Rules and Membership Guidelines
HIPPNet welcomes a diverse range of small businesses and entrepreneurs into our community. We have a few rules and guidelines though. Here are the main ones:
1. We only allow one representative of each type of business. That’s how we promote loyalty and avoid competition. Some of our business offerings may overlap, but we stick to promoting the ones that don’t.
2. We meet every Tuesday of the month. The first Tuesday is devoted to HIPPNet “housekeeping.” It isn’t mandatory but we encourage participation.
3. HIPPNet is based on the active participation of each member. If a member isn’t able to make a meeting, he or she is responsible for notifying the group and sending a substitute if at all possible. Members may arrange to take sabbaticals if it is required for personal or professional growth, but if a member misses too many meetings in a row, his or her space will be made available to others who wish to participate in the group.
4. Our ability to make qualified referrals is only good if we truly know and understand each other on a professional and personal basis. Therefore we meet regularly with each other to “catch up.”
5. To join HIPPNet, prospective members must show up for three consecutive meetings and meet one-on-one with at least five HIPPNet members. (If one meeting can’t be made, no problem – just let us know in advance.) After this is accomplished, the HIPPNet members put the prospect’s membership up to a vote.
6. Members are responsible for leading both Spotlight and Education segments as their turns come up.
Download the membership manual (pdf)
