Why

At iskcon as soon as you are coming- you will be offered a neem bead Mala, This is for practice - just like when. you buy a car you have to read the manual. Similarly here you are encouraged to chant on your bad Mala up to 18 rounds in say 6-9 months. You have to start with one round which you can complete in 10 minutes. No one will force you so you have to have your dedications. You need to walk up at 430 am and attend Mangal arti and do your Mala. So time and place is very important. Do not compete with anyone as your journey to Godhead is yours.
There are 108 beads in male
one head bead
chant slowly and hesr each words.
hope you have a satisfying journey with the devotees association.
Chanting the name of the Lord is very powerful.