Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Who are the people behind SOFA?

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SOFA is a California 501(c)3 non-profit organization made-up of a diverse, professional membership. Our growing membership includes those who work as attorneys, financial advisors, investment and insurance planners, realtors, health and wellness experts, and other specialized persons. SOFA members share a common belief that an educated public brings value, not just to the community but ultimately to our various professions through goodwill and understanding.

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2.What, essentially, does SOFA do?

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SOFA members go out into the community and speak from their professional knowledge, background, and experience. Typically, SOFA members go to where your group already gathers. We give presentations, or seminars, on our particular areas of expertise. As a professional speaker's bureau , SOFA provides an enriching educational experience for your employees, members, or associates.

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3. How long have you been in existence?

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SOFA has been in existence since 1993. We have given hundreds of presentations nationwide and continue to be invited back by our hosting organizations.

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4.Where are your seminars held?

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We rarely advertise or host seminars open to the general public. Our seminars are usually held where groups already are, such as during the lunch hour at a business ("lunch and learn"). A key contact person in your company or organization would work with us in advance to schedule a series of presentations. We would then come out to your location at a convenient time on set dates.

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5. You must be selling something. Are you?

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No products or services are sold, endorsed, or marketed in any way. SOFA members do not give out business cards (members do carry SOFA membership cards and may give them to seminar attendees). When meeting with your group, our members are there to educate and inform. If attendees of a SOFA presentation wish to take advantage of a complimentary consultation provided by our speaker, we are glad to provide it.

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6. What do you charge?

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Our seminars are provided at no cost. We do not charge any fees.

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7. If you do not charge and you're not selling products, what's in it for you? Why are you doing this?

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Our Society is funded solely by its membership. Every member is assessed $200 monthly dues. Our membership goes into it's community providing a "pro bono" service to those organizations that seek to take advantage of SOFA. Our membership is a unique group of service-minded professionals.

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Too often, we deal with the fallout of people's poor decisions in regards to their money, their health, their property, or the law. Education and forethought can prevent much of the problems we see among the public in our working lives. By offering our educational workshops, members gain some visibility and a higher profile. We give first by speaking knowledgeably about things people really need to know about. At a later date, that might lead to new business relationships that are mutually beneficial to our members and the friends they make in the community.