Are you a peer?

Last week was another busy week of meeting with my peers in HTG. You can learn more about the HTG peer groups at www.htgmembers.com .

I was among 12 companies who flew key members of their businesses out to Nashville, TN. Besides the fact that Nashville is probably one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to, and the fact that Advanced Network Solutions has one of the coolest offices I’ve ever been to … yes, besides that, the real value was the sharing and learning that occurred there. As we each dove into our businesses, including in depth financial reporting, the other 11 companies acted as our board of directors, questioning us on the decisions we made over the last quarter and asking the tough questions. Each business had their turn on the hot seat, and let me tell you at times it was hot! But the value provided there was something that few, if any of us, could ever get anywhere else.

Often as small business owners we may often feel ”I’m the boss, and I don’t need to be accountable to anyone”. If that’s really the case, how do you know that your decisions are sound? If nothing else, you are the leader of your business, and thus accountable for the success of that business and all of the lives that it touches. Too many of us run a business that barely survives, rarely one that thrives.

Who makes you accountable? If you want your business to thrive, join a peer group, and you’ll soon find that you will become the most accountable person in your company. Don’t delay!