Mission Statement

The Arizona Business League is a networking organization that uses “word of mouth” advertising to provide business referrals amongst its members. It is comprised of men and women of good character and standing in the community. On a continual basis, members refer potential clients or customers to fellow members. A member can only represent one occupation within the organization and no two or more people representing the same occupation or profession will be a member. There can be no conflicts of interest

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance at our weekly meetings is extremely important. Although situations do arise that make attendance impossible, a member has the obligation to prioritize his or her schedule to show up at our meetings. Unless there is an understandable excuse, failure to attend 75% of our meetings will result in dismissal from the organization. Once a quarter the ABL board will meet to review attendance. Members who fall below the 75% attendance requirement will be contacted with a warning. If improved attendance is not followed, the member will be dismissed in writing.

 

Leave of Absence Policy

If medical reasons will not allow a member to attend meetings, a leave of absence must be requested in writing and submitted to the president. The leave will be approved by member vote at the next scheduled meeting.

Dues

Annual dues are $120.00. A member joining after the first of the year will pay only for the remaining months of the year, however, the minimum payment is $60.00.

Lead Policy

A member of the ABL is expected to be a contributing participant. This entails not just the promotion of his own business and services, but taking an active interest in the businesses and services of the other members of the ABL. A member of the ABL is expected to actively seek business leads for the other members of the group in an ongoing process that will be beneficial to all members of the ABL.

It is important that each member educate the general membership as to what constitutes a good lead for his/her business. A good lead is thus one that refers a prospective customer or client to the member receiving the lead with an assurance that the member receiving the lead is capable of providing the service or product to the party being referred. A good lead also involves a customer or potential client that is ready willing and able to avail him-/herself of the services for which he is being referred. Ideally, a good lead provides at least the name and phone number of the person being referred as well as a description of the service/product that is needed. It would also be ideal if the party being referred is aware of the referral process and is agreeable to it.

Speaking Requirements

30 Second Introduction: each week a member is given the opportunity to “polish” a short presentation of the services or products that member provides. This type of presentation will be of benefit in great many situations and gives the member the chance to practice that presentation. The inclusion of a short “catch phrase” will help others remember your business.

5 and 10 Minute Presentations: on a rotating basis, each member is given the opportunity to provide a more in depth presentation. This is a 5 (spot light) or 10 (key note) minute talk that is usually used by means of a presentation, followed by a question and answer period of approximately 2 minutes. This is a good time to remind everyone who might be a good referral.  The speaker is expected to provide a gift to the winner of our weekly drawing. Lunch or a novelty item is all that is required.

Officer’s Duties

President: conducts weekly meetings, keeps ABL records, supplies, and brings to meetings.  Primary officer on ABL bank accounts. Change treasurer on ABL account if treasurer changes.  Pay for guest lunches if treasurer not present. Ensure that a quorum is present when voting on changes and new members: Quorum for all items is 66%.  Maintains business card boxes. Maintains relationship with meeting facility. Addresses any other ABL business/disputes brought to him/her.

Vice-President: keeps speaker’s list, fills in for president when needed.

Secretary: maintains current membership list, keeps attendance, tracks leads, when member has 3 absences in a row, send attendance letter, or notify Board members of problem. Takes minutes at each business meeting and sends to all members prior to the next business meeting. Fills in if president and vice-president are absent.

Treasurer: keep ABL check book, bring it to meetings, second officer on ABL bank account, bank statement goes to his or her address, balances checkbook. Pays for guest lunches purchases supplies and deposits new member fees. Provides financial statement at business meeting. Fills in for President if needed.

Membership Committee

Creates an atmosphere conducive to the growth of the membership of the Arizona Business League with members complementary to the business principles of the ABL. This committee is also responsible for the introduction and education of prospective new members to the stated purpose of the ABL and to integrate the new member into the ABL in an expeditious and productive manner so as to benefit both the individual and the group. If there is a potential conflict with a current member, that member shall have the final decision regarding acceptance/denial of the application. If two or more guests appear representing the same profession, the membership committee will review the applications, interview the applicants, and make the final decision regarding acceptance/denial of the application. Members of this committee must be available to review applications.

Click here for the new member process.

Membership Coordinator

Makes personal contact (phone, meeting, etc.) with the new member within the first week (and more if needed) of membership so as to facilitate the process from new member to active member and to familiarize the new member with the duties of membership.

Visitor Host/Hostess

Presents introduction packets to visitors and member guests. Members are encouraged to invite another company that is a potential fit for ABL membership to be an ABL guest. To invite a guest the member should contact the Vice president at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

Why Join the Arizona Business League?

1. Exclusivity: The ABL non-compete policy gives members the right to preclude businesses that directly compete.

2. 30 Second Introduction: at Every meeting, all members have the opportunity to speak for 30 seconds to educate the other members as to exactly what services or products you provide.

3. 5 and 10 minute Presentations: On a rotating basis, every member has the opportunity to speak at length about his or her business.

4. Team of Sales People: With the 30 second and 5 and 10 minute presentations you have the capability of developing your own sales force comprised of ABL members.

5. Networking: ABL is a great opportunity to meet fellow business persons in a comfortable fun environment.

6. Brochure: ABL produces a brochure that is updated twice a year that identifies its members and is widely distributed.

7. Website: identifies members and provides contact information.  It is up to each member to ensure that the information is accurate and maintained.

 

ABL Meeting Agenda

Meets every Wednesday

Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Giovannis Pizza & Pasta Da Segio’s
8930 E Valley Rd
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314-8949
(928) 772-1461

Officer Introduction

Secretary’s report

Treasurer’s report at the business meeting only

Selected member reminds membership of purpose of ABL

30 second introduction from each member

60 second introduction from each guest

Selected member reminds membership of what is expected of an ABL member

5 and 10 minute presentations from the 2 speakers scheduled

Collection of Leads/testimonials

Announcements

Note: First Wednesday of each month is devoted to organizational/operational issues. This meeting does not follow the agenda provided above.  There may be a guest speaker of general interest, if appropriate.