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Peer Organizations and Small Business Roundtables
Being a small business owner doesn't mean you have to go it aloneBy John Fuller Small business owners often don't have a staff to turn to for advice and are sometimes the only employee. A peer advisory group, or business roundtable, can help with the daily challenges of running a small business. A peer advisory group is composed of small-business owners who regularly meet, usually monthly, to discuss the issues and challenges they face and offer support.
But don't confuse this with a networking group, which is often comprised of people in the same industry who meet to talk shop, socialize and trade leads. A peer group is different in that members are from diverse, noncompetitive industries, and can openly discuss problems and concerns that they wouldn't air among a group of competitors. Keep in mind that you should join a peer group whose members' experiences and concerns are similar to yours.
The benefits of membership in a peer group are:
- Learning from the mistakes and successes of others.
- Receiving unbiased feedback. The other members have no stake in your business, as opposed to a board.
- Exposure to new ideas. Owners in other industries may have solutions that you can apply to your market.
- Avoiding the loneliness or isolation that can come from working for yourself.
Small business organizations
Several peer group organizations are geared specifically to small business owners and operators. In addition, many nationwide and international organizations also offer programs designed for smaller businesses.
Try: The CEO Clubs, normally an invitation-only membership, offer an entrepreneurial membership that's open to everyone. Vistage International's Vistage Small Business Program includes problem-solving meetings for the owners, presidents and CEOs of small companies. Direct peer-to-peer learning is the focus of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), a global organization.
Organizations for women business owners
Female business owners face unique concerns, such as work-life balance and overcoming gender stereotypes that exist in some industries.
Try: The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) boasts chapters nationwide where women who are sole proprietors, partners or corporate owners can meet and exchange ideas. Ladies who Launch is a nationwide organization with local chapters for women who want to start or expand a business or creative project to come together and share experiences. The Women Presidents' Organization has local chapters nationwide that hold monthly meetings for about 20 women business owners.
Minority owner organizations
Many organizations geared to minority business owners focus on networking and access to financing rather than peer support groups and roundtables.
Try: Several Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), such as the Milwaukee SBDC, offer minority roundtables for peer-to-peer problem-solving. Find the SBDC nearest you to see if it offers roundtables. The Minority Business Development Agency has centers nationwide and offers an online forum where minority business owners can exchange information and ideas.
An organization for young presidents
Starting out in business at a young age can be difficult. Earning respect and proving that you're qualified to be in the top spot isn't easy. A number of peer groups geared to younger business leaders have emerged to help with these and other matters.
Try: Within each of its more than 175 local chapters, the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) offers a forum for about a dozen young business leaders to share experiences and consult each other in confidence.
Online groups
If you can't devote the time to a weekly, monthly or quarterly meeting; if you don't live in an area where likeminded business owners meet; or if you can't afford the dues for a peer group, consider joining a free online group. Community forums for small business owners provide access to peers around the nation without leaving your office.
Try: The Small Business Information Forum is an online community where you can ask questions and share ideas with other small business owners.
Regional organizations
A regional group can help you address challenges specific to your geographic area.
Try: Check with your local chamber of commerce to see if they offer business roundtables or peer group meetings for members.
- Peer group membership can range anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars a year.
- No solicitors. Most peer groups strongly discourage drumming up business at events. Over time, you may naturally gain business from your new contacts, but let it happen on its own.
- Don't fear intimacy. Join a group with approximately 10 to 15 members. Any more, and you can't develop strong relationships. You also want to join a group with dedicated members who show up regularly.
- Try before you buy. Before shelling out the bucks to join, a reputable group will allow you to sit in for at least part of a meeting to get a feel for the chemistry of the group.
About.com - Small Business: Canada
About.com's small-business resources for Canada.
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/
Free ideas for entrepreneurs, sales, business owners and those interested in the world of business.
Information for people who are already in business and for those just starting out. Provides articles and links.
Enables entrepreneurs and managers to operate their businesses by providing opportunities, tools and customized business solutions.
Annual Planning: Strategic Steps That Could Save Your Business
Information from the National Association for the Self-Employed.
http://www.bpubs.com/cgi/jump.cgi
Index of free articles on the Internet. Provides access to publications on small business, technology, management, communication and workplace issues.
Avoiding Employee Relations Pitfalls In Smaller Businesses
Article by Ethan A. Winning from Winning Associates.
http://www.ewin.com/articles/erpitfl.htm
Site is devoted to franchising and franchise issues. Resource for the entrepreneur and business professional wanting to start a franchise.
Books, audio and videotapes, trade directories and software created for the purpose of boosting business performance.
Building Blocks For Entrepreneurial Success
Four-part article by Ric Lobosco from Allies Consulting Services.
http://www.alliesconsulting.com/resources/articles/bblocks1.html
UK portal providing news, information and other features on small business.
http://www.businessbureau-uk.co.uk/
Independent information and resource center for the owners and managers of emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.
News, article archives and resources for finance, technology, market research, travel and staff and benefits.
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz
Online program that helps entrepreneurs perform a business career self-assessment. Developed by Dr. James Waldroop and Timothy Butler, directors of MBA career development programs at Harvard Business School.
http://www.careerdiscovery.com/hbsp
Provider of a range of specialist information and advisory services to help companies develop their business in Europe.
Provider of information and links to small business articles and resources guides.
Information to assist in buying or selling a franchise.
Inc. : Business Resources Product Information Center
Books, video and software tools on business planning, management, sales and marketing, finance, customer service and running an Internet business.
jbv\'s Complete Web Entrepreneur
News, advice, tools, tips, links and resources related to entrepreneurship and starting an internet business.
Many Workers Are Getting a Strong Itch to be Entrepreneurs
Provider of links to small-business articles.
http://MagPortal.com/c/bus/small/
Portal providing information and other features for UK-based small businesses.
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/business/
News from CNBC and Wall Street Journal on Small Businesses on MSNBC.com.
http://msnbc.com/news/SMALLBUSINESS_Front.asp
Website offering information and listings for business opportunities in the areas of education, business, investment and jobs.
http://www.opportunitiestoday.com/
Provider of an online catalog with books, tapes and video guides to help entrepreneurs get started in a business.
Site offering computer information and advice for small businesses.
http://www.smallbiztechtalk.com/
Advice and assistance for starting and operating a small or home-based business.
Information for small businesses including bid opportunities, legislative and financial information, marketing and price information and customer profiles.
http://www.sbeinc.com/co_search.cfm
One-stop assistance center for information on running a small business.
Small Business Special Report: The Washington Post
Site with small-business news, resources and factoids.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/business/specials/smallbusiness/
Small Business Support Network (SBSN)
Australian company assisting businesses with ideas and advice to establish an effective Internet presence.
Small Business Television Network (SBTV)
Site that provides video and audio presentations of business stories, interviews with leading business experts and consultants, weekly commentary about the small-business industry and more.
Small-business resources, links and information for starting, managing and improving your business.
http://www.smallbizmanager.com/
Provider of online services and guides geared toward entrepreneurs and new business development. The services include business venture information, business planning and businesses for sale. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company wa
An online resource center for small businesses featuring information, advice, news and reviews.
Providing Canadians with direct access to business and consumer information resources, time-saving interactive tools and online and ecommerce services.
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/engdoc/main.html
Information service provider in the areas of business startup and growth. Regional centers throughout the UK.
Award-winning paper from the National Federation For Independent Business (NFIB).
http://www.babson.edu/entrep/fer/papers99/award%201/award1.html
Uncertainty, Technological Turbulence, Competition -- Whats a Manager to Do? Thrive on It
Ian MacMillan has a no-nonsense message for executives: "Instead of continuing to whine about it, what are you going to do about it?"
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/articles.cfm
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Small Business Information Resources
Are you looking to start your own business? Have you tired of working for someone else and saved some money to seed a new venture? Are you seeking information on how to market your product, how to hire good employees and how to manage your books?
There are a vast array of small business information resources in the United States. Such companies will do things like help you set up your company for success, give you advice on hiring and keeping quality employees and give you tips about marketing your product or service.
Look for a small business consultant that has experience in your industry and that has worked with other similar companies in the past. A good consultant will ... more
Are you looking to start your own business? Have you tired of working for someone else and saved some money to seed a new venture? Are you seeking information on how to market your product, how to hire good employees and how to manage your books?
There are a vast array of small business information resources in the United States. Such companies will do things like help you set up your company for success, give you advice on hiring and keeping quality employees and give you tips about marketing your product or service.
Look for a small business consultant that has experience in your industry and that has worked with other similar companies in the past. A good consultant will take the time to listen to your hopes and your concerns, no matter how silly they may seem.
When looking for small business information resources, it's important to compare the products and services offered by several different vendors. Business.com understands this and offers a large selection of small business consultants. Visit the links on the left to learn more about the products and services they offer.
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