Experts Circle
Membership Agreement

Introduction

Welcome to the Experts Circle! This community is dedicated to empowering solo business owners and freelancers who specialize in online marketing and technical systems. Our mission is to create a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, growth, and success for all members. This membership agreement outlines the core values, expectations, and terms that govern our community. By joining, you agree to uphold these standards and contribute positively to our collective success.

Membership Values

1. Integrity

   • Commitment to Ethical Practices: Members pledge to uphold the highest ethical standards in all business dealings. This includes honoring commitments made to clients and fellow members.
   • Accountability: Members will take responsibility for their actions and decisions, addressing any issues that arise promptly and effectively.
   • Client Satisfaction: Ensuring client satisfaction is paramount. If problems occur, members are expected to take corrective action, whether through resolution or refunds, as appropriate.

2. Transparency

   • Clear Communication: Members must provide clear and honest information regarding pricing, services, and capabilities. This transparency fosters trust among clients and peers.
   • Avoiding Misleading Practices: All marketing materials and communications should reflect the truth of the member's offerings, avoiding any misleading or deceptive claims.
   • Openness in Sharing Experiences: Members are encouraged to share their experiences, both successes and failures, to foster a culture of learning and improvement.

3. Respect

   • Mutual Respect: Every member must treat others with respect, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences. Disrespectful behavior, including insults or condescension, is strictly prohibited.
   • Supportive Interactions: Members should strive to create an environment where all feel comfortable sharing and engaging. Constructive feedback should be offered in a supportive manner.
   • Civility in Discussions: All discussions, whether in-person or online, should be conducted civilly, with an emphasis on maintaining a positive atmosphere.

4. Honesty

   • Truthfulness in Communications: Members are expected to communicate honestly with clients and fellow members. This includes disclosing any potential conflicts of interest and accurately representing their qualifications.
   • Accountability for Mistakes: If mistakes occur, members should take ownership and communicate openly about the situation to facilitate resolution and learning.

5. Support

   • Collaborative Spirit: Members are encouraged to help each other succeed. This can include offering advice, sharing resources, and making introductions.
   • Mentorship Opportunities: More experienced members are encouraged to mentor newcomers, fostering an environment of growth and shared knowledge.

Community Culture

The Experts Circle aims to foster a vibrant, collaborative culture through several key initiatives:

1. Interactive Platforms

   • Kajabi Communities: The primary platform for community engagement will be Kajabi Communities. This platform provides various tools for discussion, resource sharing, and networking.
   • Community Guidelines: All members are expected to adhere to established guidelines to ensure that the community remains a safe and productive space for everyone.

2. Regular Engagement Opportunities

   • Live Video Calls: Regularly scheduled live video calls will focus on relevant topics and provide a platform for members to share insights and experiences. These sessions will encourage interaction and foster a sense of belonging.
   • Workshops and Webinars: The community may host educational workshops and webinars, led by members or invited experts, to enhance skills and knowledge on pertinent topics.

3. Diverse Communication Channels

   • Multiple Interaction Methods: While Kajabi Communities will be the main platform, members are encouraged to connect through direct messaging, email, and other platforms that facilitate networking and collaboration.
   • Encouragement of Networking: Members are urged to reach out to one another, fostering connections that may lead to collaborative opportunities and partnerships.

4. Building Long-Term Relationships

   • Focus on Connection: The community is designed to foster long-term relationships among members, promoting a network of trusted experts who support each other's growth and success.
   • Encouragement of Accountability Partnerships: Members are encouraged to form accountability partnerships to help each other stay focused on their goals and progress.

Inclusivity

To ensure that the Experts Circle is a welcoming space for all, the following guidelines will be strictly enforced:

1. Respectful Communication

   • Zero Tolerance Policy: All members must engage in respectful communication. Any form of harassment, bullying, or intimidation will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the community.
   • Inclusive Language: Members should be mindful of their language, ensuring that it is inclusive and considerate of all individuals’ backgrounds and experiences.

2. Prohibited Topics

   • Focus on Professionalism: Discussions that delve into politics, religion, or other controversial personal beliefs that could create division among members are strictly prohibited.
   • Maintaining a Positive Environment: Members should strive to keep conversations constructive and focused on professional development.

3. Enforcement of Community Standards

   • Immediate Consequences for Violations: Members engaging in inappropriate behavior will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, which may include warnings or removal from the community.
   • Reporting Mechanism: A clear process will be established for members to report violations, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and fairly.

Professional Development

Members are expected to commit to their continuous growth and professional development through the following means:

1. Commitment to Excellence

   • Continuous Learning: Members should actively seek opportunities to learn and improve their skills, staying current with industry trends and best practices.
   • Quality of Work: High standards of quality are expected in all work produced by members, fostering a reputation for excellence in the community.

2. Accountability to High Standards

   • Peer Accountability: Members are encouraged to hold one another accountable to high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
   • Feedback Culture: Constructive feedback should be welcomed and sought out as a means of improvement.

3. Sharing Knowledge

   • Mentorship and Coaching: Members are encouraged to seek mentorship opportunities and share their expertise with others, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
   • Collaborative Learning: Members should actively participate in workshops and discussions that enhance collective learning.

Contribution Expectations

Members are expected to contribute actively to the community in the following ways:

1. Active Participation

   • Engagement in Discussions: Members should participate regularly in community discussions, sharing their insights, experiences, and knowledge.
   • Responsiveness: Members should strive to respond to questions and requests for assistance from fellow members in a timely manner.

2. Sharing Opportunities

   • Lead Sharing: Members are encouraged to share any business opportunities or project leads they cannot pursue, fostering collaboration and support.
   • No Strings Attached: All shared opportunities should be offered without expectations of compensation or commissions.

3. Collaborative Initiatives

   • Team Projects: Members are encouraged to collaborate on projects, leveraging each other's strengths and expertise to achieve common goals.
   • Networking Events: Members should participate in community networking events, building relationships that enhance collaboration.

4. Promotion of the Community

   • Visibility and Recognition: Members should actively promote the Experts Circle in their marketing efforts, enhancing visibility and reputation.
   • Advocacy for Community Values: Members are encouraged to advocate for the values and principles of the community, helping to foster a positive image.

5. Unique Contributions

   • Resource Sharing: While sharing proprietary resources is encouraged, members are not obligated to provide their resources for free without compensation.
   • Skill Sharing: Members are encouraged to offer their unique skills and expertise for the benefit of others.

Membership Terms

1. Eligibility Criteria

   • Business Status: Members must have an existing business providing expert services in areas such as web design, email marketing, or online marketing systems.
   • Revenue Requirement: Members should demonstrate a minimum annual revenue of approximately $75,000.
   • Experience Requirement: A minimum of one year in business is required, unless an exception is granted by the community administrators.
   • Reputation Standards: Members must possess a solid reputation in the marketplace, with positive feedback from clients. Verification of this reputation may include contacting previous clients.

2. Code of Conduct

   • Unacceptable Behaviors: The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:
     • Harassment of any kind
     • Dishonesty or deception
     • Obscene language or disrespect
     • Discussing inflammatory topics
     • Failing to share opportunities
     • Collecting commissions on shared leads
   • Consequences for Violations: Violations of the code may result in immediate and permanent removal from the community.

3. Confidentiality and Privacy

   • Confidential Information: All proprietary information shared within the community is considered confidential and must not be shared outside the community.
   • Platform Security: The community utilizes the Kajabi Communities platform, which employs secure protocols to protect member information.
   • Sharing of Information: Members may share basic membership information publicly for networking purposes, with explicit permission required for sharing sensitive business information.

4. Participation Requirements

   • Engagement Expectations: Members are expected to participate regularly in community discussions and attend live events to foster connections.
   • Collaboration Opportunities: Members should actively seek collaboration opportunities and provide assistance to fellow members.

5. Dispute Resolution

   • Initial Conflict Resolution: Conflicts should first be addressed through direct communication between the involved parties.
   • Mediation Process: If unresolved, members may request mediation through a neutral third party, either from within the community or an external mediator.
   • Formal Review: A formal review process will be initiated if mediation does not yield a resolution. The community administrators will assess the situation and provide a decision.
   • Location of Resolution: Any disputes will be resolved in Scott County, Minnesota, United States.