Contract & Costs

Contractual Relationship With MABU Defined

Independent communications professionals who choose to affiliate with Marketing & Advertising Business Unlimited, Inc. (Agency MABU) do so through a contractual relationship which encompasses the following terms:

Agency MABU agrees to:

- grant affiliated consultants a non-exclusive license to use the "MABU Public Relations" name and trademark.

- provide affiliated consultants with marketing materials including, but not limited to the following: business cards, introductory newsletter, portfolio and marketing plan.

- provide affiliated consultants with a customized website (www.mabupr.com) and e-mail address (consultant’s first initial, followed by their full last name@mabupr.com). The website will include general information about MABU Public Relations, specific information about the consultant, and educational resource materials.

- provide affiliated consultants with business operation resources including, but not limited to the following: orientation program, annual conference, and a "how to" manual featuring templates and checklists on everything from creating websites and brochures to coordinating online surveys and special events.

- provide affiliated consultants with specialized support services at discounted rates including, but not limited to the following: graphic design, website development, market research, media placement, audio-visual production, digital printing and stock photography.

- provide affiliated consultants with access to govenment-related contracts which may result from Agency MABU's relationship with federal, state and prime contractors.

- provide affiliated consultants with advice and support in prospecting for clients.

- impart know-how and trade secrets to affiliated consultants to support their professional growth and development.

Independent consultants agree to:

- operate their business as a sole proprietorship under the trade name "MABU Public Relations." Note: Affiliated consultants with existing business names may continue to market their freelance business under their current name; however, they agree to be listed as an independent MABU PR consultant on the nationwide network's website (www.mabupr.com).

- directly serve the marketing and communications needs of their clients through functions including, but not limited to: prospecting for new clients, writing for all media, project coordination, managing their business operations and seeking support and services from Agency MABU as needs dictate. Note: Affiliated consultants are not required to use Agency MABU for services or support.

- operate as a freelance professional.

- maintain the highest standards of integrity, honesty and responsibility in dealings with Agency MABU, clients and other affiliated consultants.

- assume sole responsibility for all self-employment (Social Security), income taxes and other reports required to abide by all federal, state and local laws governing their business.

- provide their own equipment and supplies.

- provide specialized marketing and communications services to Agency MABU. The services will include, but not limited to: writing, project coordination, market research and public relations.

Costs related to becoming a MABU PR consultant:

Associate Level: There are no start up fees or annual costs required to join Agency MABU as an associate-level MABU PR consultant. Interested communications professionals simply submit an application for consideration. Once approved, the associate-level consultant will be added to the MABU Public Relations website and will be provided with a customized e-mail address. The associate-level consultant will be able to access specialized services from Agency MABU at discounted rates; however, none of the other benefits or resources identifed above will be made available to the associate-level consultant (e.g. trade name rights, marketing materials, business operation resources, etc.).

Affiliate Level: A one-time start up fee, as well as an annual licensing fee, is assessed to consultants desiring to join MABU PR at the affiliate-level.

Start Up Fee - A start up fee of $1,500 is required to establish a MABU PR freelance business. This one-time fee includes attendance at a three-day orientation session, a "how to" manual with templates and tools, marketing materials, a customized website and e-mail address, and all other resources identifed under the previously-described terms. (Note: the start up fee will be waived in its entirety in geographic markets deemed to be of interest and value to Agency MABU for contracting opportunities with state, federal and tribal entities).

Annual License Fee - beginning in year two of the agreement, affiliate-level consultants are assessed an annual fee to retain licensing rights to use the "MABU Public Relations" name and trademark. This nominal annual fee is waived in its entirety if the affiliated consultant choses to use Agency MABU for any specialized services totaling $250 or more during the previous calendar year. For example, if an affiliated consultant used Agency MABU to design a brochure for $350 in 2006, the licensing fee would be waived in 2007.

For more information, or to request a copy of a standard agreement for either the associate level or the affiliate level program, contact Mike Mabin, President of Agency MABU, at (701) 250-0728.