Do you have to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender to join Out Business Builders?
Not at all. Out Business Builders is an inclusive group. While most of our members identify as LGBT, we welcome everyone.

When do you meet?
Out Business Builders meets every other Thursday morning. We gather at 8:15 a.m., our meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends by 10 a.m. See our schedule of upcoming meetings.

Where do you meet?
Currently, we meet at ElevatedNY, 1120 Sixth Ave. (between West 43rd and 44th Streets), on the 4th floor.

Do you practice “one seat per-profession/specialty”?
Yes, we do. This lets us maintain an environment where members can freely give referrals. Having two members in the same “seat” would interfere with that goal. Where there is a potential overlap between members (e.g., lawyers), we require that they focus only on a specific specialty and the unique services they offer.

I travel a lot. How many absences are allowed?
We expect members to attend every meeting. Members may have no more than two unexcused absences in any consecutive 6-month period. If you know in advance that you need to miss a meeting, you should arrange for a substitute to represent you. When you send a sub, you won’t be counted as absent.

Can I visit as a guest?
Please do! As a guest, you may attend a maximum of two meetings in any 365-day period. The current guest fee is $20, payable via Zelle or at the door to cover venue and breakfast expenses. Contact us to find out when our next meeting is taking place. View our meeting schedule and let us know when you’d like to attend.

Are there membership dues? How much are they?
Current Out Business Builders dues are $200 per quarter. Dues cover the cost of our meeting venue and breakfast.

Can I be a member of another networking group if I am a member of Out Business Builders?
Absolutely. We have no restrictions on participating in other networking groups—in fact, we encourage it. The broader your network, the more you have to offer your fellow members. Other networks are excellent sources of potential OBB members and guests. We do ask that you maintain your commitment to supporting the business growth and networks of our members.

Do I have to join the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce to be a member of Out Business Builders?
Yes. All our members must belong to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at the basic Networker level or above.

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce annual dues start at $192 for membership, plus a BRG fee of $100. Visit www.ManhattanCC.org for details.

As an MCC member, you are entitled to participate in their programs and networking events to help you grow your business.

How long before I might see business from being a member?
Every business is different. Some types of businesses, such as health care professionals and IT specialists, tend to get referrals quickly. Mortgage, legal and financial service referrals usually take longer. But the faster and more thoroughly you engage with members of our group, the more likely it is that you will get referrals. Of course, like any networking group, we cannot guarantee referrals or closed business.

I need to miss a meeting. What should I do?
If you need to miss a meeting, please do your best to arrange for a substitute. Your sub will speak for you and represent your business at the meeting. In most cases, your sub will also have the chance to speak about his/her own business. There is no guest fee for a substitute, and you will not be counted as absent when a sub attends in your place.

Photography by Amy Mayes