The politest, most careful part of running a membership.
Every month we write about a hundred notes to people we're not inviting in. Sometimes because it isn't the right time. Sometimes because it isn't the right fit. Occasionally because the reference calls said something we can't unhear. In every case, we write the note ourselves.
It sounds precious. It's actually the most operationally important thing the desk does. Every no shapes the room more than any yes — because a good room is defined at its edges, not its centre. Who isn't at the table is what makes the people who are, want to keep showing up.
“A good room is defined at its edges, not its centre.”
The notes are short. They say what we noticed, they say what would have to change, and they say the door isn't closed. About one in nine comes back a year later, and about a third of those come back with the thing we asked for. Those are, more often than not, some of our best members.
It turns out the way you say no is the way you say what you're for.
Filed by the desk. Quibbles to hello@baaaz.club.
