The guidelines by which The North Texas Network of Enterprising Women (NEW) is to operate include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

Membership

• Members must be female, own a business, (which they are interested in growing), and have a child (or children).

• A member can have a job as well as their business; however, the member’s business should be their principle occupation (the occupation they spend the majority of their time actively working and/or are striving to make it their full time occupation).

• Only one profession or trade per business category can be represented within the group.

• An individual member may represent more than one business within the group. Members who choose to “lock in” exclusivity and promote both businesses within the group will pay higher dues (See Dues) and may be subject to higher costs per opt-in activity (ie. Costs for participation in shows will be divided by the number of businesses opting in – not members opting in).

Admission

• Prospective members must attend a meeting where they spend some time learning about the group and sharing information on their business and goals.

• Executive Committee will decide to accept or decline membership and advise the prospect.

•  All new members must review and sign the by-laws, fill out a member profile and pay the current dues amount up front. (currently $95/yr for single business members – see Dues section)

Meetings

• 90 minutes once a month (first Thursday of each month)

•  Additional meetings may be called in order to complete specific initiatives.

• Your presence, for each meeting is crucial to your success and that of the group (see Attendance Responsibility).

Dues

• Annual dues are $95.00 for single business members and $145 for double business members. (See Membership)

• Dues will go towards materials and initiatives that benefit the organization as a whole and therefore all member businesses. Members will have a vote in strategic initiatives where organization funds will be used and consensus rules.

Attendance Responsibility

• Absences must be "announced" by contacting the Membership VP (or another officer if that person can not be reached) prior to the meeting.

• 2nd absence results in a warning (from the Admin. VP).

• 3rd absence results in a warning and may result in the loss of your seat.

• You may notify the group of an extended absence, such as vacation or extended business related conflicts. Make sure to specify the dates of such extended absences and verify that they are noted in the attendance log. No extension will be made for more than 3 meetings.

• Be on time, stay for the entire meeting, and be ready to report on assigned responsibilities. Since meetings are only once a month, this is important to keep the group productive.

• You may have a “down line” or team member from your business represent you for one absence during the year. Individual must be associated in some manner with your business. Represented absence will not be counted.

Expectations

• Member’s should be actively attempting to grow their business and networking through means other than the group.

• Utilize group’s cross-marketing materials (newsletter, brochure, invitations to events) to promote the group and individual member’s businesses within your network of contacts.

• Get to know the member’s and understand their businesses so you can effectively promote them within your network of contacts.

• Always attempt to develop and deliver warm and legitimate referrals (average of 1 warm lead per quarter) for the group members.

• If you receive a referral from the group, follow-up in a timely manner, and deliver promised quality and pricing. Report back to the member and group in general on the progress of referrals generated within the group.

• Bring guests/prospective members to designated meetings. Contact Membership VP before inviting prospect to determine best meeting for guest to attend. Members should strive to recruit a minimum of one person for the group.

• Members should strive to give Executive Committee at least two month’s notice before leaving the group and attempt to replace themselves within the group if possible.

• Maintain high standards of integrity in business conduct.

Executive Committee:

• Made up of 4 positions filled by elected member’s for a period of one year. President, Administrative VP/President Elect, Membership VP and Treasurer (refer to board positions and roles document)

• In charge of timely communications, attendance, speaker schedule, any monetary payments, welcoming new members, police member categories, and track leads.

• President, along with Executive Committee is responsible for groups overall performance.

• Admin VP/President Elect becomes President of group after 12-month term.