VISION, OUTLINE & GUIDELINES
Vision
Clarksville Inspired Connections is a dynamic local business networking group that brings together professionals and entrepreneurs to build relationships, support each other, have fun, and give back to the community. The group provides a supportive environment for members to network, share their experiences, and grow. With regular meetings and meet-ups, Clarksville Inspired Connections provides opportunities for members to have fun, build meaningful connections, and be inspired to reach new heights in your personal and professional life.
Meetings
Networking meetings can be a great way for professionals to meet new contacts and expand their business connections. The vision of our networking meetings is to provide a platform for businesses to showcase themselves, learn from each other, and build lasting relationships.
Our meetings take place twice a month, on the 2nd Wednesday at 11am at the Flip’N Axe (2121 Wilma Rudolph Blvd Clarksville TN 37040) and on the 3rd Wednesday at 6pm at DEH Events & Suites (1943 Fort Campbell Blvd Clarksville TN 37042). Members are welcome to attend one or both meetings, depending on their availability. This also allows for a variety of members to attend, as some may not be able to attend both meetings.
During each meeting, we will feature two spotlight businesses. The spotlight businesses will have 25 minutes to showcase themselves and their business in whatever way they see fit. They can share their business story, speak about best practices, ask for advice on business problems, or bring in a speaker to discuss a topic they feel the group would benefit from. This not only provides an opportunity for the spotlight businesses to promote themselves, but also allows other members to learn and gain insights from their experiences.
In addition to the 25 minute spotlight, the spotlight businesses will also get to choose a fun meet-up or give-back event for members to attend that month. This is a great way for members to get to know each other outside of the meetings and to support each other’s businesses. Members are encouraged to write reviews, visit the businesses, buy products, and help market the spotlight businesses not just during the month they are spotlighted, but also throughout the year.
Along with the spotlight businesses, we will also have at least two fun or give-back meet-ups each month that are open to anyone who wants to attend. This is another opportunity for members to get to know each other and build connections while also supporting local businesses and community organizations.
Our networking meetings aim to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for professionals to connect and grow their businesses. We hope to see you at our next meeting!
Membership
Membership: The networking group allows 2 members per profession to join. This is to ensure a diverse group of professionals in the group. This number may change due to members going “only” to one time slot for meetings.
Member Approval: Before accepting new members, the group will ask its current members about new members joining the group to ensure there is no conflict of interest with their joining. It will also ask the group member whose profession may be at risk, therefore this may change rule #1. This is to ensure that there is no saturation of a profession and to allow for a good blend of members.
All members must be part of the group to attend meetings (unless it is their first meeting). This means that if a member wishes to bring a guest, that guest must become a member of the group if they wish to attend future meetings.
Before a member is accepted into the group they must attend a meeting.
Each business will not be allowed to bring other staff members to eliminate a saturation of a business and allow for a good blend of members. The exception to the rule is if you have a business partner that you would like to attend in your place.
Professionalism: Members are expected to act professionally at all times, both within and outside the group. This includes respecting other members, their businesses, and their time.
Contribution: Members are expected to contribute to the group in a positive way. This includes attending meetings, participating in group discussions, and providing valuable input and feedback.
8. Multi-level Marketing: This networking group prohibits Multi-level Marketing (MLM) or network marketing whose primary focus is to promote the maximum number of distributors, as well as compensation for sales their recruits make. If the business is product (Mary Kay, Scentsy, Etc.) they may join however if they are found to be primarily focused on recruiting “CIC” members their membership will be terminated.
Attendance Policy
It is strongly recommended that members attend at least one membership meeting a month to get the most out of their membership. However, we understand that sometimes this may not be possible due to scheduling conflicts or other unforeseen circumstances.
Members are allowed and encouraged to attend both monthly meetings if they are able to do so, since there may be different members at each.
Members who miss all meetings for a period of three consecutive months will be considered inactive and will have their membership terminated to allow others in that profession to fill their seat.
Inactive members will be removed from the group's mailing list, and will no longer be eligible to receive newsletters or other communications from the group.
Members who have been terminated due to inactivity may re-apply for membership, but they will be subject to the same review process as new members and will need to wait for a seat to open up.
In addition to the two monthly meetings, the group may organize several meet-ups throughout the month. Attendance at these meet-ups is not required, but it allows members to participate in fun activities or giving back to the community which will help members to get to know one another better.
Members are welcome to bring guests to meet-ups.
The attendance of members will be recorded at each meeting and this information will be used to determine compliance with the attendance policy.
By following this attendance policy, we hope to maintain an active and engaged membership that can fully participate in the networking opportunities provided by our group, while also allowing for new members in the same profession to join and benefit from the group's activities, including the optional meet-ups.
Cost
Our networking group is free to join and attend, however, this means that we will not be providing refreshments at our events, unless the meeting is sponsored. We kindly ask that all members bring their own refreshments or plan to purchase them from nearby vendors.
Additionally, we are fortunate enough to have a donated event space for our gatherings. We ask that all members be respectful and mindful of the space, keeping it clean and leaving it as we found it. We are grateful for the opportunity to have this donated space and we would like to express our appreciation to those who made it possible. We ask that all members also express their gratitude and show our appreciation for their generosity.
As we continue to grow and expand our networking group, we want to remind everyone that this group is a community effort. We rely on the participation and support of each member to keep the group running smoothly.
Networking Group Communication Standard
1. Facebook Groups: There will be two closed Facebook groups for the networking group - one group for important information and one group for members to chat and add meet-ups.
a. Important Information Group (Clarksville Inspired Connections): This Facebook group will be managed by the admin(s) of the networking group. The purpose of this group is to provide members with essential information regarding meet-ups, meetings, and any other important information. The admin(s) will be responsible for posting information on this group, and members are expected to check this group regularly.
b. Member Chat Group (CIC Chat): This Facebook group is intended for members to chat, ask questions, and interact with other members of the networking group. Members can also post additional meet-up details, sell products, and share information related to the group's objectives. The group will be monitored by the admin(s) to ensure that all posts comply with the networking group's standards.
2. Email Communication: All important information will be communicated through email. Members are expected to provide a valid email address, and the admin(s) will send regular updates and announcements to all members via email.
3. Text Messages: In addition to email communication, the admin(s) may send text messages to members with important information, last-minute changes, or urgent updates. Members are expected to provide a valid mobile number to receive these messages.
4. Membership Directory: Members will be provided with an updated directory to facilitate communication, collaboration, and referrals. The directory will be accessible only to the members of the networking group, members are encouraged to use the directory to reach out to other members The directory will be updated regularly by the admin(s) based on the information provided by the members.
Respect
As a networking group, it is important to create a positive and supportive environment for all businesses to thrive. Here are some guidelines to help foster a respectful and encouraging atmosphere within the group:
Respect each other's time: Time is a valuable resource for all businesses. Be punctual and make sure to show up to meetings on time.
Listen attentively: When another member is speaking, give them your undivided attention. Avoid interrupting or talking over others. Take turns speaking and be patient when it's not your turn.
Be inclusive: Make an effort to include all members in the conversation. Don't leave anyone out or dismiss their ideas or opinions. Encourage everyone to participate and contribute.
Give constructive feedback: If you have feedback for another member, make sure it is constructive and helpful. Avoid negative criticism or harsh judgments.
Celebrate each other's successes: When another member has a success, celebrate with them. Share in their excitement and congratulate them on their accomplishments.
Help each other: If another member needs help, offer your assistance. Whether it's a referral or a piece of advice, be generous with your resources and knowledge.
Respect each other's differences: Members come from different backgrounds and have different opinions. Respect each other's differences and avoid engaging in divisive conversations.
By following these guidelines, the networking group will provide a valuable opportunity for members to network with other professionals and build relationships that can benefit their businesses. These are guidelines and are subject to change as the group grows and changes.