
>
> Dave
>
> From: Jay Pitchford <jay.pitchford at gmail.com>
> Date: Sunday, September 6, 2009, 3:02 PM
>
> Please allow a prospective CORSA member to weigh in here for a moment.
Mark
> has a valid point. I joined the virtual vairs forum just last night
because,
> after shopping for months for a Corvair convertible, I came to the
> conclusion that the ONLY way to make an informed decision about buying a
> Corvair was to rely on the expertise of the CORSA network.
>
> What did that decision net me? In less than 24 hours, I've heard from 8-10
> members via email and one by telephone. I have discussed and been sent
> pictures of 5-6 convertible candidates. I have been offered advice,
gotten a
> second independent opinion on one that I'm seriously considering, and been
> given plenty of help and encouragement. This is a fine group of people,
and
> anyone that's interested in becoming a Corvair owner would be foolish not
to
> join CORSA for the contacts and deep, deep knowledge of the cars.
>
> Whether I ever get mailed a t-shirt or not, joining CORSA will be my first
> official act after getting the title to my Corvair in hand.
>
> On Sun, Sep 6, 2009 at 2:48 PM, airvair at earthlink.net
<airvair at earthlink.net
> > wrote:
>
> > All,
> >
> > While insurance and the Corsa Communique are important parts, I feel
that
> > the most valuable asset CORSA makes possible are the CONTACTS. I tell
> > prospective members that the most valuable thing they get from a
national
> > club are the contacts, contacts that you can only make through
membership
> > in the car's marque club. Even if they aren't interested in the "social"
> > part of a car club, I point out that those contacts will make everything
> > easier, less expensive, and ultimately more enjoyable about owning the
car.
> > This cannot be emphasized enough!
> >
> > Maybe the national office doesn't exactly roll out a red carpet for new
> > members. But I know my local club members in Friends of Corvair do. Such
> > contacts are only limited to how willing the newbie is to make friends
with
> > others, and to ask questions and put his/her needs out to others. That's
> > the key in making CORSA membership grow. Emphasize CONTACTS.
> >
> > -Mark
> >