The most valuable Business-to-Business Resouce & Referral group in Orlando and Central Florida

GENERAL POLICIES

I. REPRESENTATION

Only one person from each profession is permitted to join. If a member is engaged in more than one business, only one category (for which their membership is approved) is considered the "protected" category. Understanding that some businesses are diverse, we allow one member per category and one category per member. If any current member in good standing feels that a prospective new member conflicts with their primary profession or trade, it is the responsibility of that current member to notify the Chairperson or member of the membership committee of any potential conflict. This must be done before the Chairperson determines the eligibility of the prospective member.  

      Any member who desires to change their classification must get written approval from the Membership Committee for that classification change. If a conflict occurs in moving into a new classification, a member will not be allowed to make that change. Members may change companies within the same category as long as the new company doesn't have conflicting products or services of another member's "protected" category.  

      The Chairperson, in coordination with the Co-Chair and Membership Committee will have the final determination when a potential category conflict arises.

      Only an individual can become a member. A company or organization does not have membership rights except as provided for in the next bullet.   

      Membership rights are not transferable unless the member leaves their company and resigns from CFBF. In that circumstance, their former employer will be allowed to have the first right to send another qualified representative for a $50.00 transfer fee. Since we do not offer Company or Corporate memberships, transfer is not automatic. The new representative must meet CFBF membership criteria and Membership Committee approval. Renewal dues will remain on the same calendar period as the former member.   

II. ATTENDANCE POLICY

It will be the responsibility of the Chairperson or designee to track attendance and enforce the attendance policy.           

For the continued success of the business referral group, regular attendance is a commitment that must be made by each member. All members are expected to attend all meetings and remain until the end of the meeting. Members are encouraged to plan other appointments or events at a time that is not in conflict with the CFBF meeting. In the event that a member needs to miss one or more meetings, a leave of absence may be granted for unexpected family circumstances. A leave must be pre-approved by notifying the Chairperson or designee.

Members are expected to arrange for a substitute if a meeting is to be missed. If this is done it will not be counted as an unexcused absence. A substitute does not have to be someone from your company or industry, only someone that does not conflict with another member's category. A member may be allowed three unexcused absences within a six-month period coinciding with the six-month period (Jan-June or July-Dec). Members may send a substitute up to three times during the six-month period. 

Two (2) consecutive unexcused absences or the fourth unexcused absence during the six-month term, may cause the member's position to become open. The membership status may be terminated at the discretion of the Chairperson or Membership Committee. Extenuating circumstances will be considered in membership determinations. Other scheduled appointments or meetings will not be considered extenuating circumstances.

III. CONTRIBUTION

As a part of membership responsibilities, members are expected to bring valid leads every week to CFBF and prospective new members as visitors whenever possible. It's important that each member is actively seeking business opportunities for the other members.  

• Make contact with other members. Visit their place of business. Do a lunch meeting. Learn how you can exchange leads.  

• Provide testimonials for those members you do business with.  

• Ask your customers and prospects about any other products or services they might need and you can help them find.  Become even more valuable to your customers.

• Qualified referrals or introductions provide the best results, especially when they are expecting the other member's call. Try to pre-qualify, if possible. Bring the lead in any case.

• Every week you will give a 30-60 second infomercial about what you do and what qualifies as a good lead or referral. Don't ramble or get off track. If you are looking for a specific kind of lead or referral, mention it.  Listen intently to everyone else's infomercial, even if you've heard it before. 

•  Periodically, you will be asked to do an expanded 10-minute presentation. Use this time to showcase your company, expertise, product or service. Everyone should learn something that can help you get more business.  

IV. ETHICS  

In the case of an attendance, payment or ethical problem with a member, the Chairperson or membership committee may at their sole discretion, put a member on probation relating to the member's business practices or commitment to the group. The Chairperson will establish a reasonable time period for the member to comply. If the member does not comply within that time period, the Chairperson or Membership Committee may revoke membership.  

Members may belong to other networking or referral organizations as long as they do not interfere with the generation of referrals for our members. Leads, referrals or information obtained from any member of CFBF are proprietary and may not be shared as a lead, referral or general information with another organization, or to any other individual or company that may be competitor of any CFBF member. Members should obtain permission from the original lead giver before passing the information to any other individual or organization.            

IV. DUES  

First year membership dues are $200.00. Subsequent year's dues are currently $150.00 per year. A late fee of $5.00 per week will be assessed on all unpaid accounts. Checks may be given to, or mailed to the Chairperson. Checks are to be made payable to Central Florida Business Forum (CFBF). Major credit cards are also accepted with a swipe and signature. If dues are not paid within 30 days, membership may be terminated.  Returned checks are subject to bank charges and will be considered late, late fines will be imposed. Dues are not refundable.

CFBF Founders Chapter Meeting Place: