The strength of Professional Referral Exchange (PRE) lies in its foundation of teamwork and mutual support. By encouraging and uplifting one another, and introducing fellow members to your network through qualified referrals, we create an environment where everyone can succeed. To ensure that each member thrives, it’s crucial to maintain a culture free from competition — whether real or perceived. Collaboration, not rivalry, is the heart of PRE.
The Advantage of One Business Category Per Member
One of the most significant benefits of PRE membership is the exclusivity of business categories. By allowing only one person per category, we eliminate competition within the chapter. This policy ensures members can focus on building relationships and growing their businesses without worrying about competing for referrals.
However, in today’s world, many businesses offer diversified services that span across multiple categories. PRE has developed a policy to address this, maintaining fairness while supporting collaboration and shared success.
Guidelines for Secondary Services
PRE’s policies ensure that every member benefits from equal opportunities while maintaining harmony within the chapter.
Promoting Secondary Services
If your business offers secondary services that do not conflict with any other member’s category, you may promote those services during meetings and functions.
If more than one member provides a similar secondary service, those members, with guidance from the Board of Directors, must reach an agreement on who will promote that service during meetings.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the Chapter President and Area Director will step in to make a fair decision for the chapter.
When a Guest Attends with an Overlapping Category
If you’re bringing a guest who might overlap with a current member’s category, it’s essential to discuss it with the member beforehand to ensure they’re not caught off guard. This transparency fosters respect and strengthens the trust within the chapter. Members welcoming such guests should also view this as a collaborative and positive opportunity rather than a challenge.
In many cases, category overlap leads to powerful referral synergy, as professionals in similar fields often complement each other’s services. And if synergy doesn’t emerge, it’s still an incredible chance to build a relationship with a colleague in the same industry. These connections can enhance both parties’ networks and open doors for mutual success.
Why These Policies Matter
These guidelines reflect PRE’s commitment to teamwork, fairness, and shared success. By removing competition and fostering collaboration, every member can focus on building meaningful relationships and expanding their sphere of influence.
When we work together with trust and respect, we strengthen our chapters and create a thriving environment for all. Let’s continue to support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and grow together as a team.