Question 1

Why does ATLAS vet members?

Accepted Answer

ATLAS vets members to help maintain trust, professionalism, quality, and credibility within each team. Vetting may include application review, on-boarding review, background check processes, business review, or other reasonable verification steps depending on the situation. The current application fee to the new applicant is $199 which is non-refundable whether membership is approved, or not approved.

Question 2

What is included with membership?

Accepted Answer

Membership includes access to weekly meetings, business education, referral networking, relationship-building opportunities, member visibility, website profile or directory features, participation in a structured professional team, as well as any promotion initiatives from ATLAS. Specific features may evolve as ATLAS grows.

Question 3

Is there an application process?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ATLAS uses an application process because membership is intended for professionals who demonstrate quality, integrity, and a commitment to mutual benefit. The application process helps protect the professionalism and culture of each team. ATLAS performs a legitimate background check with hard-costs to the organization. ATLAS also reviews other credible third-party sources. The current fee paid by new applicants is $199 and it is non-refundable should they not be approved.

Question 4

Can memberships be transferred?

Accepted Answer

Membership transfers are not automatic and may require ATLAS approval. Transfer requests may depend on the member’s payment structure, team category, market availability, membership status, and the specific circumstances involved. Generally speaking, should the member need to relocate their membership to a different team (where available) then there simply needs to be an opening on that team and the transfer approved by ATLAS.

Question 5

How many times can I visit as a guest?

Accepted Answer

Guest visits are limited to two (2) visits and ATLAS believes the guest can make a sound business-decision to join as a “Chartering Member” if a new team, or join as a “Member” on an established team. The purpose of visiting is to help a prospective member determine whether ATLAS is a good fit within a reasonable period. ATLAS is not intended to be an unlimited drop-in networking event.

Question 6

What if my business category is already filled?

Accepted Answer

If a business category is already filled in one team, the applicant may be invited to consider another team, wait for a future opening, explore a nearby market, or discuss whether their service focus is distinct enough to qualify for a different category. There may also be an opportunity for the prospective new member to start and lead a new team within the ATLAS framework with revenue share.

Question 7

Can I visit before joining?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ATLAS encourages prospective members to visit before joining so they can experience the meeting structure, meet current members, and determine whether the team is a good fit for their business and personality.

Question 8

Can two similar businesses join the same team?

Accepted Answer

Two similar businesses may only be considered if ATLAS AND both member parties determine that their categories, services, or market focus are sufficiently different and do not create unhealthy internal competition. The purpose of category management is to protect trust, clarity, and referral opportunities within each team.

Question 9

How do I become a member?

Accepted Answer

Prospective members typically here about ATLAS through referrals or online and begin by visiting a meeting, learning about the team, submitting an application, completing required on-boarding and review steps, and selecting the membership payment option that best fits their goals. Final approval may depend on category availability, professionalism, vetting requirements, and team compatibility.

Question 10

Is there category exclusivity?

Accepted Answer

ATLAS enforces one business category per team to reduce internal competition and support stronger referral relationships. Category definitions and availability are managed by ATLAS and may depend on the specific team, market, and member mix.

Question 11

What happens after my application is submitted?

Accepted Answer

After an application is submitted, ATLAS may review the information, evaluate category availability, communicate next steps, confirm payment or onboarding requirements, and determine whether the applicant is a good fit. Applicants should not assume membership is approved until ATLAS confirms approval.

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Question 12

How quickly can I begin networking after approval?

Accepted Answer

Approved members can generally begin networking as soon as their membership is active and on-boarding requirements are completed. ATLAS may provide additional instructions regarding profile setup, meeting participation, member obligations, and referral expectations. The application process typically only requires 2-3 business days.

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Question 13

What happens after a team charters?

Accepted Answer

A team is considered chartered once it meets the chartering requirement established in the Terms of Service, currently described as twelve prospective new members attending for three consecutive weeks. Once a team charters, members typically transition into the applicable long-term membership structure and ongoing member obligations.

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Question 14

What standards are members expected to uphold?

Accepted Answer

Members are expected to represent their business truthfully and professionally, attend regularly, submit qualified referrals when appropriate, participate in one-to-one meetings, support visitor outreach, treat others with respect, and contribute to a positive, cooperative, and growth-oriented team environment. ATLAS encourages visiting their terms and conditions page. https://atlasbusinessnetworking.com/terms-of-service/

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Question 15

What is a Chartering Member?

Accepted Answer

A Chartering Member is an early participant who helps form and launch a new ATLAS team before it is fully chartered. Chartering Members are early adopters who help build attendance, invite quality professionals, establish team culture, and create the foundation for the group’s long-term success.

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Question 16

Are memberships refundable?

Accepted Answer

Monthly recurring membership payments are generally non-refundable, including prorated or partial months. Refundable deposit memberships are governed by the performance-based rebate structure and may be forfeited in whole or in part if requirements are not met.

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Question 17

What payment options are available?

Accepted Answer

ATLAS currently offers two main membership payment paths that grant equal access and require the same member-in-good-standing standards. Members may choose a monthly recurring membership or, when available, a refundable deposit membership tied to participation and performance-based rebate requirements.

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Question 18

What happens if I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation policies depend on the membership structure selected. Monthly recurring memberships are generally non-refundable and must be canceled in writing before the next billing cycle, while deposit-related rights may be affected by rebate eligibility, performance standards, and good-standing requirements.

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Question 19

What does membership cost?

Accepted Answer

ATLAS membership costs include a one-time application, on-boarding, or background check fee of $199 which is non-refundable whether approved, or not approved. Current membership payment structures include a monthly recurring membership option and a refundable deposit membership option, depending on availability and team status. If a team has not yet “Chartered” then the monthly recurring charge is $1 per month until the team Charters (12 attending for 3 weeks consecutive). Chartered teams have a monthly recurring of $149, or, a (unique to ATLAS) “refundable deposit” option of $2400 which can be earned back by the member at a rate of $300 per quarter based upon meeting the established ATLAS best practices for being a member in good standing. “Deposit” options are limited per team.

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Question 20

How long does membership last?

Accepted Answer

Membership duration depends on the payment option selected and the member’s ongoing compliance with ATLAS policies and obligations. Monthly recurring members remain active while payments are current and membership is in good standing, while deposit members are subject to the terms of their deposit and rebate structure and also have an open-ended membership based upon remaining a member-in-good-standing.

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