CPNG Member Guidelines

Purpose

To maintain a group of professional business leaders comprised of small business owners, and commissioned sales people with the sole purpose of furthering the business of each of it’s’ members.

Board

A member selected group of 6 members to organize, conduct meetings and manage the overall functions of the group.  Each member will serve for an annual term.    

Prospective Members

A Prospective member is someone who is not a current member, has not attended a meeting and has not been presented to the group to attend a meeting.  Prospective members should be presented to the group prior to being invited.  The member inviting the prospective member should have met one on one with the prospective member to explain CPNG and determine if it is a fit for both parties. Visit the prospective members’ web site. Ask them what their ideal prospect looks like.  Ask them what industries they have been successful doing business with.  A prospective member will be required to attend two consecutive meetings and then complete an application for membership.  All completed applications will be reviewed by the board, presented to the membership for final approval.  Should the prospective member not get a majority, they will be declined membership. 

Your Spot in the Group

Your spot in the group is based on you the individual first as well as the product/service category you are applying.  The company you represent is not a member.  If for whatever reason you leave the company you were with when you made application, you are still eligible to have a spot in the group at your new company provided there is no conflict with the product/service category.  Your old position will be open for occupation by any new prospect invited by any group member.  That new prospect will be required to fulfill all of the application requirements. 

Attendance

Is encouraged and we ask that you limit missing meetings.  We allow you to miss 6 meetings throughout the year but not more than 3 in a row. We will consider special circumstances on a case by case situation.

After six misses your spot would be opened for other prospective members.

After three misses in a row, your spot would be opened for other prospective members.

Good Lead

A good lead is defined as a business or person that is aware of and waiting for the referred group member to make contact.  The referring group member should have discussed with the prospect, the services of the group member being referred and a warm invitation by the prospect made.

Referrals

It is understood that each member will make every effort to create referrals for the members of the group.  It only stands to reason, if you are not giving referrals, you will not be getting referrals.  A sincere effort should be made by each group member to generate referrals, however, it is understood that some members will simply not have referrals for some members because of their respective business disciplines.   It is also understood that other members will get a good amount of referral because of the nature of their respective business. 

Basic Guidelines

Make a commitment to attend the weekly meetings, Be on time for the meetings, Stay for the entire meeting, Turn off cell phones for the duration of the meeting, Follow the meeting agenda, Stay on the topic at hand,  Keep other topics at bay until their time.

Meeting Tips

Bring a supply of business cards (25) and promotional materials for distribution and display.  Always come with focus and a positive attitude.  Make an appointment to attend the weekly meeting.  Let someone know if you are not attending.  Leave your issues in the parking lot.  Stick to your 30 to 60 second business commercial.  If necessary, have it written down. Know your target market and prospect. Have your leads written down and with you for distribution.  Have your list of prospects, accounts you want, written down and with you.  Come to the meeting as if you are meeting with your best prospect or customer.  Make guests feel welcome by taking the initiative to introduce your self.  Have your schedule with you.

Expenses

Any expenses for Central Penn Networking Group they will be shared evenly by all members.  Failure to pay your allotted amount will result in termination from the group. 

Membership in the Group

Members are asked not to share leads from CPNG in other networking groups.

Membership is by invitation only. By becoming a member of CPNG you agree to follow the standards as outlined in the Member Guidelines.  You also agree that if you do not follow the guidelines, your membership can and will be terminated.  Termination is at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. 

Other Useful Tips

Make weekly prospecting with other group members.  Team up. Schedule one on one’s with other group members.  Get to know each other.  Be a willing participant, not a wall flower

 

Dated as of:  12.03.07