FAQs

Questions about DPWN Networking

Questions about DPWN Chapters

Questions about My Membership


Questions about Launching a Chapter and Leadership Roles


Questions about our multi-chapter Power Networking Events™ (PNE).


Questions about the DPWN website and my profile.

  •  Questions forthcoming.

Questions about the DPWN Angel Foundation.

  •   Questions forthcoming.

 

Questions about DPWN Networking

What is the purpose of a "referral focuses" networking organization like DPWN?
Our purpose is to assist you in getting good business referrals that will expand your business success. DPWN is dedicated to maximizing the use of your time and resources to get good business referrals. DPWN is not in competition with other group or clubs, nor are we a social club.

What makes DPWN different than any other leads group?
Unlike other leads groups who just focus on networking, we go a few steps deeper and focus on building strong relationships with the other women in our chapter and actively learning how to give them value so they can be successful. This approach results in stronger bonds, unparalleled loyalty and increased referral generation. In addition, we focus on having multiple chapters in a region to offer additional networking to our members. We look at the women in our chapter as immediate family and the women in the other chapters as extended family and reach out to them if we have needs not met within our chapter.

What will DPWN to do for me?
You can expect your category to be protected. You can expect DPWN to provide the structure and the guidance of our results orientated program. You can expect all the necessary materials to run a chapter to be provided to your chapter. You can expect your Regional Directors to build a strong network of women in your area and to train and support the members and leadership team of your chapter. You can also expect your Regional Directors to organize Power Networking Events™ in your area to provide you an opportunity for additional connections. You can expect DPWN to organize an annual recognition event as well as additional opportunities for our members to grow their business.

What does DPWN expect from me?
DPWN expects you to attend the chapter meetings so you can build the relationships necessary for your success. DPWN expects you to pass an average of two qualified internal and/or 3rd party referrals to each meeting and to bring qualified guests in the desired categories. DPWN expects you to be ethical, professional and experienced in your line of work. DPWN expects you to help all of your sister members to be successful as they are expected to do for you.

How soon will I see tangible results?
Depending on the nature of your business, it may take a bit of 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, DPWN is not for you. If you want to build long-standing business relationships that will earn you qualified referrals for years to come, then DPWN is for you.

How do I know DPWN will work for me?
DPWN will work for you... if you work DPWN. Just follow the program that has resulted in our member's success. But to be successful in DPWN, like in any endeavor, it requires perseverance and the universal understanding that you must give before you receive.

Why shouldn't I just join my Chamber of Commerce?
Actually DPWN believes that in addition to your DPWN membership, you should be an active member of your local Chamber. Your Chamber of Commerce is good for your business and your community. The difference though between a Chamber and your DPWN chapter is exclusivity and the level of the relationship you build. You "own" your category when you join DPWN and your competition is excluded from your chapter. Chambers, by their very nature, cannot exist without being inclusive. You will also cultivate stronger and deeper bonds with the women of your chapter because of the level of loyalty you build with them.

Can I just visit your chapter locations and not become a member?
Because we focus on actively generating business for the other members of our chapter and know that they are doing the same for us, we encourage guests to visit our meetings for the purpose of joining our family. Members are discouraged from referring business to guests because of this mutual objective. For this reason we have created a policy where visitors may visit the same DPWN chapter twice or may visit two different DPWN chapters once.

How many times can the same visitor visit?
A visitor may visit the same DPWN chapter twice or a visitor may visit two different DPWN chapters once.

How many category exclusive referral groups can I belong to at the same time?
To ensure that you are able to support the sister members of your chapter as well as they are supporting you, DPWN membership is reserved for women who do not belong to another category exclusive referral group.

What benefits are there to the membership besides attending and having exclusive representation in their chapter meetings?

  • Members are able to attend our multi-chapter Power Networking Events™ at a discounted price.
  • Members are eligible to attend member's only educational opportunities.
  • Members have representation on this website with member only functions.



Questions about DPWN Chapters

How often does a DPWN chapter meet and what is the length of each meeting?
DPWN chapters meetings are held twice a month, over lunch, following a consistent schedule. The meetings will start promptly at 11:15am and will end on time at 12:45pm. Chapters generally take off their second meeting in December for the holidays and generally do not meet when a national holiday falls on their meeting day.

How is my business promoted in a chapter meeting?
Chapter meetings are run on an efficient agenda which will allow each member the opportunity to give their business infomercial at each meeting and on a rotational basis, to give an in-depth presentation to additionally educate the members on how to support you. (The total number of presentations you give each year depends on the size of your chapter)

What is a referral and how many am I expected to generate?
Referrals are critical to every member's success. Members are encouraged to bring qualified internal and/or 3rd party referrals to every meeting. Qualified referrals are those which have complete contact information on them and that have been pre-arranged.

What is the maximum number of members in a chapter?
DPWN recommends a chapter's capacity to be at 25 members and should not exceed 30 members to ensure every member has sufficient time to promote their business and learn about the other members.

What are the types of business do a typical chapter consist of?
The makeup and dynamics of each chapter does vary, but the members are all entrepreneurial women who either own their own business or work for a business and are looking to increase their clientele. To ensure a good balance in the membership, each chapter can only have a maximum of 25% of its membership belonging to direct selling organizations.

Can I join DPWN to recruit women to help me grow my Business?
Members are prohibited from attempting to recruit other members and/or guests for the purpose of growing their business during their chapter meeting.

How many DPWN chapters can I belong to at the same time?
To ensure that you are able to support the sister members of your chapter as well as they are supporting you, chapter membership is only available to one chapter for each member.

How many business categories can a DPWN member represent?
DPWN provides exclusive category representation to its members from a defined category list. Members are required to remain focused on the category of their chosen membership and may only represent an additional category with another paid membership. Additional categories are offered at a discounted rate.

What if my category is filled?
Since DPWN only accepts one representative of any professional discipline, it is not unusual to find your category filled in the chapter location you desire. At this point you have two options: you can find an alternate chapter to join or you can contact the director of the chapter you are interested in to be placed on a waiting list.

How much does it cost to join a DPWN chapter and what are the procedures to join?
There is a one-time registration fee of $25.00 and a $225.00 yearly membership fee. Membership selection will be handled at the chapter level and will be administrated by the Leadership Team of said chapter to determine any category and/or networking conflicts, to determine if the applicant in working their business on a full time basis, and to determine if the objective of the applicant supports the objectives of the organization. Payment and a professional business card must be submitted for application to be considered. Payment will be returned for all denied applicants.

Can I join a chapter on-line?
Because it is just as important for you to experience a chapter meeting as it is for us to meet you to learn about your objective for joining us, you will be required to attend at least one meeting before an application can be accepted. Applications are to be submitted to the leadership team of the chapter in which you are wishing to join. Applicant's acceptance will be based on the guidelines outlined in the Dynamic Professional Women's Network, Inc. by-laws.

How do I pay my fees?
Fees are to be paid directly to the leadership team of the chapter you are joining. Payment is accepted by Check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Renewal fees can be paid online, but new memberships cannot.

Can I pay my fees monthly, quarterly or semi-annually?
No. Since your category is protected for a full year in your chapter, payment is required in full upon application submission.

Can my company pay my fees and if my company pays my fees, do they own my membership?
Yes, fees may be paid on or before the due date with a company check or credit card. However, if your company does pay for your fees, be advised that a DPWN membership is issued to an individual not a company. The person who completes and signs the DPWN Chapter Membership Application is the member of record.

Where do my fees go?
Your fee's provide you with exclusive category representation within your chapter and help support your chapter. DPWN provides the process, tools, resources, administrative and support services required to help you and your chapter members generate quality referrals and business for each other. Your fees pay for the supplies you use each week in your meeting, training and communicating with the membership and Leadership Team, the Corporate Office that supports your chapter as well as the functionality and maintenance of the www.dpwomen.com website.

Do members pay regular meeting dues?
Members are not expected to pay any additional meeting dues other than to pay the restaurant directly for the meal ordered when attending.

Can men attend meetings?
Although DPWN is a women's only membership organization, men are welcome to attend our PNE's and as a substitute for a current member at a chapter meeting.  Visitor policies apply equally to men which is a visitor may visit the same DPWN chapter twice or a visitor may visit two different DPWN chapters once.

What is the best way to get connected if I want to be a DPWN member, but I cannot commit to attending the chapter meetings?
Answer forthcoming.


Questions about My Membership

As a member can I link my business or website to the DPWN website?
Yes. Current and active DPWN members may link to the Dynamic Professional Women's Network website at www.dpwomen.com, and provide a reciprocal link on their website.

If a business category is not represented by any member of my chapter, can I represent that category as part of my business?
Representing multiple categories is not appropriate. It hinders the growth of your chapter because members are not likely to bring in visitors if they think they are crossing your category. In addition, it will reduce your access to qualified leads because the members may be confused about what you really do.

My business sells products and services that cover more than one category can I represent those products and services?
Many businesses provide products and services that cover more than one business category or that fall outside of their core business. The result is you may have products and services that cross with another members or an un-represented category. When you join DPWN you select the business category that best represents your core business or the part of your business you want to promote and grow. Promoting only your core business to your DPWN members does not prevent or preclude you from selling all your products and services to the clients referred to you by your fellow DPWN members outside of the DPWN meeting.

Can I change business categories?
If you change professions, or change the focus of your current business you may change categories within your current chapter, if that category is open. Keep in mind that when you change categories, you may no longer represent your old category and your old category becomes available for any new or existing member. You may also experience a period of time where you do not receive leads as the members need time to acquaint themselves to your new focus. To initiate this change, a new application must be submitted to your chapter director along with the professional business card and applicable administrative fees.

If I don't eat lunch, do I still have to pay for a meal?
Most chapters pay the restaurant for each person in attendance. Even if it's not mandatory to eat, a minimum fee will be required to pay the restaurant for the proper head count.

If I leave DPWN can I rejoin in the future?
If you drop from your DPWN chapter in good standing you may be eligible to rejoin a DPWN chapter after a six month waiting period. Applications for Members wishing to rejoin a DPWN chapter must be reviewed and approved by the DPWN Corporate office.

If I leave DPWN can my membership be transferred to someone else?
DPWN membership is for individuals and may not be sold or transferred to another individual. If you wish to have someone take your place when you leave your chapter, that individual must go through the standard application process and pay the registration fee.

As an active DPWN member, can I visit another DPWN chapter?
While we wish we could allow this, it would undermine DPWN's ability to guarantee a non-competitive atmosphere and chapter growth potential.

Can I bring a visitor to my chapter?
Yes. Introducing a visitor to DPWN is the best way to grow your network and your business. You are encouraged to bring visitors from businesses not currently represented in your chapter. A visitor may visit the same DPWN chapter twice or a visitor may visit two different DPWN chapters once.

What if my visitor's category is already represented in the chapter?
If a visitor's category is currently represented in the chapter, the visitor may come in as a "Silent Visitor". The visitor may only observe the meeting activity. The host should introduce the visitor explain that the visitor is just there to observe your DPWN meeting. The visitor should be given a DPWN brochure and should be assisted to find a chapter better fit for them. They may also visit the www.dpwomen.com website or contact their Regional Director or DPWN Corporate office at (630) 336-3773 to locate a chapter with an opening for their category.

What is the maximum number of absences allowed during any 12 month period?
DPWN knows that sometimes missing a meeting is unavoidable. To insure that you get the most out of your DPWN membership it is important to attend the meetings. The more meetings you attend, the better your chapter members get to know you and your business. The better we know you and your business, the more opportunity we have to pass you quality leads. Members are permitted three absences during each six month term. (January through June and July through December) More than this may terminate membership and open their category. No additional absences will be granted. A leave of absence is available for serious personal illness or injury or activities adversely affecting the chapter dynamics. A leave of absence can only be approved by the Regional office.

What is a leave of absence?
A leave of absence is given for up to 2-months of non-attendance. It is approved by the corporate office for serious personal illness or injury or activities adversely affecting the chapter dynamics. DPWN chapter members on an approved leave of absence must keep their fees current. Non payment of fees will result in you being dropped from your chapter. A leave of absence can only be approved by the Regional office.

Can I visit my chapter while I am on leave of absence?
Yes, Members on leave of absence may attend chapter meetings. Attending a meeting will not extend your leave of absence and does not erase accrued absences.

What is substitute, and will sending a substitute avoid an absence?
If a member cannot attend, she may send a substitute to the meeting to ensure that they are represented at the meeting and that they will not incur an absence. The substitute should be prepared to participate in the meeting by reciting the member's infomercial, sharing their promotional materials and by passing and receiving leads. A member may not substitute for another member in another chapter. A substitute can only attend two times in accordance to our guest policy.

When is a Chapter Transfer permitted?
Transfers are permitted when a member changes the location of their business or if another chapter opens that may be geographically more convenient for their networking success. Changing chapters must be considered carefully. Although this will give you more exposure to new women, you will lose the relationships you formed from your old chapter. If a member desires to transfer into another chapter, they are to request a Chapter Transfer Form from their Chapter Director, complete the form as directed, agree with the terms outlined in the form and submit it for approval along with any applicable administrative fees.

Can I be dropped from my DPWN chapter?
Yes, you can be asked to forfeit your membership to DPWN for failure to adhere to the terms of the member application and or the Dynamic Professional Women's Network Policies or Bylaws.
Some reasons include but are not limited to:

  • For exceeding the allowed number of absences.
  • For representing or promoting anything other than the business category listed on your DPWN Chapter Membership Application.
  • For unethical business practices.
  • For activities that adversely affect the chapter dynamics.

If I leave, or am dropped, from DPWN will my unused fees be refunded?
All fees are non-refundable; according to the terms of the DPWN Chapter Membership Application you signed when you joined, so there would not be a refund extended.

Will I be able to renew my membership at the end of my year and is there a renewal fee?
Membership renewal is not automatic. All memberships must be reviewed prior to the renewal date of said membership and renewal approval will be based on prior year's attendance record, referral generation, guest invitations and overall chapter contribution.


Questions about Launching a Chapter and Leadership Roles


What is the process to start one or multiple DPWN networking chapters in my area?
If there is not a current chapter active in your area and you would like to take the initiative to get one started, contact our DPWN corporate office at 630-336-3773 or click here to inquire online. Pre-launching of a chapter includes finding a restaurant qualified for the meeting, networking with local women to generate interest, attending a DPWN leadership meeting, attending a current predetermined DPWN chapter meeting and taking an active role as a leader to ensure the success of the chapter.

What is the Leadership Team?
The Leadership team consists of a Chapter Director and a Membership Director. In addition, chapters can construct their own individual chair persons or committees which can include but are not limited to Secretary, Treasurer, Philanthropy Coordinator, Special Event Coordinators and multiple Hospitality Members.

What kind of time commitment is required to serve on the chapter's Leadership Team?
You must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of each meeting. This will give you time prepare for the meeting with the team and greet visitors who often arrive early. You should also be prepared to remain up to 15 minutes after the meeting to review the meeting with your team and speak with visitors or members. Maintaining the chapter's paperwork, taking prospective members phone calls and communicating with the Regional Director may require additional time outside of the chapter meeting. Maximum time spent on Leadership activities is dependent on the size of your chapter and your dedication to its success.

Do I need any training to serve on my chapter's Leadership Team?
Yes, Leadership training is mandatory and must be completed before the start of your term and maintained during your leadership. This gives you a full opportunity to learn about the leadership position you'll be filling, giving you the information you'll need to have a great leadership experience.

I have served on a Leadership Team before, do I still have to attend training?
Yes, DPWN is a dynamic and growing organization. Every training session offers new information, ideas and materials to help you run, improve and grow your chapter. Individual training teaches you the roles and responsibilities for your assigned position. Group training helps you understand the dynamics of a DPWN chapter, the role and responsibilities of your team mates, takes you through a typical meeting and provides time and guidance for goal setting. Additionally, these orientation sessions are great networking opportunities for your business.

Questions about our multi-chapter Power Networking Events™ (PNE).

What is the purpose of a PNE and how often are they scheduled?

If I am a member, why would I want to attend an event where there may be other members who are in the same business I am?
Answer forthcoming.

Can I market my business at a PNE?
Answer forthcoming.

Can guests at'end PNE's?
Answer forthcoming.

Can men attend PNE's?
Answer forthcoming.

Questions about the DPWN website and my profile.

Questions and answers forthcoming.

 

Questions about the DPWN Angel Foundation.

Questions and answers forthcoming.