Where do you meet?
We meet at Conrads, Pasadena. Conrads is on the northwest corner of the intersection of Lake Avenue and Walnut Street in Pasadena. It is located about 1½ blocks south of the 210 freeway (Lake Avenue exit). The address is 861 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, 91101. Conrads' phone number is 626-577-7603.
What time do you meet?
Our meetings are from 7-8:30 am. The first 15 minutes is set aside for open networking, and you are welcome to stay a brief time after the meeting to network, set up appointments with other members, or ask questions of our speaker.
How often do you meet?
We meet weekly -- every Thursday morning. We are creating relationships because we find it easier to recommend other business people we know and respect than those we see infrequently.
Is there an attendance requirement?
Yes. While we like our members to come to every meeting, we recognize that sometimes life interfers and you will not be able to attend a meeting. In that case, we ask you to send a substitute.
Do I need to send a substitute if I am not going to be at a meeting?
Yes. A Substitute is there to give your 60-second commercial. It is up to you to make sure that your substitute is prepared with a script. If you are serious about joining The PAN group, you may wish to download our bylaws to become more familiar with our policies and procedures.
Who can be a substitute?
Almost anyone can be a substitute. We draw the line, however, at young children and the family pet. The most popular substitutes are:
A business associate.
An adult member of your family.
A satisfied client.
A prospective member for The PAN Group.
A business person you know -- preferably one who does not conflict with one of our members.
What if I become ill the day before a meeting or wake up ill the day of the meeting -- How do I get a substitute?
We do recognize that, in cases of emergency, a substitute may be difficult to locate. In such a case, it is your responsibility to notify the vice president -- who is in charge of attendance -- and tell him/her that you could not locate and send a substitute and why.
Can anyone become a member?
Yes and No. Most business people of good skill and reputation can become affiliated with The PAN Group. However, we do have a membership committee, and those on the committee are charged with not only making sure that those applying fit our standards, but that they are a good fit with the group as well.
If I apply to become a member, do you ask for references, and do you check those references?
You bet! Not only do we check your references, but if your profession requires a license, our membership committee makes sure that your license is free and clear and in good standing.
May I do business with your members even if I am not a member?
Yes, of course you can do business with any of our members even if you are not a member. However, as always, each of our members is free to choose with whom he/she does or does not do business.
May I just drop into one of your meetings, or do I need an invitation?
We invite you to come and visit any of our meetings. On the other hand, if you have questions you need answered that are not covered by our FAQs, feel free to fill out the contact form on this website or call either of our members who have volunteered to be available to answer questions. While most of our prospective members have received an invitation from a current member, it is not necessary.
Would I be required to bring a certain number of guests (potential members) each week? each month? each year?
While we encourage our members to bring guests on a regular basis, we have no requirement for a minimum number of guests you bring. We realize that this kind of a requirement leads to bringing unqualified guests and guests who have no interest in becoming part of PAN.
Would I be required to bring a specific number of referrals each week? each month? each year?
Just like with guests, we have no minimum requirement for referrals. This type of requirement means that qualified referrals are few and far between. We prefer that you bring referrals that have a genuine chance of leading to more business.
You mentioned a speaker in the answer to the second question; who are your speakers, how long do they speak and what is the purpose?
For the most part, our speakers are our members. Each week one of our members speaks for about 10 minutes on his/her business, giving us a broader view of his/her talents and capabilities, making it easier for us to bring referrals to that person. On special occasions, we have brought in guest speakers, but these are few and far between because our purpose is to highlight our members.
May I visit more than once before I decide to join?
Yes. You are allowed two visits. When you come the third time, we expect you to submit your application. With the exception of a visitor day -- when all guests are asked to pay, by tradition, you are our guest for your first visit, and we will continue this practice as long as finances allow. On your succeeding visits, however, our treasurer will ask that you pay a prorated amount for the privilege of attending our meeting.
What is my financial commitment?
Currently our registration is $75, with annual membership dues thereafter at $75. Meeting dues are $50/mo, which includes your meals.
