Yeah we (the wife and I) have a friend who's involved with that group as well. From what I can tell they really, really pressure their members to call everyone they know & invite them to these open houses.
Said friend called me once and invited me, I said in no thanks, and told him in no uncertain terms that I don't mix business with my personal life, you're either a friend or a client/vendor. Which is true as when friends come to me with freelance web projects I'll offer some advice, but I always refer them to a colleague to get the work done.
But yeah, I was left with a similar bad taste in my mouth over the call, don't call me under the gist of socializing and then try to sell me something. Or at least be upfront (eg: tupperware parties) about it and don't use guilt "EG: I'd really like for you to come, I think it would be great for you" tactics.
To my friend's credit he hasn't brought it up again, I know he's still involved with the group, I have no idea if he's making money off it but he hasn't approached us again for these "open house" evenings. If he calls now it's to legitimately hang out.
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