Q: What is the UST Group?
A: The UST Group is a loose business association formed of small to medium firms as well as individuals working as freelancers or for large organizations. The intention is, that this grouping of individuals with different backgrounds and different skills, sums up to a so called 'Virtual Corporation' offering the same possibilities to its members and customers, as the leading large organizations do - but at a fraction of the cost. In addition, a virtual corporation adds flexibility and freedom of choice, as for instance the 'legal department' of a large organization is mimicked by two or three loyers with different specialization - and the potential of their respective companies.

Q: What are the benefits for the members?
A: The members of the UST Group can benefit in three ways. On one hand, they can access the services of the virtual corporation at special group internal rates, thus enhancing their own product or services offering without the need of cooperating with a potential competitor. On the other hand, they can also access services that are not directly related to his/her main business such as legal services, personnell consultancy, coaching, etc. that are normally unavailable to the 'lonely' entrepreneur. Last but not least, as a member of the UST Group, you have a friendly market for your proucts and services. In many cases, products and services of several members are combined, creating a unique offering that is almost impossible for a competitor to match.

Q: What is the UST Group not?
A: Membership to the UST Group does not guarantee that your products or services will be bought by others. There is - and will never be - an obligation to preferr products from UST Group members. It is the 'obligation' of the member to make his/her products or services attractive and marketable. UST Group members are supposed to be self sufficient and the UST Group is a tool to help them grow and to enhance their possibilities.

Q: How many members does the UST Group have?
A: Currently the UST Group has 62 members worldwide. 

Q: What is the requirement to become a member?
A: The requirements to become a member of the UST Group are as follows:

• You must have a product or service you are offering on the market
• You must offer your main product or any other specialty on special conditions to members of the UST Group
• You must understand the functions of a virtual corporation and sign a document that is basically a 'gentlemen's agreement' for settling the rules of behaviour such us prohibition of competition, etc.

Q: What do you get in return?
A: The requirements to become a member of the UST Group are as follows:

• Free access to the UST infrastructure offering (Internet, basic office services, electronic mailing lists, etc.)
• Inexpensive access to the enhanced 'virtual corporation' offering (Web presence, electronic commerce, legal services, consultancy, coaching, etc.)
• Access to the special offerings of all other members
• Membership in a business association and therefore valuable business contacts
• To summarize it: You will have all the benefits a large organization and a global player could offer you - together with all the specific benefits you and other entrepreneurial members bring in - and close to none of the disadvantages nor of a large organization nor of a small company or freelancer.

Q: How much does the membership cost?
A: The annual membership fee is US$ 300. There are many possibilities such as participating in joint projects, provide services to other UST Group members, etc., where you can be elected for a partial or full refund of the membership fee. As a rule of thumb, the more you activelt populate the UST infrastructure, the more you profit from the possibilities of the virtual corporation and the higher is the chance that your membership fee will be reimbursed..