Mission Statement

The mission of the Rotary Business Network and Beyond is to foster a vibrant community of Rotarians and business leaders dedicated to building strong business connections, promoting mutual support, and driving meaningful growth among its members.

 

Goals and Intentions

Our primary goals encompass Rotarians doing business with Rotarians, Rotarians referring business to other Rotarians, Rotarians helping Rotarians and business leaders with business challenges and supporting Rotary clubs in attracting prospective members.

 

At the Rotary Business Network and Beyond, we recognize the power of collaboration and the unique bond shared by Rotarians. We strive to create a dynamic platform where Rotarians can leverage their shared values, ethics, and commitment to service to enhance their professional endeavors. Through fostering strong relationships within our network, we aim to provide a reliable resource for Rotarians seeking trusted business partners, referrals, and invaluable guidance.

 

Our mission is threefold: First, we aim to facilitate business interactions among Rotarians, encouraging members to engage in mutually beneficial collaborations, thereby cultivating a robust ecosystem of Rotarian-led enterprises. We believe that by doing business with fellow Rotarians, we can amplify our impact and generate enduring prosperity within our community.

 

Second, we emphasize the importance of Rotarians referring business to other Rotarians. Recognizing the inherent trust and integrity within the Rotary network, we encourage our members to actively refer opportunities to their fellow Rotarians, ensuring that Rotarian-owned businesses receive the support and recognition they deserve.

 

Third, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and safe environment where Rotarians can seek guidance and assistance with their business challenges and process improvements. We understand the unique obstacles faced by entrepreneurs and professionals, and our network serves as a platform for Rotarians to connect, share knowledge, exchange experiences, and offer guidance to overcome hurdles and achieve sustainable success.

 

Additionally, we recognize the vital role Rotary Clubs plays in community service and leadership, and we strive to enhance its impact by connecting the club with motivated professionals who share its vision and values.

 

In summary, the Rotary Business Network and Beyond is dedicated to empowering Rotarians and business leaders in their professional pursuits by facilitating business interactions, encouraging referrals, providing support for challenges, and bolstering Rotary clubs with prospective members. Together, we aim to strengthen the bond of Rotary while fostering a thriving ecosystem of successful Rotarian-led businesses.

Structure

The Rotary Business Network and Beyond is open to Rotarians in good standing from any Rotary Club and non-Rotarian business leaders. This is a dues free organization. Should participants in this forum find value, they are encouraged to make a nominal donation to the Rotary Club Foundation of their choice.

 

There will be one meeting per month and periodic socials throughout the year. Currently the Rotary Business Network and Beyond is meeting at the Greater Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce conference room on the second Wednesday of each month at noon for lunch. The meeting is a working lunch and lasts an hour and a half. Social gatherings will be on occasion as well, and venues change from time to time.

The suggested structure of the meeting:

Each meeting will have a 10-minute gathering period.

The official meeting will begin with a brief introduction of all in attendance. Lead by the dedicated facilitator.

The facilitator will have a brief presentation to review future meetings and socials. The facilitator will also thank the host business for sponsoring the meeting.

Each meeting will have a host business. The host business will be responsible for providing lunch for the attendees. The host business will have an opportunity to formally pitch their business to attendees. This should be no more than 10 minutes.

Each meeting will have a chosen business/organization/or personal development theme. The group will then have an around-the-room for all attendees to share thoughts, examples, experiences surrounding the meeting theme.

The facilitator’s main responsibility will be to keep the meeting on task/theme and encourage open and safe discussion. They should also be familiar with the theme or have done some research on the theme to facilitate discussion.

 

Sample Agenda

12:00 Meeting arrival/Grab Lunch

12:10 Introductions – Name/Business/Rotary club affiliation

12:15 Facilitator presentation

12:20 Host Business Pitch

12:30 Meeting theme roundtable discussion

1:20  Open discussion.

1:30  Adjourn

Other thoughts

 

The Rotary Business Network and Beyond will in no way compete with or replace Rotary, the chamber of commerce or any other civic or business organization. Its goal is to only enhance and add value as a subset to others.

 

Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris was intent on finding other business professionals who were interested in building relationships through fellowship, service, and professional development. This along with Rotary’s guiding principles and values will be at the core of the Rotary Business Network and Beyond agenda.

 

Rotary Business Network & Beyond will:

 

1. Encourage businesses and business leaders to operate under the guiding principles of the Four-Way Test.

2. Provide an opportunity for businesses to openly communicate with one another.

3. Be educational and provide help for businesses and business leaders to improve.

4. Encourage mentoring relationships among members.

5. Engage with youth and Rotaract members.

6. Provide a source of potential Rotarian candidates.

7. Provide a safe and productive environment to discuss business and business interests.

8. Provide members a network of resources for business challenges.

9. Provide ideas for business improvement.

10. Create a network of confidants.

11. Provide an enjoyable experience.

Roll of the Lead Facilitator

 

1. Notify the group of upcoming events and meetings.

2. Recruit monthly host business.

3. Facilitate each meeting.

4. Be familiar and versed in the theme of the meeting to effectively facilitate discussion.

5. Follow up with attendees after the meeting.