What is Business First, women who mean business?
Business First, Women Who Mean Business, commenced in 2007 and was a small group of business women seeking to network within the group to expand their business.
What are the requirements and restrictions?
Requirements are a woman must be in business for herself and that business must be her primary source of income. She must submit an application and be interviewed through the Membership Committee.
Membership was once limited to 30 members. Over the years, Business First has grown and we now hold no restrictions on how many members we may have. The only restriction is we allow only one member per seated profession.
Membership was once limited to 30 members. Over the years, Business First has grown and we now hold no restrictions on how many members we may have. The only restriction is we allow only one member per seated profession.
How much are membership dues?
Yearly dues are $50.00. Renewing members are expected to pay by January 1 of the year, but are allowed an extension through the month if necessary.
When a new member joins, dues are prorated as follows:
January through March = $50.00
April through June = $37.50
July through September = $25.00
October through December = $12.50
When a new member joins, dues are prorated as follows:
January through March = $50.00
April through June = $37.50
July through September = $25.00
October through December = $12.50
What are the benefits of joining business first, women who mean business?
A few major benefits in joining Business First:
*Non-compete membership
*Reasonable annual dues
*Automatic exposure on the internet via our website and public Facebook page
*A private Facebook group to stay connected with Business First members, which in turn keeps members up to date with any changes, meetings, functions, etc...
*Diverse group of women. Business First has members with 30 years of experience in one field as well as newcomers who are starting out professionally. This diversity assist every member. The inexperienced have mentors while the more experienced are often reminded of little things they have taken for-granted or forgotten. Business First acknowledges every member has something to bring to the table. The only requirement here is to be a "Woman Who Means Business!"
*Business First holds networking socials, workshops, a monthly women's luncheon and teaches education from what to wear when meeting potential clients to how to conduct yourself professionally, just to name a few!
*We hold our members accountable for networking and this has proven especially beneficial in 2019!
*Non-compete membership
*Reasonable annual dues
*Automatic exposure on the internet via our website and public Facebook page
*A private Facebook group to stay connected with Business First members, which in turn keeps members up to date with any changes, meetings, functions, etc...
*Diverse group of women. Business First has members with 30 years of experience in one field as well as newcomers who are starting out professionally. This diversity assist every member. The inexperienced have mentors while the more experienced are often reminded of little things they have taken for-granted or forgotten. Business First acknowledges every member has something to bring to the table. The only requirement here is to be a "Woman Who Means Business!"
*Business First holds networking socials, workshops, a monthly women's luncheon and teaches education from what to wear when meeting potential clients to how to conduct yourself professionally, just to name a few!
*We hold our members accountable for networking and this has proven especially beneficial in 2019!
Where do I find out if my profession is still available?
We are currently working on a website page to list seats that are taken and seats remaining available. IE: Insurance professional spots are filled but positions for a CPA, Florist, and Hair Stylist are available.
With all the professions women have taken on, there are plenty of seats left to accept new members! Be sure to contact us here on the site or through our Business First public page for more information.
You can view a list on our public Facebook page to give you an idea of what is available. Due to the new year, it may have a few updates to complete.
With all the professions women have taken on, there are plenty of seats left to accept new members! Be sure to contact us here on the site or through our Business First public page for more information.
You can view a list on our public Facebook page to give you an idea of what is available. Due to the new year, it may have a few updates to complete.
What is the process for joining?
You are welcome to attend 2 meetings in one calendar year to decide if Business First is a good fit for you. Should you feel it is, you would complete an application and the Membership Committee will contact you for an interview. Once an interview is complete, a courtesy notice of your pending position is sent to members to establish there are no conflicts of interest. Members are given a 24 hour period to respond. When it is established there is no conflict of interest, your membership is approved, you pay your dues and you are now a Business First member. There are also By-laws and a Code of Conduct to sign upon approval.
After you are approved, you will send your head shot, personal name as you wish it listed on the site, your business name, business phone, and business email as it is to be listed in the directory to the membership committee so they can forward your information to have it placed on the website. You are also sent an invite to the private group on Facebook. ALL of the above mentioned exposure is included in your membership.
After you are listed on the website, you will be emailed information on how you can upgrade your exposure via this website utilizing the Member Spotlight page or by linking directly to your existing website on the Member's page. These services range from $36 - $150 a year and are only offered as additional exposure. They are not mandatory.
After you are approved, you will send your head shot, personal name as you wish it listed on the site, your business name, business phone, and business email as it is to be listed in the directory to the membership committee so they can forward your information to have it placed on the website. You are also sent an invite to the private group on Facebook. ALL of the above mentioned exposure is included in your membership.
After you are listed on the website, you will be emailed information on how you can upgrade your exposure via this website utilizing the Member Spotlight page or by linking directly to your existing website on the Member's page. These services range from $36 - $150 a year and are only offered as additional exposure. They are not mandatory.
Where and when does business first hold meetings?
Business First holds our meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. October is a private meeting to secure officers for the next year and December is private for our Christmas party.
Our meetings are currently held at La Cuisine De Mamam at Vermillionville located at 300 Fisher Road in Lafayette. 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Members are marked as absent at 11:45 when the meeting officially commences.
Our meetings are currently held at La Cuisine De Mamam at Vermillionville located at 300 Fisher Road in Lafayette. 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Members are marked as absent at 11:45 when the meeting officially commences.
