Frequently Asked Questions about The Networking Way

What is The Networking Way?

• The Networking Way is a membership-based business networking association created to provide its members with conveniently scheduled meetings designed to easily facilitate introductions, and an online environment that easily fosters communication, continuity, education, and the development of trusted relationships between members.
• Rather than belonging to a single unit of an organization like a club or a chapter that typically meets at the same time and location each week or month, your membership in The Networking Way is a passport letting you attend any event (with space available) ~ regardless of location.

Can anyone join The Networking Way?

• Absolutely, as long as you're at least 18 years old. The Networking Way is an open business networking association and does not limit membership to an industry or to "only one of" a profession or trade.
• Our purpose is to do all we can to help you make connections that will benefit you in your work and personal life, and to provide an environment that can help you develop those relationships into trusted associations.
• Because we know that networking can lead to wonderful relationships that can make a really positive difference in your business and personal life, we do not in any way limit, or have rules against your being able to belong to other networking organizations. In fact, we encourage you to do all you can to enhance your career and help your business thrive and expand!

Are there any restrictions or limitations on membership in The Networking Way?

• While The Networking Way is open to all, your membership can not be used to campaign for a political office or candidate, or to promote or crusade for any religious organization or philosophy. Sending spam messages or spam emails to other members is unacceptable behavior. Please read our Terms of Service for additional information.

What does it cost to be a Guest of The Networking Way?

• There is no charge for you to be a Guest of The Networking Way; in fact, being a Guest and attending a networking meeting hosted by The Networking Way is part of the process for you to become a Member. However, you can only attend one networking meeting as a Guest and you will not have access to the business tools available to Members on the website until you join The Networking Way.

What does it cost to be a Member of The Networking Way?

• There is a 1-time non-refundable set-up fee and a monthly access fee of $19.95 for your membership in The Networking Way.

• Through June 30, 2007 the 1-time non-refundable set-up fee is $199. Beginning July 1, 2007 the non-refundable set-up fee will be $240.00.
  

• These fees are used to pay for the services of your Meeting Coordinators, for website development, hosting, and maintenance, marketing, administrative support and overhead, credit card processing, and similar business expenses.

Are there any additional fees or charges for membership in The Networking Way?

• While some organizations do offer different levels of membership and a scale of fees tied to those tiers, your membership in The Networking Way is comprehensive. Immediately upon joining and for as long as you are a member in good standing, you have access to the full set of tools and privileges offered by The Networking Way.

What are the payment options for membership in The Networking Way and other events such as workshops?

• We can accept either Visa or MasterCard credit cards. For your protection, all payments are made via the secure electronic gateway provided by The Networking Way's website. No payments in any form (cash, checks, credit cards) can be accepted at the door for any event hosted by The Networking Way.

Is my membership in The Networking Way tax deductible?

• It's quite possible that your membership may be tax deductible but since each person's tax situation varies, please talk with your tax preparer for an answer that is correct for you.

Is there a meeting attendance requirement for members of The Networking Way (such as being required to attend 1 meeting per month or weekly meetings...)?

• What a good question, I'm glad you've asked and, the short answer is No. We discussed this philosophy for some time and considered a variety of attendance requirements because this is a networking association and face-to-face meetings are one of the best ways to begin a good acquaintance. There just simply is a difference between a "virtual" and an in-person meeting.
• We decided against an attendance requirement because our membership is so diverse — from entrepreneurs and independents to W-2'ers and job changers, from folks in sales and marketing to recruiters, coaches, inventors and artists… Our lives are all so busy today that it can be difficult to squeeze one more appointment onto the calendar; so when you come up for air, when it's convenient for you then you can attend the meeting(s) that fit with your schedule and your objectives. In the meanwhile, use your access to the website to keep in touch with folk you've already met and maybe find some help to make your life easier.
• We do ask, however, that if you make a reservation for a meeting and later find you can't attend then please cancel your reservation!

Can I just pop in for a networking meeting at the last minute or do I have to have a reservation?

• You do need to make a reservation to attend a networking meeting hosted by The Networking Way because our groups are small, space is limited; and your reservation helps the Meeting Coordinator in structuring that event. However, you can register for an event up until midnight the night before, so you don't have to plan far in advance.

If I'm a member of The Networking Way, are there any limits on how many networking meetings I can attend?

• Nope! Your membership is a passport allowing you to attend as many networking meetings offered by The Networking Way as you please, wherever they may be held, as long as you're a member in good standing and you make a reservation for that event.

Why do I have to show a photo ID at the door for a networking meeting held by The Networking Way?

• Whether you're a Guest or a Member, you'll need to show a government issued photo ID to the Meeting Coordinator before entering a networking meeting just as you might show your ID card to cash a check or to enter a gym or other club. This safety policy helps to ensure a person is who they claim to be, so you can feel greater confidence as you create new connections.

I filled out your website's registration form to become a Guest, but I can't log on ~ why?

• Our registration process includes confirming that the email address you have entered is correct and you have access to that account. If you have completed the Guest registration form, then check your email to find a message sent to you from confirmation@thenetworkingway.com.

  There are known issues with Hotmail accounts that, for some reason, fail to receive email addressed from The Networking Way. Please do not use Hotmail as your email account.

  Depending on how your service evaluates incoming emails, that message may be delivered to your “Inbox” or to your “Junk” or “Spam” folder. The email from confirmation@thenetworkingway.com contains a temporary link you have to click on (or paste into your web browser’s address field) to complete the registration process.

  If you can’t find your confirming email from The Networking Way in your messages or you’re having some other difficulty in registering, then please contact our Support desk at: support@thenetworkingway.com and we will help you.

What is your "Tell A Friend" Policy?

• Positive referrals are wonderful for good business and should never go without recognition. We would like you to refer your friends and associates to The Networking Way because you experience a real value in your membership. So to thank you for your referrals to The Networking Way...

• For each 3 people who register as guests and attend one of The Networking Way's speed networking meetings through referral from you, we'll give you a free month of membership.

• For each person who becomes a member of The Networking Way through your referral, we'll give you your choice of: a free month of membership ~ or a $20 gift card (you select what it will be) ~ or gifts (to $20 in value) to say Thank You.

  Our guest and member registration forms ask for the source of referral ~ so be sure they put your name in at the time of registration!

What happens if someone violates any of the Terms of Service?

• The Networking Way's Terms of Service are agreements you make with us and your fellow members that are designed to ensure safety and good conduct and promote a positive community environment. If circumstances would be serious enough, we would terminate a membership immediately.
• Typically, we will follow a 3-strike policy that begins with a warning, then a restriction of on-site activities and lastly, termination from membership. Any person terminated from membership for reasons of poor conduct will not be able to rejoin The Networking Way. Please read our Terms of Service for additional information.