Frequently asked questions
Why should I join Guildwood Business Networking Group instead of other networking groups?
Guildwood Business Networking Group (GBNG) is an informal group of friendly, easy-going business people – many of whom are sole proprietors. Many also live in the Guildwood area. All our members welcome new business in the Guildwood area. Our main purpose is to enjoy attending a business-oriented breakfast meeting monthly as we promote our businesses and, over time, get to know like-minded product and service providers in our area. While business referrals are welcome and are part of our purpose in joining GBNG, there is no pressure to provide referrals to fellow GBNG members. We believe that will occur naturally, once you get to know us.
What are the benefits of joining Guildwood Business Networking Group?
If asked to choose between two suppliers with equal credentials, most people choose to do business with the person they know, like and trust. Membership in GBNG gives you the opportunity to get to know professionals conducting business in our area. Over time, you will hear and see all members present their products/services benefits to the group during a 20-minute talk and question and answer session. You will have an opportunity to see and experience each members’ work style as they contribute to GBNG; you will get to see their business posture and be able to evaluate if it fits with how you do business. You’ll have time to see if you feel comfortable and confident to do business with our members, and/or choose to refer your own business associates, neighbours, friends, and relatives, as we get to know and feel comfortable with you.
How often does Guildwood Business Networking Group meet?
GBNG meets monthly – usually on the last Wednesday of the month. Holidays necessitate rescheduling or canceling some meetings according to the will of the majority of members present at the meeting when it is discussed. GBNG does not meet during July and August. However, monthly dues are paid for 12 months. Meetings are held at Tim Hortons at Guildwood Plaza at 7:15 am.
If I join part-way through the year, will my membership fee be pro-rated?
No, membership begins in the month after you join GBNG and is active for one year. New members are invited to join Guildwood Business Networking Group after a private vote by a majority of current members who attend the second meeting after the new member indicates he/she wants to join GBNG. This delay in the vote gives the potential new member and current members time to see if membership will be mutually beneficial.
How will I be expected to contribute to Guildwood Business Networking Group?
You may be asked to take charge of a particular project, taking action on behalf of the group and reporting via telephone, e-mail or at subsequent meetings; you may be asked to work as part of a small team of members, or with a supplier, to ensure a project is completed. You may be asked to volunteer to staff a community event table representing Guilwood Business Networking Group e.g. Guildwood Day. In all matters of significance, while the group is small, Guildwood Business Networking Group members are consulted and the majority rules eg: how GBNG money is spent; selecting new members, etc.
Guildwood Business Networking Group (GBNG) is an informal group of friendly, easy-going business people – many of whom are sole proprietors. Many also live in the Guildwood area. All our members welcome new business in the Guildwood area. Our main purpose is to enjoy attending a business-oriented breakfast meeting monthly as we promote our businesses and, over time, get to know like-minded product and service providers in our area. While business referrals are welcome and are part of our purpose in joining GBNG, there is no pressure to provide referrals to fellow GBNG members. We believe that will occur naturally, once you get to know us.
What are the benefits of joining Guildwood Business Networking Group?
If asked to choose between two suppliers with equal credentials, most people choose to do business with the person they know, like and trust. Membership in GBNG gives you the opportunity to get to know professionals conducting business in our area. Over time, you will hear and see all members present their products/services benefits to the group during a 20-minute talk and question and answer session. You will have an opportunity to see and experience each members’ work style as they contribute to GBNG; you will get to see their business posture and be able to evaluate if it fits with how you do business. You’ll have time to see if you feel comfortable and confident to do business with our members, and/or choose to refer your own business associates, neighbours, friends, and relatives, as we get to know and feel comfortable with you.
How often does Guildwood Business Networking Group meet?
GBNG meets monthly – usually on the last Wednesday of the month. Holidays necessitate rescheduling or canceling some meetings according to the will of the majority of members present at the meeting when it is discussed. GBNG does not meet during July and August. However, monthly dues are paid for 12 months. Meetings are held at Tim Hortons at Guildwood Plaza at 7:15 am.
If I join part-way through the year, will my membership fee be pro-rated?
No, membership begins in the month after you join GBNG and is active for one year. New members are invited to join Guildwood Business Networking Group after a private vote by a majority of current members who attend the second meeting after the new member indicates he/she wants to join GBNG. This delay in the vote gives the potential new member and current members time to see if membership will be mutually beneficial.
How will I be expected to contribute to Guildwood Business Networking Group?
You may be asked to take charge of a particular project, taking action on behalf of the group and reporting via telephone, e-mail or at subsequent meetings; you may be asked to work as part of a small team of members, or with a supplier, to ensure a project is completed. You may be asked to volunteer to staff a community event table representing Guilwood Business Networking Group e.g. Guildwood Day. In all matters of significance, while the group is small, Guildwood Business Networking Group members are consulted and the majority rules eg: how GBNG money is spent; selecting new members, etc.