Talk with any entrepreneur, and they'll tell you how energizing it is to interact with passionate, like-minded people.
New ideas, service offerings, product possibilities, marketing concepts and networking opportunities pop up like spring flowers when these folks get together.
So how can you increase the amount and quality of time you spend with other entrepreneurs, and how do you find them when you need them? Networking sites are great resources, but often they don't provide the truly one-on-one brainstorming and free flow thinking that entrepreneurs find most stimulating.
Instead, it may be time to form your own Personal Entrepreneur Group (PEG).
Simply stated, a PEG consists of you and a few other entrepreneurial friends or colleagues who can rely on each other for help, feedback and the occasional sanity check.
Group communications are informal, (face to face, over the phone, by e-mail or all three), and should meet each member's specific needs.
Any issue that affects your business, from inventory software options to creating a realistic work/life balance, is fair game for your PEG.
A robust PEG offers its members compelling feedback and powerful ideas.
Each member will have a unique view of life - children, sports, hobbies, technology, etc.
- and will bring ideas and expertise that reflect their individual backgrounds.
Something you've seen in your travels may be unknown by another member who's looking for innovative product ideas, and someone else in your group might have a great resource for low-cost health insurance.
Your PEG will evolve over time as you and your fellow members learn and grow.
Passionate entrepreneurs are always seeking out new experiences, and that flow of energy will provide the group with a constant stream of new ideas and expertise.
Your group can also bring in new members, either on a permanent basis or as a "visiting expert.
" Interested in creating a successful PEG? Here are some things to consider when setting up your group.
* Dynamics.
The mix and interaction of personalities is critical to the success of your group.
Each of the members must feel safe, supported and completely open to constructive criticism and feedback.
Members should be respectful of each other's feelings, but feedback must be direct and honest.
Softening criticism to the degree it loses its impact is pointless - members are here to learn, improve and progress.
If the mix of personalities and backgrounds is right, the feedback process will be candid and useful.
Members often come together because of a common theme - shared background, similar industries, etc.
Be careful you don't allow this common theme to limit the perspectives and viewpoints of the members.
The commonality should bolster support, not inhibit progress.
* Size.
Limiting the number of members can help create a safe, supportive environment while also improving participation by all members.
The fewer members your PEG has, the more each person will feel accountable to attend get-togethers and participate in e-mail conversations.
Typically between 2 and 5 members is considered an ideal size, though your group may contain more members if each is diligent and committed.
* Relationships.
Existing friendships and strong working relationships help to cement members within a PEG.
But be cautious about including family members.
Diversity in backgrounds and viewpoints is essential to the success of any PEG, and it's likely you and your family have more in common than you think.
Unless you've already established clear boundaries around your personal life and are enjoying a successful professional relationship with a family member, it's probably best to look elsewhere for PEG members.
* Purpose.
Your PEG brings together passionate entrepreneurs who help each other generate new ideas, offer advice and share expertise.
That college friend who only calls you when they need a professional reference isn't welcome here.
This isn't the place to press for client referrals or freebie marketing.
There are other groups much more suited to that task.
New ideas, service offerings, product possibilities, marketing concepts and networking opportunities pop up like spring flowers when these folks get together.
So how can you increase the amount and quality of time you spend with other entrepreneurs, and how do you find them when you need them? Networking sites are great resources, but often they don't provide the truly one-on-one brainstorming and free flow thinking that entrepreneurs find most stimulating.
Instead, it may be time to form your own Personal Entrepreneur Group (PEG).
Simply stated, a PEG consists of you and a few other entrepreneurial friends or colleagues who can rely on each other for help, feedback and the occasional sanity check.
Group communications are informal, (face to face, over the phone, by e-mail or all three), and should meet each member's specific needs.
Any issue that affects your business, from inventory software options to creating a realistic work/life balance, is fair game for your PEG.
A robust PEG offers its members compelling feedback and powerful ideas.
Each member will have a unique view of life - children, sports, hobbies, technology, etc.
- and will bring ideas and expertise that reflect their individual backgrounds.
Something you've seen in your travels may be unknown by another member who's looking for innovative product ideas, and someone else in your group might have a great resource for low-cost health insurance.
Your PEG will evolve over time as you and your fellow members learn and grow.
Passionate entrepreneurs are always seeking out new experiences, and that flow of energy will provide the group with a constant stream of new ideas and expertise.
Your group can also bring in new members, either on a permanent basis or as a "visiting expert.
" Interested in creating a successful PEG? Here are some things to consider when setting up your group.
* Dynamics.
The mix and interaction of personalities is critical to the success of your group.
Each of the members must feel safe, supported and completely open to constructive criticism and feedback.
Members should be respectful of each other's feelings, but feedback must be direct and honest.
Softening criticism to the degree it loses its impact is pointless - members are here to learn, improve and progress.
If the mix of personalities and backgrounds is right, the feedback process will be candid and useful.
Members often come together because of a common theme - shared background, similar industries, etc.
Be careful you don't allow this common theme to limit the perspectives and viewpoints of the members.
The commonality should bolster support, not inhibit progress.
* Size.
Limiting the number of members can help create a safe, supportive environment while also improving participation by all members.
The fewer members your PEG has, the more each person will feel accountable to attend get-togethers and participate in e-mail conversations.
Typically between 2 and 5 members is considered an ideal size, though your group may contain more members if each is diligent and committed.
* Relationships.
Existing friendships and strong working relationships help to cement members within a PEG.
But be cautious about including family members.
Diversity in backgrounds and viewpoints is essential to the success of any PEG, and it's likely you and your family have more in common than you think.
Unless you've already established clear boundaries around your personal life and are enjoying a successful professional relationship with a family member, it's probably best to look elsewhere for PEG members.
* Purpose.
Your PEG brings together passionate entrepreneurs who help each other generate new ideas, offer advice and share expertise.
That college friend who only calls you when they need a professional reference isn't welcome here.
This isn't the place to press for client referrals or freebie marketing.
There are other groups much more suited to that task.
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