ProVisors - The Professionals Network Group

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Who qualifies to be a ProVisors® member?

Is there exclusivity by profession in each group?

What is ProVisors' policy regarding solicitation?

How long will it take to receive a referral?

How much are membership dues?

Why did ProVisors change its name from Professionals Network Group?

How does ProVisors enforce its Code of Ethics and Responsibilities of Membership?

Are the Responsibilities of Membership absolute requirements?

What should I do if I witness a member violating the Code of Ethics or Responsibilities of Membership?

What should I do if a Provisors member tells me that another member has violated the Code of Ethics or Responsibilities of Membership?

Who qualifies to be a ProVisors member?

ProVisors members are top level professionals who are Trusted Advisors to their clients. This means that the clients of ProVisors members regularly turn to them for guidance on business and personal matters, both within and outside of their disciplines. ProVisors members exercise substantial influence over their clients' affairs; enjoy long-term client relationships; and regularly introduce their clients to other professionals to help them achieve specific goals.

Is there exclusivity by profession in each group?

Diversity by profession is a characteristic of success for Provisors groups. There is no exclusivity. It is up to the discretion of each Group Leader and the ProVisors office based on the following concepts:

Members in the same profession may have different specialties. For example, one intellectual property attorney may handle only patents while another specializes in trademarks and copyrights.
Two or more members in the same profession may not serve the same clientele based on such criteria as size or industry. Also, members may be conflicted out from some referrals. The key is to find and emphasize the differences, rather than automatically assuming that the two are competitive and inappropriate for the same group.
Since each person is unique, you may want to refer two or three resources to a client to ensure a good fit. For some members, providing more than one referral is a requirement of their profession or firm.
Your client may request more than one referral.
Certain categories of professionals are over-broad. For example, a financial planner may provide life and health insurance products, investment advice, tax counsel, etc. That person should join a ProVisors group under one of those areas as a specialty. Since there is no exclusivity, no one is allowed to corner two or more disciplines within a professional category.
More than likely, you will find ways to cross-refer to, or collaborate with, a so-called competitor.

What is ProVisors policy regarding solicitation?

ProVisors encourages our members to proactively market their firms and themselves to one another, providing the marketing is done tastefully.

Soliciting Business

Members may not directly ask each other for business. Any communication that is a direct solicitation to action or directly promoting a product or service from which you will receive remuneration is prohibited. However, if a member asks another member about his service or for individual help, there is an expectation that you can sell directly to that "open" member. Members frequently become clients of one another in the normal course of business.

Direct and/or persistent soliciting of business from co-members and the unsolicited distribution of marketing materials is not only frowned upon, but is grounds for expulsion from ProVisors. Acceptable ways to communicate a desire to provide services to a co-member include: "I would welcome an opportuity to work with you," "develop some quotes for you," or "review your portfolio." In addition, you may wish to discuss how you make referrals or your views on reciprocity.

Written Materials
Members are welcome to hand out, mail, email, or fax written materials to other members with whom they have a business relationship as long as the materials are educational and informative and do not ask for business. Written materials may include 1-sheets, firm announcements, newsletters or brochures, tombstones, economic forecasts, needs/deals/wants, article reprints, seminar invitations, legislative/legal/tax updates, and advisory and technical articles. Members may not automatically add other members to a group email list, without first asking if they would like to be added. Members must provide an easy way for the recipient to “opt out” from future distributions.

ProVisors does not endorse member seminars. Members are welcome to offer special pricing for other members; however, members should not represent that your seminar is backed by, endorsed or in any way associated with ProVisors.

How long will it take to receive a referral?

We are a relationship-based organization, not leads-based. Members should come prepared to be a resource to their co-members, sharing experiences, introductions, technical experience and client referrals. As it takes timed to develop relationships of trust, new members should not expect referred business for 12 to 18 months. However, many members do successfully collaborate with co-members within the first year of membership.

How much are membership dues?

For 2007, annual membership dues are $1200, which includes admission to the monthly breakfast meetings of the group joined. In addition, members may attend meetings of any of ProVisors other groups as a guest up to 3 times per group during each calendar year. Members may also participate in Affinity Groups, as appropriate.

Why did ProVisors change its name from Professionals Network Group?

ProVisors' marketing committee compared the organization's core strengths with those of competing organizations. The clear differentiation is that, unlike competing organizations, ProVisors' culture is focused on collaboration, rather than networking. Collaboration requires deep relationships, rather than simply meeting new contacts with the hope of getting a referral. Changing our name from PNG to ProVisors reflects the refinement of refocusing and recharging for the betterment of each of our members. Hence, we concluded that "network" should be dropped from the organization's name. But what sets ProVisors apart remains the same - that we are built upon and nurture relationships that create value, even when there is no monetary reward. The underlying premise always has been, and always will be, a source of pride and strength.

How does ProVisors enforce its Code of Ethics and Responsibilities of Membership?

Enforcement of the Code of Ethics and Responsibilities of Membership is at the group level. All members must confirm that they accept the Code of Ethics and Responsibilities of Membership prior to joining or renewing. Additionally, Group Leaders must attest that members are in good standing prior to their annual renewal.

Are the Responsibilites of Membership absolute requirements?

The Responsibilities of Membership are guidelines, with the anticipation that they will be met. Abiding by the Code of Ethics is an absolute requirement. Enforcement of the Responsibilities of Membership and the Code of Ethics is at the group level, at the discretion of the Group Leaders. There may be instances where Group Leaders attest that a member is in good standing without meeting all of the Responsibilities of Membership.

What should I do if I witness a member violating the Code of Ethics or Responsibilities of Membership?

Report infractions of the Code of Ethics or Responsibilities of Membership to your Group Leader or to the ProVisors office for investigation.

What should I do if a ProVisors member tells me that another member has violated the Code of Ethics or Responsibilities of Membership?

Advise the member to report the alleged infraction to his/her Group Leader or to the ProVisors office for investigation. Use discretion to avoid slander.

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