MEETING MINUTES
Friday, February 6, 2009
Volume 16; Issue 5
 

Meeting Options
The biggest expense MABE has is the cost of breakfast.  That cost will likely increase once we find a new home.  We have members struggling to pay their dues so an increase is not realistic right now.  The group needs to decide what we can do in light of the currently situation and given the tough economy.

Members Comments

• Should we meet once or twice a month for meetings other than breakfast?  Lunch, happy hour?
• I don't care when we meet but we need to be consistent.  (Thought shared by many.)
• If I don't have a job, I can meet anytime.
• Lunch is hard.  With drive time, you easily lose 2.5 hours out of the middle of your day.
• Breakfast is usually cheaper than lunch.
• I like predictability, routine. 
• When we were smaller we had great, lively discussions.  We don't have that anymore.  If we had a periodic lunch meeting centered around a topic and can invite a potential member it could go a long way to market MABE.   

Survey (Results to Come)

___  I want my breakfast!  Continue to have breakfast served at the meetings.
___  I am OK with eliminating breakfast at meetings so we can reduce dues.
___  Let's at least have breakfast the first meeting of the month and skip the meal at the remaining meetings.
___  I would like to recommend another option:
 

Bringing in New Members
The typical qualifications for membership include:

• They have been in business for 2 years. 
• Proposing member has known them for 2 years. 
• There are no conflicts with other members.  

With that said, the bylaws are written to allow flexibility.   If there is somebody you think would make a good member, make a case.  Many of us have been exceptions to the rule.

A recommendation will be made at the next board meeting to, at least temporarily, eliminate the initiation fee and only charge a new member for the cost of the brochure picture.   The current economy makes it hard for new members to pay the quarterly dues and a $150 initiation fee.

Open Discussion Topic
"The Concept of Negotiation"

How do people prepare, if at all, when they enter into a negotiation with another party?

• I will see what is the actual bottom line as I try to negotiate on behalf of my client.  The goal being to get the best deal overall for my client.
• A long time ago I attended a seminar on negotiating and the concepts have stuck with me.  I was taught to stop looking at the transaction from your perspective and instead try to see it from their perspective, what they hope to gain and what they want.  Try to give them that and still get what you need.  It isn't always about price.  Make them feel like they have won. 
• I think it is important to know who you are negotiating with and have an objective.  You will have a better chance of success.
• What has been said is classic "Win-Win".  Unfortunately, very few people subscribe to that method.  It has to be good for all parties involved and necessary for a long term relationship.
• I think there is a difference between negotiating price and negotiating other terms based on the needs of each party.  Focus on what the other guy wants certain provisions included.
• A face-to-face negotiation can be very different from a phone conversation.
• BATNA - Best alternative to a negotiated agreement.  Going to court and winning?  Going to court and losing?  Am I willing to pay more for a vendor that offers better quality? 
• ZOPA - Zone of potential agreement.
• When I negotiate I try to come across as a reasonable person, even with a seemingly unreasonable request.  The other parties respond well to that.

Member shared their negotiation experiences, good and bad.
 

Notable Mentions
Bob Busch is a new grandpa...of twins!

The new owners of Portraits by Reg are interested in joining our group.  Dave Lathrop will follow up with the application.

Treasurer Report
The quarterly dues billing was e-mailed on 12/1.  THEY ARE NOW PAST DUE!  Please contact Melissa Matthews if you do not receive your e-invoice.