FVBN is a locally founded and operated business networking group. The focus of FVBN is business networking in the form of lunch meetups, professional development, and sponsored events. An online community has been growing for quite some time, and now we offer face-to-face meetings. 

Stay positive!

The First Rule of FVBN is to stay positive!  Be a leader. Be yourself. Be energized by other local business owners. This method of networking can greatly increase your connections and reach in the community. Choose your battles wisely. Remember, it's just lunch. You never know who is struggling and needs some grace and some space.  Let's be there for each other. As a leader, be sure to lift others up. Be on your best behavior. Please remember that this group is run by a single volunteer and sole-proprietor, just like you. As an entrepreneur and business owner, this group was founded and is administrated and by, Jennifer Henczel, for the benefit of it's members. Inspire others: "Leaders build up. Complainers tear down. Leaders inspire, complainers conspire." 

What's the focus of this business networking group?

The focus is to connect reputable business owners and managers for the purpose of enriching the community and exchanging referrals. The focus and intention of the FVBN is for B2B and B2C business owners to connect. If you have a business and a C2C/MLM, please present your business (sole-proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) during your 20 second speech. As you build relationships, if you want to talk about your other ventures along the way, you can do that during one-on-one and group conversations. 

How do I RSVP for a meetup or event?

Go to the applicable meetup or event page on this website for event details. If it is your first time attending an FVBN meetup or event, please send your Full Name, Company, Phone number and Email Address through the contact page of this website. Once you are in the system, you can simply go to Meetup, Facebook Event Page, or send a quick email to RSVP. Please note: For meetups, RSVPs close at 3:00 the Sunday before the event. 

How can I connect with other FVBNers?

Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Fraser-Valley-Business-Network

FVBN Facebook GROUP: facebook.com/groups/fraservalleybusinessnetwork

FVBN PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/fraservalleybusiness

FVBN Linkedin Group: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Official-Fraser-Valley-Business-Network-3927207

Jennifer Henczel Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/fraservalleybusinessnetwork

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FVConnections

What type of group is this?

This is a low-cost, affordable business meet-up networking model. Members and non-members pay $5 to attend each meet-up (with the exception of Platinum members for 2013 only – those who purchased their membership before December 15, 2012). You can attend 2 meet-ups at $5 per meet-up before becoming a paid member. 

Is there exclusivity for industries or types of businesses?

No. In this low cost model, there is no exclusivity. However, with the variety of events and locations everyone will find a place where they can thrive. 

How do the meet-ups work?

• Upon arrival you pay your FVBN fee of $5 and give one business card for the draw.
• Networking starts at 11:15 AM.
• At 11:45 PM we order our food. 
• Spotlight! One FVBN member will be featured for 3 - 5 minutes maximum. 
• While waiting for and during meals, each person says their 20 second "elevator speech."
• Enjoy your meals and continue networking until apx. 1:30 - 2:00, depending on the number of people who attend. 
• **Please note that each person is responsible for paying their lunch bill  directly to the restaurant at the end of each meet-up**

How do I compose my 20 second speech?

Click here for additional information about ideas for composing and delivering your 20 second speech. Focus on only 1 item per 20 second speech. If you have an event or other item to promote, mention it briefly after introducing your business. Your entire presentation must only take 20 seconds. Members can attend early and distribute information at each place setting. If you want to do this, please get authorization for your materials first from the Group Manager before distributing them.

Distributing Materials

Important note for those attending FVBN meetups: Do not distribute any materials that are not from your own business. Do not distribute materials for another business or business owner who is not in attendance. Only those in attendance are allowed to distribute materials. Get all materials authorized by showing them to the host on the way in before distributing them. If you've had a marketing piece authorized, then you don't need to get it authorized each time; authorization is only needed for new materials. External materials--those from businesses that are not in attendance, will not be authorized. Example Questions and Answers:  

Q. "Can I distribute materials for a person I know who couldn't make it today?" A. "No." 

Q. "Can I distribute materials for a business owner who can't make it on Wednesdays?" A. "No."

...If you still need clarification about this or any other FVBN topic, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Where do the fees go?

The $5 meet-up and membership fees go towards expenses of the group. For example: domain, web hosting, website, Meet-up.com account, Constant Contact email newsletter, social media marketing, SEO, equipment, printed materials (business cards, handouts, postcards, banners, etc), bags, draw prizes, promotional activities, administrative costs, and other technical costs. 

Is this a non-profit or community group?

No, this is not a registered charity, non-profit, or society. There are no committees or boards. Most meet-ups find it too costly to become registered as a non-profit. Also, as with many meet-up groups, the income and expenses are accounted for through the sole proprietorship or corporation of the founder, in compliance with CRA. In this case, this group was founded by and is operated by Jennifer Henczel of Affective Communications (AC). Fraser Valley Business Network and Marketing Motivator are essentially marketing brands of AC. This type of group is not a “money making” model of any kind. FVBN was founded by Jennifer Henczel, who hosts the meet-ups and other group activities, and who also makes up the extra costs associated with the group.

How are the funds processed?

Revenues do not go to a charity. Revenues are absorbed and compensated by a private, for profit business. With that said, a profit is not expected. However, I am usually involved in substantial community volunteering, so fund raising opportunities may be introduced into the group now and then. The fees are on the low end of standard pricing in the industry and are intended for maintenance, towards the mutual benefit of all members. 

Although the Group is operated as a profitable business, significant revenues are reinvested back into the Group with regards to raising the Group's profile within the local business community. We can all agree that the greater the Group's profile, the more business opportunities there will be for everyone.

Refund Policy 

Meeting fees and membership payments are not transferable and are not refundable in any way. If you RSVP for a meeting and can't make it, your $5 is not refundable and cannot be transferred to another meeting.  

Group Policies

The following Polices are introduced to help the Group run more smoothly and many of the ideas have been requested or first put forward by other Group Members.

Your Responsibility 

When you join our Group, you will be a valued member. Any ideas you may have to help the group achieve it's objectives, will always be welcome and given the due consideration it deserves.

We are fortunate to have so many amazing create people associated with this group. Your ideas are valuable. Where the request or idea requires further investigation, the member who first raised the idea/suggestion, will be asked to look into it further. This approach helps ensure that members fully consider their ideas before bringing them up for review.

The Venue

As a member of this group, YOU are responsible for being professional and courteous to the restaurant staff and facilities. If you have a problem with the restaurant, report it to me--Jennifer Henczel. It is critical that we keep good working relationships with the business owners. 

My/Jennifer's Responsibilities

Here is a peak at the list of duties will complete on a regular basis: 

• Maintains the website
• planning and promoting the meetings
• curriculum development
• presentations (Mastermind Groups)
• liaison with venue owners and guest speakers (Mastermind Groups)
• All administration, including setting up and providing a system that issues receipts. 
• Developing Marketing literature and overseeing the Group Marketing Plan.
• Preparing weekly Meeting Agendas.
• Helping to ensure lunch Meetings and mastermind groups run smoothly and on time.
• Recording weekly, Member and Guest visits and ensuring fees are paid.
• Preparing facilities for lunch Meetings and other Member events.
• Member presentation and what assistance they are looking for.
• Processing new Members and ensuring subscriptions are up-to-date.
• Recording and processing member suggestions and ideas.
• Introducing new policies as needed.

How can I contact the person running the meetings?

I am easily accessible via  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 778-823-2421. I will be glad to answer any questions. With that said, if you need basic information, please refer to the website first. Everything I know will be posted there. 

These policies will be added to and change as the group progresses. Please check back often.