We have decided the time has come to transform Indiana Business Network into something new: a totally member fueled networking organization. We've given the existing business model a year to succeed, and it simply is not working to the satisfaction of anyone. So, the time for change has come.
As many of you know, Eric Kallin built IBN as we know it. Over the past year, IBN's growth has stagnated not due to Eric, but due to a business model which is obsolete and does not give members a real stake in the future.
Despite the issues that IBN has, interest in IBN is at an all time high: we are averaging between 40 and 150 potential new members through our chapters and online activity every week. We believe that by changing how IBN is structured we can transform IBN into a networking organization that fits in today's high-speed, connected world.
To allow us to grow IBN, Eric is leaving his position as President. Eric will continue to be a part of IBN and continue to hold an ownership stake in IBN.
Next week we will announce the plan for rebuilding IBN that includes:
- Compensation for leaders (facilitators and more).
- A structure that facilitates rapid growth and more autonomy for chapters.
- Clearly defined membership benefits and responsibilities
- Better support for chapters and members.
If you are interested in learning about the new IBN, please find time on Thursday, January 28 at the IBN Office at 5348 N. Tacoma, Indianapolis, IN. Please take a moment to RSVP so we can have materials prepared. Current, former and online-only members are welcome.
Thank all of you for participating in IBN and helping one another find critical relationships and business success.
Sincerely,
Derek Bogard, Mike Seidle and Eric Kallin
P.S. If you have questions, please feel free to ask below.
Comments
Kenneth & Cynth'ya says:
General Questions:
1. Who owns what?
2, Why did Eric REALLY leave?
3. Will the 3 regional divisions create division in the membership?
4. Where does the compensation come from, and does it discriminate against non- facilitators?
5. Why wasn't this proposed to the membership as a vote to change the direction of the group?
6. Who determined that the current model was not working, and was the determination based on poor communication, or something else monetary-related?
7. Why isn't Eric included in the Q and A session for Jan 28th?
8. When people change on the inside to benefit each other, organizations change on the outside to benefit the entire community and beyond. Of course the big question now is: why is this seem like a mandate to either stay, or to go?
Blessings,
The Reeds
YTB International Global Franchise
The R and L Group LLC
www.NeverOverSpendAgain.info
www.TheRandLGroup.com
www.CashBack247.info
www.SpeedReedNews.Groupsite.com
www.GoTeamSpectrum.com
January 11, 2010 at 3:05 AM | Permalink
Mike says:
1. Derek Bogard, Eric Kallin and I each own 1/3 of IBN.
2. Eric has not left, he is changing his role. If you would like Eric's side of things, feel free to call or email him.
3. There will be more than three regions. The idea isn't to fracture the group. The idea is to get more than one person invested in helping IBN grow. Under the current system, only one person is paid to drive growth, and that is Eric.
4. Compensation will come from IBN's income. Memberships are a critical part of that. Facilitators and others that put in time into growing IBN should have a stake in that growth.
5. It would have taken 90-120 days to get a consensus and we had to act now.
6. The decision was made by Eric, Derek and I and was based on membership growth, income and overall lack satisfaction with IBN.
7. Eric is welcome to be a part of that meeting.
8. There is no mandate to stay or go. In fact, I'd suggest you stay on for a few weeks and see how this unfolds.
Feel free to call me. 317.748.3197
January 11, 2010 at 8:31 AM | Permalink
Robby says:
I don't think the Reeds' were asking for a consensus, but rather a vote. It doesn't take 3-4 months to tabulate a vote.
However, IBN is a private business, not a democracy. The owners can do whatever they like with it. The question is whether those decisions appeal to current and potential customers.
It seems like the critical question is in the details. This post appeared on Friday 8-Jan, and promises that "next week we will announce the plan for rebuilding IBN." So, I'll refrain from further comment until we hear that plan, which should appear sometime in the next five days or so.
January 11, 2010 at 9:23 AM | Permalink
Mike says:
Robby - It doesn't take 3-4 months to tabulate a vote, but it may take six to eight weeks for people to come to an understanding of the issues involved, make up their minds and cast their vote.
That said, one of the areas I've personally been disappointed in is that IBN has not yet developed a system for including members in decision making, and it's something that has to be addressed moving forward.
January 11, 2010 at 9:47 AM | Permalink
Kenneth & Cynth'ya says:
Appreciate the feedback. Available via private email on facebook if anyone wishes to share their views...nothing will be posted here further on this subject by us.
Have a blessed week.
Kenneth Reed and Cynth'ya Reed
January 12, 2010 at 6:02 AM | Permalink
Mike says:
I'm in process of posting updates to our business plan. I'll put a link on the home page of the IBN website when I am finished.
January 16, 2010 at 4:49 PM | Permalink