Link Up

Relationship Building

WHAT IS LINK UP?

EXPECTATIONS & GUIDELINES

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

CREATE LASTING LINKS TO PEOPLE, OPPORTUNITIES, AND
BUSINESSES THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU

APPLY NOW

The foundation of Link Up consists of four Base Links: Strategic Alliances, Professional Development, Elevator Pitch Presentation, and Referral Development.

STRATEGIC
ALLIANCES

Focus on uncovering and identifying your sphere of influence. History has proven this process to be a quick and meaningful way to build business relationships and better create professional connections.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Perfect your professional skills by capitalizing on content from subject matter experts and the varied abilities of your peers. You will better hone your skills to achieve greater results.

ELEVATOR PITCH PRESENTATION

Seek valuable feedback on your elevator pitch, speaking skills, marketing plans, and many other skills through collaborative presentations.

REFERRAL
DEVELOPMENT

Discover new ways of creating meaningful connections when you invest time in your professional development. Link Up provides you the opportunity to lean into the long game of how to protect your referral development.

STRATEGIC
ALLIANCES

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Perfect your professional skills by capitalizing on content from subject matter experts and the varied abilities of your peers. You will better hone your skills to achieve greater results.

ELEVATOR PITCH PRESENTATION

Seek valuable feedback on your elevator pitch, speaking skills, marketing plans, and many other skills through collaborative presentations.

REFERRAL DEVELOPMENT

APPLY NOW

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE LINK UP RESOURCE GUIDE NOW.

WHAT IS LINK UP?

A relationship-building opportunity designed to form strong relationships, expand professional development, and drive business.

By joining the Link Up Program, you will gain access to a diverse group of professionals which you can turn to for insight and expertise.

GUIDELINES

Must be a member of the Chamber.
Each group has three volunteer leadership roles (indicate on the application if you are interested in learning more about the benefits offered to our volunteers.)
24 total meetings a year.
All groups meet on a bi-weekly basis.
Dates and times of meetings vary.
All groups are industry-exclusive.
A completed application is required for participation.

EXPECTATIONS

Attendance is required
- 80% Attendance is required.
- No more than four absences are allowed per year.
Refrain from discussing other products/or services that another member may represent in the group.
Deliver a five-minute elevator speech at least once a year.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

__

Leading Link

Conversation Architect & Operations Ninja

ONE YEAR MINIMUM TERM
The Leading Link consolidates the efforts of all volunteers to ensure that each meeting flows properly. By remaining vigilant about communication, attendance, and facilitation each leader can ensure that meetings have the most value. This individual is also tasked with ensuring the Wichita Falls Chamber is fully aware of any problematic situations that may arise in a timely manner.

Expectations:

Facilitate meetings as outlined in agendas.
Prepare and email meeting agenda to all one week prior to meeting.
Maintain an open line of communication with Guest Liaison, Sergeant at Arms and Chamber.
Inform group of any resignations and/or new members.
Ensure Member Relations Specialist is included in all email correspondence.
Report any problematic behavior or situations to Member Relations Specialist immediately.

__

Guest Liaison

Head of Schmoozing & Scheduling Wizard

ONE YEAR MINIMUM TERM
The Guest Liaison is the first point of contact for most people considering group participation and is responsible for scheduling subject matter experts who will deliver educational content during meetings. These volunteers should work within their groups to gather ideas on specific topics and speakers, and rely on the Wichita Falls Chamber for assistance as needed.

Expectations:

Serve as the direct point of contact for all guests. Welcome unannounced guests.
Schedules guest speakers for professional development meetings at least two weeks in advance.
Send expected guest speaker details to Leading Link for pre-meeting email.
Gather and share guest feedback with group volunteers and your Member Relations Specialist.

__

Sergeant at Arms

Head Wrangler & Keeper of the Clock

ONE YEAR MINIMUM TERM
The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for ensuring that attendance is maintained, and time is respected. Attendance must be tracked and recorded at every meeting. The Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce will provide the necessary means for documenting attendance and will facilitate any communication with members who have not met their participation requirements. As a note, members cannot miss more than two consecutive or four total meetings in a calendar year.

Expectations:

Record attendance within 24 hours of the meeting.
Share any member status conflicts with Chamber.
Inform Chamber of any members who have not met their attendance requirements.
Ensure meeting timelines are followed.
Schedule elevator pitches to ensure every member presents once per year.

When can I apply for The Circuit?

The application process opens in November and remains open until December 31st. Memberships begin in January and will continue through December.

How much does it cost to join The Circuit?

There is no cost to join The Circuit!

What are the age requirements to join The Circuit?

Members must be between the ages of 18 and 40.

What's the time requirement for members?

Members can expect to dedicate around 1-3 hours per month to various programs. This time can include one-on-ones with a mentor (1 hr/quarter), monthly programs (1hr/month), Chamber professional development programs (3-4 hours/quarter), open circuits (1-3 hours/quarter) and closed circuits (1-3 hours/year).

What are the age requirements to be a mentor?

There is no age requirement to be a mentor, but a minimum of at least 5-10 years of specific industry expertise is preferred.

What's the time requirement for mentors?

Mentors can expect to spend at least one hour per mentee per quarter in a one-on-one setting, to take place at the convenience of both the mentor and mentee. The mentor/mentee relationship is a one-year commitment, so mentors can expect to commit four hours per year.

How long are Circuit Advisory Committee terms?

Committee advisors serve one-year terms that run January through December of each year.

How are members matched to their mentor?

Mentors and members are matched together based off professional compatibility using a unique weighted matching system that takes into consideration industry, experience level, and areas of interest. This information is gathered when members and mentors join for the program through the registration form. After the initial assessment is finished, each match is reviewed bi-weekly by an internal match committee meeting. This committee will also review special cases, such as mismatches, ties and multiple matches to the same mentor.

How is the mentor matching system’s weights broken down?

When conducting the matching process, industries are weighted at one point, experience level is matched at two points and each of the three areas of interested at weighted at three points each. A match can receive up to twelve points total between the three above listed categories. A match is considered compatible at a 67% match or higher, which is eight out of twelve points.

How long will it take for me to be matched with a mentor?

New members can expect to be matched with their mentor within 10-15 business days after they register for the Circuit. Sometimes a new member will not have an obvious mentor match when they first join, promoting our mentor matching committee to actively recruit a quality match from the community for this new member. If this happens, the new member will be updated as new information is received.

Circuit Mentor Expectations

Being a Circuit Mentor gives you the opportunity to be a part of the future of Wichita Falls by cultivating and shaping our future leaders right now. If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community, this is it!

Here’s what our mentors can expect:

Meet with mentees a minimum of once a quarter.
Hold all confidential information in trust and strict confidence.
Assist mentees with professional growth and development by offering leading questions and advice, eliminating barriers, making connections, and being a reference when appropriate.
Maintain a professional relationship with the mentee.
Be flexible and provide the necessary support and advice to help the mentee succeed.
Make a one-year commitment to being matched with a mentee.
Inform the Circuit Board of any difficulties or areas of concern that may arise in the mentorship.

Be a Circuit Mentor

Full Name

Job Title

Organization

Organization Address

Years in Industry

Work Phone

Select Your Hard Skills Interests (First Choice)

Select Your Hard Skills Interests (Second Choice)

Select your Soft Skills Interests (First Choice)

Select your Soft Skills Interests (Second Choice)

Circuit Mentor Expectations Circuit Mentor Expectations I agree to the Circuit Mentor Expectations

Mentor Match Preference Mentor Match Preference Male Female No Preference

2 + 2 =

CIRCUIT MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

The Circuit program consists of eight planned events that will provide you with the knowledge and tools to become a successful leader. To ensure that Circuit members are receiving maximum benefit from the organization, we highly encourage members to be active participants in circuit programs, mentorship, and community activities as listed below:

Attend circuit membership programs.
Attend one (1) quarterly meeting with your mentor.
Attend a Business After Hours or Wake Up Wichita Falls Powered by the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce quarterly.
Attend BOSS Panel Discussions Powered by the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce at no cost to the member.
Physically or virtually attend a community event and share your experience with a photo on the Circuit Facebook page using the hashtag #CircuitWF.
Volunteer at a community event and share your experience with a photo on the Circuit Facebook page using the hashtag #CircuitWF.

Members will be matched with an industry mentor. As a mentee, you should:

Have a positive attitude and be respectful of your mentor.
Meet with your mentor a minimum of once a quarter.
Hold all confidential information in trust and strict confidence.
Maintain a professional relationship with a mentor.
Make a one-year commitment to being matched with a mentor.
Inform the Circuit Board of any difficulties or areas of concern that may arise in the mentorship.

Join the Circuit

Full Name

Date of Birth

Job Title

Organization

Years in Industry

Work Address

Work Phone

Cell Phone

Select Your Hard Skills Interests (First Choice)

Select Your Hard Skills Interests (Second Choice)

Select your Soft Skills Interests (First Choice)

Select your Soft Skills Interests (Second Choice)

Circuit Membership Expectations Circuit Membership Expectations I agree to The Circuit Membership Expectations

Mentor Match Preference Mentor Match Preference Male Female No Preference

7 + 10 =

About the Circuit

Beginning in 2012, Young Professionals of Wichita Falls (YPWF) was formed to offer innovative ways for professionals, 18-40 years old, in the Wichita Falls area to expand their professional network.

In 2019, YPWF determined that it wanted to transition the focus of its organization from social interaction to professional, leadership, and community development. The Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce helped YPWF restructure into the organization now known as The Circuit.

In 2023, the program continues to evolve to help meet the needs of our young professionals.

Three Pillars:

The Circuit is focused on developing emerging leaders through mentorship, community engagement, and personal growth.

Mentorship: Every member is matched to an industry expert mentor. This professional relationship is formed on confidence and allows for mentees to receive one-on-one advice and direction from a trusted resource.

Professional Development: The Circuit creates leaders. Circuit members are able to attend exclusive Chamber events such as BOSS, Wake Up Wichita Falls, Business After Hours, and exclusive Circuit programs to work continuously on professional (and personal) development.

Community Engagement: Circuit members will be actively engaged in Wichita Falls by attending or volunteering in community events to gather current events information on community-based initiatives.

The Circuit is led by a volunteer advisory committee and is a program of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Link Up

WHAT IS LINK UP?

EXPECTATIONS & GUIDELINES

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

CREATE LASTING LINKS TO PEOPLE, OPPORTUNITIES, ANDBUSINESSES THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU

The foundation of Link Up consists of four Base Links: Strategic Alliances, Professional Development, Elevator Pitch Presentation, and Referral Development.

STRATEGICALLIANCES

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ELEVATOR PITCH PRESENTATION

REFERRALDEVELOPMENT

STRATEGICALLIANCES

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ELEVATOR PITCH PRESENTATION

REFERRAL DEVELOPMENT

Success!

WHAT IS LINK UP?

GUIDELINES

EXPECTATIONS

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

__

Leading Link

Conversation Architect & Operations Ninja

Expectations:

__

Guest Liaison

Head of Schmoozing & Scheduling Wizard

Expectations:

__

Sergeant at Arms

Head Wrangler & Keeper of the Clock

Expectations:

Link Up Application

When can I apply for The Circuit?

How much does it cost to join The Circuit?

What are the age requirements to join The Circuit?

What's the time requirement for members?

What are the age requirements to be a mentor?

What's the time requirement for mentors?

How long are Circuit Advisory Committee terms?

How are members matched to their mentor?

How is the mentor matching system’s weights broken down?

How long will it take for me to be matched with a mentor?

Circuit Mentor Expectations

Be a Circuit Mentor

CIRCUIT MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

Join the Circuit

About the Circuit

Three Pillars:

Explore The Falls

WORK

LIVE

VISIT

DOING BUSINESS

WORKFORCE

PROPERTIES

DATA

TARGET INDUSTRIES

DATA FOR BUSINESS

Membership Investment

MEMBERSHIP

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

TOP INVESTORS

CREATE LASTING LINKS TO PEOPLE, OPPORTUNITIES, AND
BUSINESSES THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU

STRATEGIC
ALLIANCES

REFERRAL
DEVELOPMENT

STRATEGIC
ALLIANCES