Hard sell membership may be good for short term sales but won't generate loyalty.

I read an article by Aaron Crowe who talked about the unpleasant experience of being sold a gym membership. I could really relate as I've gone through the same process recently myself. The sales pitch was so intense that, despite joining, I resigned a couple of weeks later. I'd found I'd really come to resent the entire process and going to the gym reminded me of it. I ended up joining another gym with a much more relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Thankfully not too many associations have chosen to follow the membership sales approach adopted by many gyms.

You don't get the member if you don't ask the question

Membership comes in various shapes and sizes - associations, sporting clubs, gyms, etc - but the basic principle of selling a membership seem to be the same the world over ... if you want the member ... ask the queston! Here is an article that appeared in Fit Commerce on just that topic: You Sell a Health Club Membership…When You Ask.