LOCAL NETWORKING GROUP POLICYWhile states and countries are “branches” of ABC, local areas within states are “local networking groups (LNG).” We do not have “chapters”.
Each Local Networking Group (LNG) is to have at least two and no more than three equal co-directors, not more than one of which is a vendor member, who will share the responsibility of organizing and running Local Networking Group meetings. An LNG with more than 50 members (based on average attendance) may have three co-directors and may also wish to form a supportive steering committee of at least three members, not more than one out of three being a vendor member. Responsibilities could be divided like this…
• A co-director responsible for organizing meetings – location, speaker, etc.
• A co-director to do the mailings and take the RSVP for the meetings
• A co-director to monitor the finances of the LNG
Many times one member has taken on the responsibility for doing it all and either burned out or created friction because no one else’s input was allowed. We want neither of these scenarios. We fully understand that Association business comes after your own business needs and family life and we are amazed at the commitment and dedication of members who take on this responsibility for the sake of the Association and the industry. That’s why we are over 4,400 members strong and still growing.
All promotional materials – for your own business or for meetings – and your answering machine message may clearly state that you are “co-director for the ABC Charlotte Local Networking Group”. Let’s not confuse anyone that they can get all the answers, order educational material, etc by calling a local number rather than the world headquarters in Connecticut. That being said, be sure to take proper credit for all the work you do for the Association.
Meeting Guidelines
• First choice is to use a member’s property. Next choice – a potential member’s or locations which may be new or exciting for members to check out.
• Locations that do not charge a room rental fee should be used. If a fee is mentioned, discuss the benefit of “showing off” to wedding professionals in the area. Be sure to mention that only a limited number of locations will have this opportunity each year as you only have a certain number of meetings per year.
• Consider using a restaurant instead of a meeting room, especially if the meeting is small. Each participant can then cover their own charges.
• Set a fee for meeting attendees and require it in advance. You should charge more for nonmembers to attend, adding a benefit to being an ABC Member.
• Nonmembers are encouraged to attend, but only twice. They can attend two meetings and then are asked to join before attending another. NO EXCEPTIONS Call your state coordinator and he/she can fax or e-mail you a current list in case there are any questions of membership, or check the www.bridalassn.com Members Only section for your state for current members. Former members can no longer attend ABC meetings. NO EXCEPTIONS If they show up, explain that our meetings are a benefit of membership and let them attend that meeting for the nonmember price and have them re-join. An example response card should read: $40 Member $50 Nonmember* and $60 at the door. *If you have already attended two ABC meetings, you must join or renew by (DATE) to attend this meeting.
• Nonmember meeting fee should be higher than member fee. Fees should not create a profit. They should be as reasonable as possible and only cover expenses. Small excesses can be used for the next mailing or meeting. Each Local Networking Group is self-supporting.
• If a member has an employee who wishes to attend a meeting, that employee is charged the nonmember price and needs to join if he/she wishes to attend more meetings. A membership is for one individual, not a company. Each person who wants to attend must become a member.
• Seek donations from members and suppliers, flowers, cakes, linens, chairs, music, etc. It is an excellent opportunity for them to showcase their product/service.
• The emphasis of all LNG meetings should be the Association. Be sure to make announcements at each meeting regarding ABC activities such as upcoming Association seminars, Annual Conference, etc. You should have a supply of membership brochures on hand at all meetings, and guests should be invited to join. Be sure to enforce the “Nonmembers are welcome to attend two meetings prior to joining”. Any co-director can write his or her name on the application and get ABCash ($10 if person joins as consultant, $5 if joining in other category) for members when they join. If a nonmember joins at the meeting, we will waive the $35 application fee.
• If a program is a part of the meeting, the first preference is to use members as presenters. If you are doing any kind of display table(s), they are only available to members as a benefit of membership.
• Whenever possible, discuss date of planned meetings with the office to see if ABC Staff can coordinate their travel plans to attend. If so, they will need an attendee list, preferably before they leave.
• Be aware of the different needs of novices, consultants, vendors, corporate, and long- term members. Perhaps a meeting an hour in advance of the regular time with either group will help.
Please note that “ABC” always comes before the state or local networking group, as in ABC North Carolina Branch or ABC Charlotte Networking Group. When members say things like North Carolina ABC or Charlotte ABC, it creates confusion and dilutes the value of our membership in an INTERNATIONAL Association.
Suggestions for Meeting Topics:• Use www.eventbrite.com to promote local meetings and collect payment. If your state coordinator uses this site already for state programs, please ask her for her referral code.
• Vendors working with consultants, the benefits, helping each other, networking, referral fees, etc.
• A day with a wedding coordinator. What a Wedding Day Coordinator does on the wedding day.
• A panel of 3 experience consultants explains their procedures. Question and Answers at the end.
• Bride from top to bottom:
o Bridal Gowns – styles, materials, ordering, sizes, undergarments
o Head Pieces & Veils – matching/coordinating with gown, style, best look for brides, hats and crowns.
o Shoes – styles, dye-ables.
o Makeup & Hair – importance of proper make up and hair for pictures.
• Getting acquainted with ABC – Held 1 to 2 times a year for non-members, novice members or new members. Members have also expressed benefits of attending.
• Tax Consultant record keeping, tax records, quarterly tax deposits, tax filing.
• Vendor member presentations such as floral design, photography, entertainment, etc.
• Smaller, intimate member’s only meetings to encourage vendor/consultant relationships.
• Restoration after the wedding services.
• The History of Weddings.
• How to Repair Wedding Flowers.
• A member speaks on catering.
• How To Meetings – how to tie a bow tie, make a corsage in a pinch, cut a wedding cake, repair a wedding cake.
• Speakers on marketing, motivation, networking, advertising, custom designed bridal gowns.
• A tour of various reception sites – Fact Caravan see information sheet.
• A tour of custom bridal gown designers.
• Branding/Marketing Strategies
• SCORE – Sales Techniques
• Image Consultant – Projecting a Professional Image
• Bar Association, Speakers Bureau – Contracts
• Social Worker – Understanding and Dealing with Difficult People
• Thought – most vendors are in a second career, and may have skills, knowledge or contacts from their first career, which would create a great program.
Related Site
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Gretna Green Weddings
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How Becoming a Wedding Planner
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