This is our space to share best practices, learn, collaborate and connect with one another. As a community, we share the responsibility to keep this space safe, welcoming, inclusive and empowering.

These rules of engagement are our way to make sure we deliver on that responsibility. It's how we behave with each other, and what we expect from each other.

• Be respectful and supportive. This is a community of small business owners who are working hard to make their dreams a reality. Each idea, share and contribution should come from a place of positive intent and should add value to those receiving it.
• Be positive and helpful. This is a place to share ideas, ask questions, and offer support. Share content that is relevant to the forum's purpose, which is supporting small business owners. Let's make it a positive and helpful environment for everyone.
• Be professional. This is a business community, so let's keep our interactions professional. No personal attacks, drama, or political statements or opinions, please.
• Be considerate of other's privacy.Protect the privacy of your fellow members. Do not share personal contact information or any other sensitive data about others without their consent.
• Be sure to follow all laws and regulations.Do not engage in any illegal activities or encourage others to do so. Seek legal advice from professionals but do not rely on the forum as a substitute for professional legal counsel.
• Be proud of your business.Let's keep our community free from spam and excessive self-promotions. Promote your business, services, and products only in the 🤝 Promote your Business space. All other spaces should be kept free from promotions or spam.
• Be respectful of the moderator's decisions.Respect the decisions and actions of the community moderators. They are responsible for maintaining a positive and inclusive environment. If you come across any content that violates the community guidelines or any suspicious activity, report it to the moderators promptly. Avoid publicly calling out or shaming other members.
• Be yourself. We want to get to know you, so be yourself and let your personality shine through.
• Have fun! This is a community of people who are passionate about small business. Let's have some fun together!

Here are some specific examples of what is and is not allowed in this community:

Allowed:

• Sharing tips and advice on starting and running a small business
• Asking questions about small business marketing, finance, and operations
• Offering support and encouragement to other small business owners
• Promoting your own small business in a respectful and tasteful way in the dedicated 🤝 Promote your Business space
• Directly messaging other members in a professional manner

Not allowed:

• Political statements or opinions
• Spamming or self-promoting your business excessively
• Posting offensive or discriminatory content
• Harassing or bullying other members of the community
• Sharing illegal or copyrighted content

We operate by a strict three-strikes policy for any violations of our community guidelines.

• First offense: Warning - a formal notification detailing the violation.
• Second offense: Temporary Suspension - Member will be barred from participating in the community for a set period.
• Third offense: Expulsion - Permanent removal from the community without a refund of any paid membership dues.

As a community, we have zero tolerance for discrimination, name-calling, shaming, bullying, NSFW content or harassment of any type.

We reserve the right to remove posts or delete accounts if they infringe on the community guidelines.