Georgetown Business Network
Frequently Asked
Questions
What
was the origin of Georgetown Business Network?
The Georgetown Business Network (GBN) was originally founded as the Board of Directors Networking Group to
provide a forum for small business owners and sole proprietors to
gather and network – the concept of Network Marketing. The idea
was to provide a positive and upbeat environment for members to share
business ideas, refer business and make recommendations – to have
their own informal board of directors, so to speak. We changed our name to Georgetown Business Network in February 2018 to be better suited as a Community Connection Resource - Network Marketing for Small Businesses and Professionals. A key ingredient
of GBN then and now is to provide a positive, friendly environment
for presenting your business to improve your presentation skills and
public speaking. Also, and equally important, was to provide
“training” or “education” opportunities to help members grow
personally and professionally. A third imperative was to help each
others businesses grow through providing referrals.
What
is Network Marketing?
The
purpose of Network Marketing is 1) to grow your business, 2) help
others grow their business. How do you help others grow their
business – quality referrals
How
do you help grow your business– by becoming an influential contact
and referral resource.
You
do not sell when networking – you will lose business – the goal
is to inform and educate other like minded individuals about your
business helping them to know you, like you and trust you. Results
are non-linear as you build relationships – the more referrals you
give, ultimately the more you
will receive but not necessarily right away. Networking
is about making warm introductions. It's about building trust to the
point that GBN members will refer you without hesitation You must
earn trust by your actions of professionalism and propriety.
What
is a Mission statement?
The
Mission of GBN is to Grow by Referring. A mission statement is that
overarching statement that guides the organization – a true north
type of statement that can be put on the back of a t-shirt and easily
remembered. We focus on referrals instead of leads.
What
is a Lead?
A lead is information about someone in your target market.
What
is a Referral? A referral is an introduction to someone who
demographically fits in your target market – someone you know is in
the market for a product or service provided by an influential
contact – a pre-qualified lead provided through a warm hand-off.
How
do Referrals Happen?
It
is not coincidence. You execute a deliberate process to generate and
receive referrals. It all starts with a referral mentality and
network marketing – getting to know others and building
relationships so that they know you, like you and trust you. The
quality of the referral is dependent
upon you
and the amount of education and indoctrination you have put your
fellow networkers through to understand what “a good referral for
me is...” Remember, your network group is your extended
sales force.
They are non-monetarily compensated by quality referrals from you
and other services you may provide to them as you build their trust.
When
do you meet?
GBN meets on Wednesday mornings. We start gathering at 11:15 AM to order lunch and have water or tea and to begin open networking until the
meeting formally starts at 11:30AM and we finish at about 12:30AM.
There is usually time and availability to continue networking or
conduct one-on-ones after the meeting.
Where
do you meet?
We
meet at Mel's Lone Star Lanes on the I35 side – from the entrance
off of North Austin Avenue go around to the back parking lot and use
the back entrance. We are in the large conference/ meeting room just
inside on the right..
Mel's
Lone Star Lanes
1010
North Austin Avenue
Georgetown,
Texas 78626
(off
of I35 take exit 262 - the Williams Drive/Andice exit)
What
is the agenda?
We
have a standing agenda shown below, but reserve the right to modify
it as needed.
11:15AM Gather,
open networking, enjoy coffee and order breakfast
11:30AM Meeting
begins with introduction and 30 Second Infomercials
11:45AM Business
Presentation of Members selected business
12:05AM Training
or Education Opportunities or Discuss Business Issues of Interest
12:20AM Share
Business Issues, Referrals, Testimonies, and Thank You's
12:30AM Adjourn
meeting – begin networking and one-on-ones
If
I want to visit, what do I need to know?
All
visitors are welcome. Stop by the business/visitor table at the back
of the room and find:
- Name badge – please use for the meeting or if you have your own, please use it.
- Copy of the Policy Overview
- Copy of the Membership Application
- Please help yourself to a glass of tea or water view the menu to order lunch(optional but recommended -good eats from CJ's)
- The official meeting begins at 11:30AM so please network and meet as many people as possible
- During the Introduction segment you may introduce yourself and your business – We use the 30 Second Infomercials format available on the website
- During the beginning of the meeting an attendance form will be circulated, please complete it as a visitor – please print legibly so we can accurately note your visit and information.
- A binder – The Book of Cards - will be passed around the table with business cards. This binder is for Members Only and you may look through the book and take additional cards from if needed
- Near the end of the meeting your bill will be delivered by the wait staff
- We ask that cell phones be silenced and if you have to take a call, please step outside.
- The only other thing we request is that you be engaged and feel free to participate as appropriate.
Do
you have a Visitor policy?
Visitors
are always welcomed and encouraged. We consider bringing visitors as
a best practice and in the spirit of building our networking group
and referral base. Visitors may attend up to 3 times before they must
complete an application. They may then request to join and be
sponsored by a member in good standing or request to be on the
Advisory Board of Directors. This ABOD is a waiting list to join.
Members of the ABOD may also be asked to act as a substitute for
members unable to attend.
Is
there a cost to join?
An
annual, non-refundable membership fee of $50 is due upon acceptance
and annually thereafter (payable upon membership acceptance). We make every
effort to contribute 80% or more of aggregate annual dues to a worthy
community outreach supported by the GBN. This is our way as a group
to support our community and as a group to give back to worthy
causes. For instance, GBN has First Wednesdays where we contribute
pantry items to The Caring Place Food Bank. Your only weekly cost is
the meeting lunch. We request that you tip the wait staff, even if you don't eat lunch or have tea/water. We offer very low cost network marketing. However, it is
expected that you will commit time and energy to becoming a valued
referral resource.
Are
there requirements to join?
In
order to join you must follow the application process:
- Attend 3 consecutive meetings
- Conduct one-on-ones with 3 members (We encourage you to conduct as many one-on-ones as possible)
- The member who recommended you to BOD may sponsor you or you may request a current member to sponsor you.
- Complete an application and submit it at the 4th meeting attended.
- Approval of the Executive Board and payment of annual membership dues
Are
there limits on the number of BOD members?
We
currently limit the membership to 40 but may be willing to expand
that number for business synergies. When we approach our limit or if
you desire to attend but cannot meet the requirements we ask our
visitors to become Advisory Board of Directors (ABOD). As an ABOD
you are allowed to substitute for
members who cannot attend one of our meetings. You may do this until
you are able to convert to a regular membership.
How
do you decide who gets to join?
Membership
is by invitation. All members go through the membership application
process. We do not necessarily operate on a first come first served
basis. However, we prefer to add members from our ABOD as
appropriate. Other considerations are:
- The opportunity for synergies of your business with our membership's businesses
- Commitment to engagement, participation and attendance regularly
- Commitment and willingness to become a valued referral resource
- Feedback from the Executive Board based upon your one-on-ones and references provided.
Are
there other Membership Requirements?
We
are an independent business to business networking organization. We
are a non-specific, non-segmented networking group with some limited
restrictions on membership. Membership status is qualified by
regular attendance, professional, ethical, constructive behavior and
participation including being an active referral partner for the
group. Members are non-industry designated to enhance the synergies
of our combined organization. Members representing multiple industry
designations may chose one to promote at GBN and avoid the remainder
or promote their product lines on a rotating basis.
What
responsibilities are there of a Member?
We
strongly encourage building deep and lasting business relationships
and using the networking concepts we have outlined on our website.
Unprofessional, unethical, inappropriate behavior or language will
not be tolerated and can result in suspension of membership. We are
here to help each other grow their businesses and desire a
constructive and positive environment at all times.
Regular
attendance and participation is requisite for being a member in good
standing and is necessary to meet our mission and objective
statement. You may request a 'substitute' from our ABOD to attend in
your place or if not available another non-member but they must
identify themselves on the attendance form as such.
As
a member in good standing you are encouraged to sign up to present
your business and/or present training or business issues for
discussion. We also encourage members to use the Introduction
Landing Page and Introduction Video available to members at a
membership value price. Again, we focus on referrals and expect
active participation in the referral process. In order to become a
valued referral resource it is also necessary to actively conduct
one-on-ones as frequently as needed,
Can
Membership be revoked?
We
are a friendly and energetic group. However, if you do not abide by
the Guidelines and Principles Policy you may at any time loose your
membership. .
What
is a Substitute? Why is one necessary?
Substitutes
fill in for you when you can not attend the
meeting. For consistency purposes we desire to have continuity of
attendance and message by our members. The substitute can be a
co-worker or member of your organization who can deliver your
marketing message. Preferably and as available, you will chose a
member of the Advisory Board of Directors which will be listed on the
website. Please provide a 30 Second Infomercial to your substitute.
The substitute will also be allowed to introduce themselves and
promote their business as appropriate.
How
is GBN organized and managed?
The
BOD is led by an Executive Board (BOD²). General responsibilities
are:
Chairman
- Promote GBN as a valued community resource, plan for growth, lead
the Executive Board, direct the organization according to the
charter, and coordinate activities as appropriate. Act as the
assistant to each Executive Board member. Lead meetings.
Director
of Community Outreach – Promote GBN as a valued community resource in Georgetown and surrounding
areas for small business owners through outreach and events helping
promote GBN and its members. .
Director
of Training – schedule world class training of a current and
appropriate nature to help members grow personally, professionally,
and financially advancing network marketing and small business
ownership. Members may volunteer or be asked to provide appropriate
training.
Director
of Membership – Maintain and grow membership of a like mind who
desire to make a commitment to GBN. Monitor membership requirements
and maintain a Waiting List. Also, to have “fun events” that
promote camaraderie and developing more meaningful relationships
Director
of Social Media and Technology – Maintain the website, Face
Book page and any other social media appropriate to promote GBN.
Send out meeting notices and any other notices of importance for
general information to the members, prospects and other interested
parties.
Executive
Board Meetings: BOD² will make every effort to meet on the first
Wednesday of the month following the BOD meeting to discuss issues,
opportunities and membership. Quorum is Chairman + 2 attending.
Each
Director will serve a one year term and at the pleasure of the
Chairman and members. There are no restrictions on length of term
served in these roles. Members are encouraged to serve in these
roles if/when requested.
At
the end of the one year term or if someone in Leadership resigns, the
Executive Board will make every effort to meet within 14 days
to consider nominations for the open position(s). Nominations may
come from any member of the group and must be seconded by another
member. After consideration of all nominations, the Executive
Board will elect a member to serve in the position in
question.
The
Executive Board must meet within 14 days to discuss and take
appropriate action if ethical issues or allegations are raised by a
group member. By a simple majority vote of the Executive Board, any
member, including members in Leadership may be asked to resign.
