SARASOTA NETWORKING MEMBER AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into as of ________________________, by and between Sarasota Networking, a Florida corporation with principal offices in Sarasota, FL (“Company”), and ________________________ (“Sarasota Networking Member” or “Member”).
1. APPOINTMENT & RESPONSIBILITIES
By joining Sarasota Networking, Member agrees to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of active participation, as outlined in the Membership Guidelines. Member agrees to follow all Company policies, procedures, and codes of conduct, and to promptly notify the Company if the continued functioning of the chapter is affected, threatened, or jeopardized.
Member acknowledges that this is a membership role and not an employment relationship. Members are not employees, members, or representatives of Sarasota Networking, and no salary, wages, or employee benefits will be provided.
2. OWNERSHIP OF WORK PRODUCT
All materials, documents, strategies, and other outputs created by Member in connection with networking activities (collectively, “Work Product”) shall be the sole and exclusive property of Sarasota Networking Member assigns all rights, title, and interest in such Work Product to the Company.
3. CONFIDENTIALITY & NON-DISCLOSURE
Member acknowledges access to confidential and proprietary information, including but not limited to: member lists, business processes, marketing strategies, financial data, and training materials (“Confidential Information”). Member agrees:
To maintain all Confidential Information in strict confidence.
Not to disclose, copy, or use Confidential Information for any purpose other than participation in Sarasota Networking.
To return or destroy all Confidential Information upon termination of membership.
· The following are specific examples of Confidential Information, although this is not an exclusive list. Confidential Information includes: all lists and databases of Sarasota Networking’s current and former customers and clients; contracts with Sarasota Networking’s current and former customers and clients; information related to Sarasota Networking’s current and former customers and clients, such as contact information, social security numbers and financial information; the identities and contact information for Sarasota Networking’s Professional Referral Sources (defined below); Sarasota Networking’s business plans; business models; growth and development plans; sales and profit data; marketing plans, methods and strategies; sales and marketing materials; unpublished advertising content; marketing agreements with other companies; training materials; internal corporate documents such as corporate minutes, tax forms and accounting data; internal information regarding Sarasota Networking’s daily operations; financial and management information; sales volume logs; operating manuals; Confidential Information also includes any information that is designated (either orally or in writing) by Sarasota Networking as “confidential,” “proprietary,” or some such similar label.
· Confidential Information does not include any information that is now publicly known or that subsequently becomes generally publicly known, unless the information becomes public as a result of a breach of duty of confidentiality, loyalty, law, or contract, by any person or entity.
· Confidentiality. Member agrees to use the Confidential Information solely for the benefit of Sarasota Networking. Member shall treat all Confidential Information in a secret and confidential manner and shall not make use of or disclose any Confidential Information, directly or indirectly, for any purpose whatsoever, to any person or entity outside of Sarasota Networking, at all times during the Term of this Agreement, and afterMember’s departure from Sarasota Networking.
· Trade Secrets. Member shall keep confidential any information of Sarasota Networking that constitutes a trade secret for so long as such information remains a trade secret.
· No Download. Member covenants and warrants that he/she shall never transfer or download Confidential Information, in either written or electronic form, at any time, onto Member’s personal computer, thumb drive,cloud storage service, or any other form of storage except as specifically authorized by Sarasota Networking.
This obligation survives the termination of this Agreement.
4. NON-COMPETE & NON-SOLICITATION
a. Non-Compete. During the term of membership and for one (1) year after termination, Member shall not directly or indirectly create, or assist in creating in any networking organization that substantially replicates the unique business model of Sarasota Networking (i.e., business referral networking groups restricting membership per profession within a chapter/circle).
b. Non-Solicitation. During the term of membership and for two (2) years after termination, Member shall not solicit or induce:
Any member, vendor, or business partner of Sarasota Networking to terminate or alter their relationship with the Company.
Any employee, contractor, or officer of Sarasota Networking to leave their role.
5. TERMINATION
a. Automatic Termination. Membership terminates automatically upon resignation, incapacity, bankruptcy, or dissolution of the chapter.
b. Termination by Company. The Company may terminate a Member’s participation immediately upon written notice if:
The Member fails to comply with policies or duties, or
The Member engages in misconduct or actions detrimental to the Company’s reputation.
· The Member is removed by a majority vote of the Founding Members, or
· The Member promotes or supports an individual who has created a negative experience with other members.
Termination does not affect Sarasota Networking’s rights to Work Product or Confidential Information.
6. NON-DISPARAGEMENT
Member agrees not to make, publish, or communicate defamatory or disparaging remarks about Sarasota Networking, its chapters, officers, members, or affiliates during or after membership. This does not restrict rights protected by law. During the time period of one (1) year following the termination or expiration of Member’s relationship with Sarasota Networking, Member warrants and covenants that Member, directly or indirectly, will not issue, or cause to issue, any communication, written, orally or otherwise, that disparages, criticizes or otherwise reflects adversely or encourages any adverse action against Sarasota Networking or Sarasota Networking’s owners,stockholders, members, directors, officers, employees, representatives, attorneys, divisions, parents, subsidiaries and affiliates, except if testifying truthfully under oath pursuant to a validly issued subpoena, during a deposition, or before a United States state or federal court or official government agency proceeding. During the time period of one (1) year following the termination or expiration of Member’s relationship with Sarasota Networking, Member agrees that upon each request from Sarasota Networking, Member will admit or deny, under oath and penalty of perjury, if any Google Review posting, or other related“anonymous” Internet posting, is “from,” “authored,” or “associated” with Member or someone acting on Member’s behalf or at Member’s direction.
7. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Members are expected to:
Attendance Expectations for Members
Active Participation is Key: To maintain the integrity and value of the group, active participation is essential. Members are strongly encouraged to attend every Wednesday, as consistent presence builds trust, familiarity, and the strong relationships that lead to referrals.
Minimum Attendance Requirement: At a minimum, we ask that members attend at least three out of four weeks each month.
Membership Review: If a member is consistently unable to meet this attendance guideline, we may need to re-evaluate their membership status—especially if there is another professional in the same category who is ready to commit more fully.
Show Up, Grow Your Network: Remember, the strength of Sarasota Speed Networking lies in showing up. The more you're present, the more opportunities you create for connection, collaboration, and referral growth.
Membership Commitment at Sarasota Speed Networking
One-Year Commitment: When you join Sarasota Speed Networking, we ask for a one-year commitment. Strong relationships take time to build, and we want members who are dedicated to creating lasting connections—not just dropping in for 30 days.
Life Happens: We understand that circumstances change. In special situations, such as serious illness or relocating out of the area, members may provide a 30-day notice and step away early.
Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may result in suspension or termination of membership.
8. TERM
This Agreement is effective from __________________ to __________________, unless terminated earlier. Renewal of membership is subject to compliance with Company standards and payment of applicable dues.
9. GOVERNING LAW & REMEDIES
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Member acknowledges that breach of Sections 3–6 (Confidentiality, Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disparagement) may cause irreparable harm to the Company, for which monetary damages are insufficient. The Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief, in addition to any other remedies available at law or equity.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties concerning the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements. Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.
SIGNATURES
Sarasota Networking
By: ___________________________________
Name: _________________________________
Title: _________________________________
Date: _________________________________
Sarasota Networking Member
Signature: _____________________________
Name: ________________________________
Date: _________________________________
Sarasota Networking Policies
Membership Guidelines
Membership Committees in each chapter are responsible for overseeing compliance with Sarasota Networking’s rules and standards. They may place a member on probation or reopen a business category if a member fails to uphold these expectations.
Each chapter allows only three representatives per business category.
Members must promote the primary focus of their profession when participating.
Members are expected to arrive on time and remain for the full meeting.
A person may only belong to one Sarasota Networking chapter at a time and cannot join other organizations that require mandatory referrals.
Members may miss one meeting in a month. Substitutes may attend in their place without it counting as an absence. A member may also send up to three substitutes in six months.
Active participation is required — this includes bringing qualified referrals and/or guests.
Guests may attend a chapter meeting no more than three times.
Only members who have become VIP or Founding Members may give feature presentations.
When you join, we ask for a one-year commitment. Strong relationships take time to build, and we want members who are dedicated to creating lasting connections-not just dropping in for 30 days.
10. Life Happens: We understand that circumstances change. In special situations, such as serious illness or relocating out of the area, members may provide a 30-day notice and step away early.
Any member requesting to change their business category must reapply and be approved.
Membership lists are intended solely for sharing referrals. Members must have clear, prior consent before sending marketing or solicitations to members outside their chapter.
Sarasota Networking Code of Ethics
I will deliver services at the quality and prices I commit to.
I will be honest with fellow members and the referrals I receive.
I will work to build trust and goodwill among members and their referrals.
I will take responsibility for following up on referrals provided to me.
I will maintain a positive, supportive, and professional attitude.
I will uphold the ethical standards of my profession.
If my industry holds stricter ethical requirements, I will honor those higher standards.
Administrative Policies
An oboarding fee is required to join, and participation fees are paid monthly. Payment details are available from the chapter Treasurer.
Sarasota Networking may open circles in any city or community where there is interest. Multiple circles may exist in areas with strong demand.
Membership fees are due 30 days before the renewal date. Members who are late will be assessed a late fee. After 15 days of nonpayment, membership will be canceled.
Fees may only be transferred between individuals from the same company.
Membership fees are non-refundable. Members in good standing may request a credit for unused time, valid for two years from the date of issue.
Returned payments must be resolved within three business days. A $25 fee will be charged for each returned payment. If a second occurs in a six-month period, membership will be terminated.
Sarasota Networking reserves the right to end a member’s participation at its discretion.
Members transferring to another chapter must submit a new application. Membership credit may be carried over depending on the time remaining.
Program Practices (Best Practices, Not Policies)
Visiting Other Chapters
Members should contact the chapter president before attending as a visitor.
Visiting members should introduce themselves as guests from another chapter.
Visitors must not compete directly with existing members of that chapter.
Referrals should only be given to visiting members once trust has been established.
Visiting a chapter is limited to two visits maximum.
Absences & Tardiness
Consistent lateness or leaving early reduces networking opportunities. Members who frequently do so may receive warnings, and their category may be reopened if issues continue.
Substitute Attendance
Acceptable substitutes include employees, friends, clients, or members of other chapters.
Members should notify the chapter when a substitute will attend.
Substitutes should be used sparingly, with a maximum of one time per month.
Business Representation
Members may only represent the specific business category they have been approved for.
Members who are part of multi-level marketing may promote their products and services, but not the recruiting aspect of their business.
⚠️ Policy Changes: Policies may be updated at any time but must first be reviewed and approved by the SarasotaNetworking Board of Directors.