1. Meeting Schedule & Time Commitment

 

• Meetings are held every Friday morning.

• Open networking begins at 7:30 AM.

• The formal meeting starts promptly at 8:00 AM.

• Members are expected to arrive on time and remain for the full meeting.

 

2. Late Arrival Policy (with Grace Period)

 

• Members must be seated and ready by 8:00 AM.

• A five (5) minute grace period is allowed.

• Arrival after 8:05 AM is considered late.

• Three (3) lates within a rolling six-month period count as one (1) absence.

• Habitual tardiness may result in membership review, regardless of total absences.

• Members should notify leadership in advance when possible if they expect to arrive late.

• Consistent punctuality is a core expectation of membership.

 

3. Membership Eligibility & Application

 

• Prospective members must attend two (2) consecutive meetings before an application is reviewed.

• Applications may be submitted before completing both visits, but will not be reviewed until both meetings are attended.

• Membership is not guaranteed and is granted at leadership’s discretion.

 

4. Attendance & Participation Expectations

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• Members are allowed up to six (6) absences within a rolling six-month period.

• Substitutes are permitted and do not count as absences.

• Members are expected to: attend consistently; participate actively; bring qualified, intentional referrals; and promote fellow members when appropriate.

• Failure to participate meaningfully may result in membership review.

 

5. Absence Forgiveness

 

• One (1) absence may be forgiven within a rolling six-month period if the member provides two (2) documented referrals that result in documented closed business for other members.

 

6. Business Classification & Category Protection

 

• The business category applied for must represent the member’s primary business focus.

• South Shelby Connectors generally allows one member per business category.

• Exceptions may be granted at leadership’s discretion.

• Members whose business is not their primary focus must demonstrate consistent attendance, engagement, and value.

 

7. Financial Commitment

 

• There is currently no monthly membership fee.

• A modest monthly fee may be implemented in the future to cover meeting space, operational expenses, and promotion.

• Advance notice will be provided.

• If implemented, the fee will be required to maintain an active membership.

 

8. Guest Policy

 

• Members are encouraged to invite guests.

• Guests may attend up to two (2) meetings, unless otherwise approved.

• Guests may briefly promote their business, provided it does not interfere with, compete with, or undermine the business categories of current members.

• Guests may not attempt to replace or market against a protected business category.

• Leadership reserves the right to limit or redirect guest participation to protect the integrity of the group.

 

9. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Policy

 

• Members representing MLM or direct-sales businesses may not recruit, pitch, or solicit fellow members into their downline or business opportunity during South Shelby Connectors meetings.

• This includes formal meetings, open networking time, and any structured group activities held as part of the meeting.

• This policy exists to maintain a professional, referral-focused meeting environment.

 

10. Code of Conduct

 

• Members must conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times.

• Members are expected to be actively engaged during the meeting and should not be constantly on a phone or computer, or talking in a disruptive manner, while others are presenting or the meeting is in progress.

• The following are not permitted:

• Negative selling or disparaging remarks about members or competitors

• Disruptive behavior

• Political, religious, or divisive discussions during meetings

 

11. Activity Documentation Standards

 

• Documented activity is how South Shelby Connectors tracks engagement, recognizes contributions, and measures results.

• If it’s not documented, it can’t be counted. • All referrals and closed business should be documented to be recognized or counted.

 

11A. Referral Definition

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• Within South Shelby Connectors, a referral is defined as: a direct connection in which the referring member has received permission from the prospect for another member to contact them, or has facilitated a three-way introduction or communication between the member and the prospect.

• A referral may include: a three-way email, text, or message introduction; a confirmed permission-based handoff; a scheduled three-way call or in-person introduction.

• The following do not qualify as referrals: general mentions, suggestions, or “keep them in mind” statements; social media tags or posts without direct introduction or permission; leads taken from public or purchased sources.

• Referrals that are not documented will not be counted toward group metrics, recognition, or absence forgiveness.

 

11B. Closed Business / Thank-You Confirmation

 

• Purpose: Celebrate wins and reinforce value.

• When to submit: Once business has officially closed.

• Required information: member who received the referral; member who gave the referral; type of business closed; estimated value range (optional); date closed.

• Closed business that is not documented will not be recognized or counted for group tracking, recognition, or absence forgiveness.

 

12. Recognition & Accountability

 

• Documented activity may be used for member recognition, leadership consideration, and absence forgiveness.

• Undocumented activity does not count toward group metrics.

 

13. New Member Probation Period

 

• All new members are subject to a three (3) month probationary period.

• During probation, members may not miss more than two (2) meetings.

• Attendance, participation, and documented activity will be reviewed at the end of probation.

• Leadership may grant full membership, extend probation, or deny continued membership. • Leadership decisions are final.

 

14. Leadership Authority & Membership Discretion

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• Membership is granted and maintained at leadership’s discretion.

• Leadership decisions are final.

• Membership may be suspended or terminated at any time if expectations are not met or actions harm the group.

 

15. Acknowledgment

 

• By joining and maintaining membership, members acknowledge and agree to abide by all requirements, expectations, and documentation standards outlined above