Bylaws
The Professional Referral Network (PRN) is a group organized to facilitate the growth of members’ businesses through the exchange of referrals.
A referral or “lead” is a prospect given by one member to another, where that prospect has real potential for a business transaction. A referral is also recorded when one member does business with another member. In fact, it is strongly recommended that members do business with one another whenever possible, since our purpose is to grow our businesses, and a great way to do that is to use one another’s services or products.
Further, by using a fellow members’ service/business, you are in a better position to recommend it to others. That way, you can honestly say “ I use ( )’s services myself.” So, consider opening an account, purchasing products, and/or using the services of fellow members.
Another great benefit of membership in PRN is that it gives you access to over a dozen quality products and services that you can recommend to your clients. It positions you as someone able to offer solutions to more of your clients’ needs, not just your own service/product.
In short, PRN is designed to be an effective, enjoyable, and low cost way to build each member’s business. No two members may represent the same occupation or profession, so that each member will receive ALL the leads from the membership for his/her specific business.
Meetings are approximately one hour, starting at 7:30AM sharp on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, at Otto’s in Horsham. Members are expected to be on time and attend all meetings except where health, emergency, travel, vacation, or pressing business prevents attendance.
Members (and especially trial members) are encouraged to get together with other members as time and resources permit. These “1 on 1s” can be invaluable in getting to know one another better, thus generating (and receiving) more and better quality leads.
Meeting Format
Introductions
Members introduce selves, and what constitutes a good lead for them, as well as any guests they may have invited. Comments on leads given or received are welcome.
Showboater
It’s a known fact that it is easier to provide leads the more that is known about a member’s business or service. Therefore, members will have regular opportunities to showcase their business in depth, including brochures, sales offering, markets served, how PRN can help build their business, etc. Limited to 15-20 minutes.
Lecture
An educational lecture by a member or outside guest on a topic of interest/benefit to PRN. This is also limited to 15-20 minutes. All members are encouraged to invite prospective speakers to address our membership. Call the President to schedule.
Referrals
All leads should be communicated to the recipients soon as possible, along with an email documentation to the recipient AND Copy to the Leadmeister. The Leadmeister tracks leads given and received, as well as guests invited by each member.
Membership Requirements
1) There is a one time Membership Fee of $125 that is used to fund expenses such as the WEB Page, mailings, guests, rewards, etc. This Fee is assessed only after the New Member Trial Period (see below), and may partially be refunded if more than 4 leads are provided during the Trial Period.
2) Regular attendance at meetings, and payment of breakfast dues, currently $75 per half or $145 for the full year.
3) Referrals – Referrals are our main purpose and raison d’etre. Each member has a minimum goal to provide 2 to 3 leads per Quarter. If a Member falls behind that goal, they may substitute on a one for one basis a quality guest representing a business not currently in the group. To count as a substitute for a lead, the Guest must join us for at least a Trial Period. PRN tracks referrals given and received, and reserves the right to terminate a member who consistently falls below our requirements for numbers and/or quality of leads provided.
To further encourage lead generation, PRN will periodically provide cash rewards that are designed to recognize the best lead providers.
While informative, the gross number of leads given (or received) of course does not tell the whole story. Because of differences between member businesses, one lead may have potential to produce revenues of $100, while another may be worth $10,000 or more. We regularly discuss the “quality” of the lead. EG: Did business result from the lead? How much? etc.
4) Guests/New Members. An enthusiastic, networking savvy member is a benefit to all. Therefore, all members are asked to be on the alert to invite PRN candidates (from a non- competitive business) to join us for a Free Breakfast. Word of mouth is how we grow, and inviting guests is the responsibility of all.
New Member Trial Period
There will be a 4 month Trial Period prior to the guest’s being extended membership privileges (eg a Web Page, Brochure Profile, Showboater Opportunities, etc.) During this trial period, it is crucial that the trial member participate fully in the group’s activities, including lead generation. Specifically, a Trial Member has a minimum goal to provide 2 to 3 qualified leads. This gives both the prospective member and PRN an opportunity to assure it will be a mutually beneficial relationship. Breakfast Dues during the 4 month Trial Period is $75.
At the end of the Trial Period the Board of Directors determine if the prospective member has met PRN’s requirements. If so, an invitation to join us will be extended, and the one time Membership Fee of $125 will be assessed. PRN is a non -profit group, and fees are non-refundable.
Board of Directors
As of June 2010, the Officers are:
President and Treasurer: John Quatrini, 215-674-4456
JQ4U@yahoo.com
VP and Leadmeister: Susan Kaminski, 267-960-1300
skaminski@stonebridgebank.com
Web Master: Dennis Becker, 215-453-1150,
dennis@parksidegraphics.com