What makes PBN different than any other leads group?
We created a program to embrace both businesswomen and businessmen. We stick to the format, require our members to be committed, expect excellence and reject mediocrity. We're snappy, successful and honored by the incredibly talented and professional membership who are the true spirit of PBN.

How do you know new members are reputable?
The application asks for references and we have a membership committee that checks them. It's word of mouth, so before they even come to a meeting they have to have spoken to someone or been invited by someone in the group. Everyone has to have a sponsor, or one is assigned to them, and they interview them.

What can I expect PBN to do for me?
You can expect PBN to provide the structure and the guidance of the PBN program. You can expect your Regional Director to train your chapter members in leadership and presentation skills. You can expect all the necessary materials to run a chapter to be provided without charge. You can expect annual training in the newest networking and chapter building techniques for your Board Members and Committee Chairs. You can expect you category to be protected.

What does PBN expect of me?
PBN expects you to attend meetings because you can't build relationships if you aren't attendance. PBN expects you to pass, on average, one qualified referral every meeting. PBN expects you to be ethical, professional and experienced in your line of work. PBN expects you to help all your members to be successful and they are expected to do the same for you.

What if a member gets a referral and does poor work?
We have an ethics committee and it is imperative that anyone who gives a lead and finds out it was not satisfactorily handled must report that the membership committee, who will investigate.

What occupations benefit the most from networking?
It is not the occupation, it is the individual. The occupation can be anything. If you're focused and you have a dream and you're willing to make a sacrifice, you are the person we want in the group.

Are members supposed to bring visitors?
You're encouraged to bring visitors for those occupations that are open, after the visitor has been prescreened, if they're a viable candidate. It's pretty much a closed meeting except for potential members.

Do ethical rules for certain professions prohibit participation in PBN?
PBN understands the importance of the ethical concerns governing certain professions and acknowledges that rules can differ by location. As such, PBN therefore requires its members to uphold the rules of its profession so as not to violate the professional's ethical obligations. In the event that PBN general rules could potentially violate a professional's ethical code, PBN's rules are superseded by the dictates of the professional's ethics code. Significantly, a primary objective of PBN is to educate its memberships in ways to market and grow business. It is PBN's intent to ensure that this is permitted.

If I specialize in a field within my profession, am I expected to be an expert in all aspects of my profession?
PBN understands that many professions are broad and that people often specialize within their profession. PBN does not expect, nor does it encourage, any professional to participate in an area in which the professional does not have expertise. On the contrary, PBN prohibits professionals from acting outside of the scope of their abilities.

How soon will I see financial reward?
PBN is not a get rich fast scheme. It takes time to earn the trust of your chapter members, to become adept in the networking arena, to learn to promote yourself and your business with ease. If you expect instant reward, PBN is not for you. If you want to build long-standing business relationships that will earn you qualified referrals for years to come, then PBN is for you.

How do I know PBN will work for me?
PBN will work for you... if you work PBN. Just follow the program. But to be successful in PBN (or in any endeavor) requires perseverance and the universal understanding that you must give before you receive.

Why shouldn't I just join my Chamber of Commerce?
Actually PBN believes that you should be a member of both your Chamber and PBN. Your Chamber of Commerce is good for your business and your community. The difference though between a Chamber and your PBN Chapter is exclusivity. You 'own' your category when you join PBN and your competition is excluded from your chapter. Chambers, by their very nature, cannot exist without being inclusive.

What really makes PBN work?
You do. The membership. PBN teaches you how to network smarter. PBN gives you the structure from which to grow. But it is the chapter as a whole that fuels the success of each member. Rather than just you out there selling on your own, with PBN you have a virtual sales force of professional business people bringing you qualified leads. Remember, referrals are made based on trust and solid relationships. That's why it is important to attend meetings and build those relationships so your chapter will get to know you, just as you'll get to know them.

How many meetings must I attend before I can join?
Each guest is required to attend one meeting before an application can be accepted. An inspection of an applicant's place of business is a requirement of acceptance.

My profession does not let me directly solicit business. Is PBN still right for me?
PBN's primary objective is to assist its members in ways to improve their business and to educate them concerning how they can effectively network. Business people get business when their expertise is known and others reach a comfort level with them. PBN provides a forum that allows members to meet other business peers who need to know effective and efficient business people.

How many votes are required for acceptance into the Chapter?
It depends on the Chapter's size. If the Chapter contains fewer that thirty members, then a minimum of three 'NO' votes can permit the Chapter to deny membership. If there are more than thirty members, then a minimum of 10% of the membership (tallied from the beginning of the quarter) voting 'NO' is required to permit the Chapter to deny membership.

How much does it cost to join PBN Los Angeles Chapter?
Your new annual membership fee of $275 (US) is paid directly to PBN. Additionally, members are required to pay dues throughout the year. These dues are kept in your chapter and are used to pay for your meals, business mixers and the promotion of your chapter. Each chapter sets its own fee schedule, however dues usually fall into the $225 to $350 range per quarter.

When are my dues required to be paid?
Most chapters collect dues on a quarterly schedule. PBN Los Angeles will collect dues monthly($75). Each chapter's Board of Directors establishes the amount for their chapter.

Who can I call if I have more questions?
Contact the PBN, Regional Director for your area. You can also email our headquarters at info@PBNonline.org and ask for more information regarding your area.