Hey there folks.

It's recently come to my attention that with the growing population on Sargatanas, and with Rank 8 allowing us to double buff our FC, that we need to grow more players to sustain the level of enhancement that we want to have.
From what I understand, Artisans is crafting focused while Eternal Retribution is combat focused. To this end, we have a vast array of services, knowledge, skills, and overall prowess to give to players on Sargatanas.

That said, I felt compelled to provide a brief description of what I felt has helped me to recruit new players to our Alliance over the last few weeks. I think I've managed to bring almost 10 new players into our FC's over recent days, and just today two more people.

Having said that, I wanted to share what I know or can do, in hopes that it helps others recruit more players, so that our community vision can be achieved that much sooner.

• Scouting!


Firstly, I keep an eye around me for player names without an FC tag. Quite important, because it allows me to get information about their gear, name, or tasks they are doing such as crafting or farming items from mobs. I am always scanning my surroundings for players without an FC to begin a conversation with.

Another method I've employed in recent days is the player search feature. Believe it or not, you can actually go to SOCIAL > PLAYER SEARCH > and under first name you can search for the letters "A" "B" "C" etc, and it will list all players on the server beginning with the name of the letter you search for. This is especially useful, because it lists their class, location, and current FC if any. If I spot a player without an FC, I begin to figure out my next step.


• Send them a tell!


It might seem trivial, but something as simple as ">>Hello" works wonders for bridging a gap. Players are often bombarded by random invites, most likely employed by the above method of searching for players. For some reason, officers in other FC's feel the need to spam invites to as many people as possible in an effort to recruit players. And true, it might save time, but this method destroys a few boundaries players who value their time and surroundings have. For example, a community, like what we offer.


• Talk with them!


Once I have initiated a conversation, I focus on being exceptionally polite, and try to get to know them. I typically say something menial and related to the instance in which I found them without an FC. I try to find out what their goals are in the game, what they are looking for, and give them time to tell me more. I am looking for players who are social, motivated, open, and polite. If I get a response from them that is less than cordial, I won't consider inviting them to the FC, because I don't want troublemakers later on.


• Create a problem you can solve!


Surprisingly, there are always problems that players have in the game which often deters them from finding an FC, or caused them to leave their last FC. A good example of this, would be FC activity. We as an Alliance have a great membership rate, with highly active players, so discussing things or getting help from members within our Alliance isn't as complicated or difficult to players. Unlike in smaller FC's, with maybe only 5 or 6 active members, we can provide a lot more support.

Problems could include:

• Membership Activity
  End game content
  Timezone problems
  Self Motivated/Interested FC's
  Lack of respect for members
  No team work
  Unorganized leadership
  Poor example setting by leaders
  No access to help for quests, relic, or getting groups for coil. (PERSONAL PROBLEM)

(the person could have some or all of the above problems)

Solutions we provide:

• Moderate to high activity
  We got many members doing end game content
  We are focused USA but do have members closer to GMT.
  We are motivated by our members, for our members, to see everyone happy!
  Without our members, we are nothing. Respect, is our focus!
  Every week we group for Events, Statics, and treasure hunting to ensure everyone wins!
  We are organized, have a website, have a plan of action, have a goal, and know what we want.
  New members get help every day! Even if they are LALAFELL! (gag)
  Our leadership works hard to provide a safe, fun, educating, and overall beneficial place for all new members!

Also, other problems that aren't always considered are the FC Buffs, which provide a substantial advantage to being in an FC of high rank. Though, I focus less on this one because that puts us on the same page as other FC's. I don't think we are like other FC's, so I refrain from mentioning this - it's possible to attain rank 8 with as little as 5 people.


• Ice the cake!


One of the best things to do when providing a person information on what we can do for them, would be to sweeten the deal, so to speak. Remember, we have benefits that are worth it to them! But do not give them all our benefits too soon. You can really create interest, and get them excited, by holding onto an ace up your sleeve. If they are looking for end game content, and havent found a group of people who are on the same page as them, let them know that we have people doing content that fits their needs, and then ice the cake - tell them we are also trying to fill spots in our statics!

If they are trying to get a crafting class to 50, tell them we have people who could help them with gear, or give them some guidance - then tell them we keep a +10 control buff active always!

There are many ways to phrase something to create interest. The key thing though, is getting to know the person and what they are looking for - only then can we hammer home why we are the right fit for them.


• Close the deal!

At this point, their interest should be high - at least, high enough to ask questions, or want to know more. If they are asking questions, they are interested. You need only ask if you can invite them. This will get you a yes, or a no. Remember, saying No once doesn't mean no. It's often an automatic response to a situation they aren't necessarily comfortable with. Maybe you took too long in the conversation, and bored them - or maybe you didn't really address their needs in a way that they felt included. Find out from them.

Objections you cannot solve:


• I'm making my own FC.
  I'm not interested.
  I'm going to join another FC already.
  I'm joining my partners FC.
  I need time to look around.


Get that yes, sign them up.
Don't forget them afterwards either! Make sure you continue to include them in your chat, and if at all possible, get them on Mumble! Voice chat is the simplest and most effective way at building relationships with someone and keeping them around. Once a connection is built, it's a lot harder to break it.
The first week in the FC is going to be the hardest and most volatile week. The possibility of them leaving is high, unless you do your job inviting them properly.
Don't leave anything to chance!


I hope this long discussion helps you guys grow your teams to kick ass ! We want to all be pros here! We rely on people, and they rely on us, so let's make sure we build a community where nobody is left out.

Cheers,
Maximillian Bucks

Yes that's how you got my interest! One day I was having a helluva time on Fionn trying to get a group for totorak and you spotted my sad faces in chat. lol