Family Office Sponsor Non-Overt Solicitation Policy
In order to promote collaboration and an open exchange of information to be enjoyed by all, Family Office Real Estate Institute (FORE Institute) maintains a policy of non-overt solicitation of Family Office Sponsors. Overt solicitation, misuse of the Family Office Attendee Information for business development or marketing or sharing of information with any third parties without the prior written approval of FORE Institute is strictly prohibited. Violations are subject to immediate cancellation of sponsorship, without refund, and loss of all rights and privileges.
For these reasons, FORE Institute has developed the following guidelines and examples for appropriate and inappropriate activities (in question/answer format) to make the difference between professional networking and solicitation clearer and easier to recognize:
1. Can I distribute business cards to one or more members at a Family Office Real Estate Institute function?
As with any business event, it is highly appropriate to exchange business cards as part of a business conversation. It is not appropriate to pass out cards to everyone with whom you come in contact without making an individual connection, except when acting as an educator with the intent of allowing audience members to follow up. It is not appropriate to approach another member for the specific purpose of marketing or selling a service/product.
2. Is it acceptable to follow up the receipt of a business card with a telephone call, mailing, or email?
If the attendee requested the follow up, certainly do so. In an exchange of business cards, the following guidelines apply:
- A follow-up telephone call may be appropriate if requested or permission offered.
- Unsolicited email for marketing or promotional purposes is inappropriate.
- A letter or email offering a product or service is okay if you had a conversation with this individual and they expressed interest in receiving additional information.
3. Can I use FORE Institute attendee information to build business?
Yes. Build relationships through professional support, collaboration, and networking. Act as a resource and reference and lend your knowledge and expertise to projects and programs.
4. Can I pass out literature about my business at FORE Institute functions?
If you are an educator, or sponsor, you may distribute literature per the terms of that agreement. Sponsors and Sponsor Attendees may not leave promotional materials on meeting tables or openly distribute such during events.
5. Can I call upon attendees when I have a question and want ideas on how other people might handle a particular situation?
Yes, this is one of the values of sponsoring our Institute. It provides opportunities to learn from each other, both formally and informally. Contact via mail, email or telephone is appropriate. This contact should not be used to market or solicit business.
6. Can I send my newsletter or information about an educational session my organization is offering?
No. FORE Institute has levels of sponsorship available for including your company information for distribution.
Each attendee decides whether an activity by Sponsor or Sponsor Attendee represents overt solicitation. Attendees are encouraged to be candid with each other and to respect another’s point of view. Policy violation complaints will be investigated fully to ensure that FORE Institute’s non-overt solicitation policy is adhered to.
For information about our levels of sponsorship please contact info@foreevents.institute or visit us at foreevents.institute and submit a request