Find out how Charlie Went From Apartment Balcony to Club President
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If you're on a club committee, this might sound familiar: you're drowning in paperwork, chasing members for green fees, and struggling to fill volunteer roles because the jobs just seem too hard and time-consuming. It’s a common story at clubs across the country.
But what if there was a simpler way?
At Southport Croquet Club, president Charlie Ernst and his committee were facing these same challenges. They found a solution by embracing simple, modern technology. This was a change that not only streamlined their operations but also made volunteering more attractive and also upskilled their members.
The catalyst for their transformation was something no one expected.
As Charlie explains, it was an unexpected "blessing from COVID" that forced Southport to finally rethink their old, manual ways of doing things.
The club moved to an online booking system and a cashless payment system using a simple Square reader.
For many clubs, the biggest fear with a change like this is member pushback, with a common belief that some members won't adapt to new technology.
Charlie found the reality to be quite the opposite.
While there was some initial hesitation, the new systems are now so popular that taking them away would likely cause a backlash.
The impact of this change wasn't just in the convenience; it was in the help it gave volunteers. By automating the tedious jobs key committee roles suddenly became much less demanding. They could enjoy a game of croquet themselves rather than worrying about tracking attendance or handling the cash from lawn fees.
As Charlie points out, the primary goal was to make volunteering easier, ensuring the long-term health of the club's leadership.
This approach was guided by a simple, powerful philosophy. Any change the club considers must meet three clear criteria, ensuring it's always a step forward, not just a change for change's sake.
There is a simple philosophy that guides all changes at the club.
Any new process must be
1. Simpler
2. Better
3. Easier
…than the old way.
1. Simpler
2. Better
3. Easier
…than the old way.
By making their processes simpler, better, and easier, Southport Croquet Club has created a more efficient, sustainable, and welcoming environment.
They’ve proven that clubs like theirs can successfully adopt modern tools, and that the members of their clubs are ready and willing to embrace them.
It’s a conversation worth having at every club.
Want to discuss how your club could implement these ideas, or share how you use tech to save time? Join the conversation with other club leaders on Club Hub.
[Link to Club Hub]
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