Porto Business Network (PBN) WhatsApp Regulations
Last Updated: 2025-11-08
đź’ˇ TLDR
Jump to: Posting Regulations Table
1. Purpose and Context
The Porto Business Network (PBN) WhatsApp community serves as an extension of the organization’s mission to foster professional connections, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among Porto’s business community.
Its primary objectives are to:
- Facilitate networking and cooperation among professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives.
- Encourage members to share opportunities, seek advice, coordinate events, and support mutual growth.
- Reinforce PBN’s purpose of nurturing meaningful relationships and accelerating positive business outcomes.
All communication within PBN WhatsApp groups shall align with these objectives.
2. Group Structure and Roles
2.1 Members
Members shall:
- Adhere to these Regulations at all times.
- Engage constructively and respectfully.
- Contribute to maintaining a high-quality and professional community environment.
2.2 Administrators / Moderators
Administrators shall:
- Ensure compliance with these Regulations.
- Have authority to delete posts, issue warnings, or remove members who repeatedly violate the rules.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries regarding posting, policy interpretation, or disputes.
2.3 Group Organization
- All members are automatically part of the Main Announcements Group, where official updates and major news are shared.
- Additional Themed Subgroups (e.g., Events Announcements, Advice & Resource Sharing, etc.) exist for topic-specific discussions.
To join or leave a subgroup:
Navigate to the Community tab → Browse Subgroups → Join or Leave as preferred.
3. Communication Timing
Members should send non-urgent messages during standard business hours (09:00–20:00).
Messages outside this timeframe are permitted only in urgent circumstances (e.g., event cancellations or last-minute changes). Such messages shall be clearly labeled as “URGENT.”
4. Moderation, Violations, and Consequences
Violations shall be addressed as follows:
- Warning or Guidance: Administrators may issue a private warning or request post revisions.
- Post Deletion / Edit Request: Administrators may delete or request edits to non-compliant posts without prior notice.
- Suspension or Removal: Repeated or serious breaches may result in removal from the group.
5. Posting Clarifications
If unsure where or how to post content:
- Members shall consult the detailed table below, which outlines content types, posting rules, and appropriate channels.
- If still unsure, members shall contact an administrator — either by tagging them in a group message or via private message — for clarification.
6. Onboarding and Introductions
Upon joining, members shall:
- Introduce themselves briefly (name, business/role, and what they hope to contribute or gain).
- Indicate their availability or goals (e.g., “Open to collaboration in marketing, strategy, or technology”).
- Read and acknowledge understanding of these Regulations.
7. Posting Regulations
To preserve clarity, professionalism, and usefulness, members shall adhere to the following posting rules. Use these cards as a quick reference to ensure your message is placed correctly.
🤝 Opportunity Requests
Example (Copy & Edit):
Please DM me with your portfolio.
Key Constraints:
- Must include a budget or clear expectations (e.g., paid/pro bono).
- Posts must be clear, concise, and focused on a specific need.
đź”— Resource Sharing
Example (Copy & Edit):
[Link]
Key Constraints:
- Must provide a short caption explaining relevance.
- No personal referral links or excessive self-promotion.
📢 Business Announcements
Example (Copy & Edit):
Key Constraints:
- Avoid repetition. Do not post the same content across multiple groups.
- Focus on company milestones, not continuous sales pitches.
đź“… Event Announcements
Example (Copy & Edit):
RSVP link: [Link]
Key Constraints:
- Include essential details: when, where, for whom, and RSVP link.
- Events must be highly relevant to the local Porto community.
đź‘‹ Personal Announcements
Example (Copy & Edit):
Key Constraints:
- Permitted, but follow-up discussions shall move to DM to avoid overload.
- Keep updates brief and relevant to general community interest.
đź’° Promotional Offers / Sales
Example (Copy & Edit):
Key Constraints:
- Promote services only once during initial intro. Subsequent posts must be legitimate opportunities.
- Avoid generic marketing language; focus on direct value to members.
đź’Ľ Job / Project Openings
Example (Copy & Edit):
Apply here: [Link]
Key Constraints:
- Provide brief description, skills required, location, and clear application method.
- Don’t be repetitive (wait at least 1 month between posting the same opening).
🗣️ General Networking / Introductions
Example (Copy & Edit):
Key Constraints:
- Keep follow-up discussions in private messages (DMs).
- Keep the initial introduction brief and informative.
📵 Off-topic / Meme Posts
Example (Copy & Edit):
[Image/Link]
Key Constraints:
- Discouraged in main business channels. Use designated Casual & Informal group only.
- Avoid controversial or sensitive content.
đź”’ Sensitive / Confidential Info
Example (DON'T DO THIS):
Key Constraints:
- Never share private data, proprietary figures, or client information publicly.
- Obtain admin approval before posting potentially sensitive content.
đź’ˇ Answers to Questions
Example (Copy & Edit):
Key Constraints:
- Respond publicly only if relevant to others. Otherwise, DM.
- Keep responses focused and on-topic for the original channel.
Ready to Post?
Always double-check the relevant channel before hitting send! By following these guidelines, you help keep the community valuable and focused.
8. Closing Statement
These Regulations aim to foster a respectful, focused, and supportive business community within the Porto Business Network.
All members are encouraged to participate actively, professionally, and in alignment with PBN’s mission to create purposeful business connections.