Increased exposure to many other people and businesses.
Q: Can anyone join the DNA?
A: We only take one person per professional specialty. So if you are a residential real estate person and we already have one, we can put you on a waiting list and should this category open up, we’ll contact you. Of course, if you are a commercial real estate person, you could be eligible to join the DNA.
Q: How do you know new members are reputable?
A: 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.
Q: What if a member gets a referral and does poor work?
A: We have ethical standards and it is imperative that anyone who gives a lead and finds out it was not satisfactorily handled must report that to the DNA, who will investigate.
Q: What occupations benefit the most from networking?
A: It is not the occupation, it is the individual. The occupation can be anything. If you’re focussed and you have a dream and you’re willing to make a sacrifice, you are the person we want in the group.
Q: Are members supposed to bring visitors?
A: 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.
Q: Do ethical rules for certain professions prohibit participation in DNA?
A: DNA understands the importance of the ethical concerns governing certain professions and acknowledges that rules can differ by location. As such, DNA 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 In the event that DNA’s general rules could potentially violate a professional’s ethical code, DNA’s rules are superseded by the dictates of the professional’s ethics’ code. Significantly, a primary objective of DNA is to educate its membership in ways to market and grow business. It is DNA’s intent to ensure that this is permitted.
Q: If I specialize in a field within my profession, am I expected to be an expert in all aspects of my profession?
A: DNA understands that many professions are broad and that people often specialize within their profession. DNA 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, DNA prohibits professionals from acting outside of the scope of their abilities.
Q: My profession does not let me directly solicit business. Is DNA still right for me?
A: DNA’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. DNA provides a forum that allows members to meet other business peers who need to know effective and efficient business people.