What to Expect at Your First PRE York Meeting

Walking into a room of business owners who all know each other can feel like a lot. It helps to know how the hour and a half will go. Here is what happens when you visit PRE York, from signing up to the follow-up afterward.

The basics

• When: every Tuesday, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
• Where: the Wyndham Garden, 2000 Loucks Rd, York, PA
• Cost: your first visit is free
• Who: York-area business owners and professionals, one per business category

Before you come

Register to visit on our website. The form asks for your name, your business, what your business does and which Tuesday you would like to attend. If a member invited you, choose their name so we know to seat you together. If you found us on your own, that is fine too.

We'll email you the details, and a member will look out for you at the door.

It is worth looking at our member businesses before you come. You will see who is in the room, and whether anyone already holds your category.

When you arrive

Come a few minutes early. A member will greet you, introduce you to a few people and show you where to sit. You are there to look and listen. There is nothing to sign.

How the meeting runs

1. We share a meal. Lunch is part of the meeting, and it is when most of the conversation happens.
2. Each member gives a short introduction of their business and the kind of referral they are looking for that week. Guests introduce themselves too.
3. One member presents in more depth. Each week a different member teaches the room about their business. You can see who is coming up on the speakers page.
4. Members pass qualified referrals. A qualified referral is a real person who needs what a member offers and is expecting that member's call. You will see how many change hands in one meeting.

When it is your turn

You will have a moment to introduce yourself. Keep it short and plain:

• Your name and your business
• Who you help, in one sentence
• The kind of customer you are looking for

For example: "I'm Pat, and I own a bookkeeping business here in York. I work with small companies that have outgrown doing the books on a Sunday night. I'd like to meet contractors and medical offices."

That is all. Nobody expects a polished pitch from a guest.

What to bring

• Business cards, enough for the room
• Something to write on. You will hear at least one name you want to remember.
• Your questions. Ask the members beside you what the group has done for their business.

After the meeting

Someone from the chapter will follow up. If PRE looks like a good fit and your category is open, you can request to join, and the chapter leader will be in touch about the next steps. There is no pressure to decide that day.

The calendar shows upcoming meetings if you would like to pick a date now.

To your success!

Questions and answers

Does it cost anything to visit PRE York?

No. Your first visit is free. Come meet the members and see whether PRE is a good fit for your business.

How long is the meeting?

An hour and a half, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM every Tuesday.

Can I visit if someone already holds my business category?

PRE allows one professional per business category in each chapter. Check the member businesses page first. If your category is taken, send us a note through the contact page and we will tell you whether another PRE chapter has the seat open.

Do I have to join after I visit?

No. Visiting is how you find out whether the group suits you. If it does and your category is open, you can request to join afterward.

What should I say when I introduce myself?

Your name, your business, who you help and the kind of customer you are looking for. Two or three sentences is plenty.