A Term – This is a period of four months. A new Chair volunteers or is elected (if more than one person volunteers) every four months. The three terms of the year run from January to April, May to August and September to December.

Term Evaluation – This is a form that all members fill out at the end of every term. It evaluates the previous term content and the group as a whole. It is a method of gathering suggestions for improvement or content during the next term. [It is not an evaluation of individuals, if there is an issue with an individual it should be brought to the attention of the Steering Committee confidentially.]

Referral – This is a qualified lead passed from one member to another. First party referrals are where one member wishes to do business with another member. Third party referrals are where one member refers another member to an interested third party. A Referral Slip is used to record and pass on a referral formally. It is filled out from one member to another member listing the contact details of the person who needs a product or service. This person should be expecting a call from the NCBA member who receives the referral. The first page of the slip goes to the person getting the referral, the second goes to the Referral Officer and the third is kept by the person giving the referral for their own records.

Lead – This is when a referral is suspected but not certain. Leads can also be passed on to members but the member should be told it is a lead (cold call) rather than a referral.

1:1 – This is a short meeting between two members to get to know each other’s business better.

Guest – Guests can be invited to attend NCBA meetings by any member but must not clash with any another business type within the group. Guests can attend two meetings before they are asked to join formally by filling out the membership application form and paying the quarterly breakfast fee of €130.

New Member – Someone who has applied and been accepted as a member.

Welcome Packet – Welcome Letter, NCBA Brochure, Application Form, NCBA Protocol, Meeting Format, Contacts and Committee Listings