Entreprenuers are, by nature, independent and self-starting individuals.  It is inevitable, however, that there are times in every organization when the advice of outside professionals is required.  In these cases, most companies will hire consultants or form a board of directors to tap into a knowledge base not available internally.  Another option, however, is to join an organization of CEOs from non-competing companies, such as Vistage. 


                                                                                                



Vistage brings together executives from a diverse range of businesses and backgrounds to coach and advise each other to drive better decisions and achieve better results.  I have been a member of Group 2060 in Tampa for nearly 12 years.  Randy Greene, our chair, has been leading us for more than 6 of those years and 5 of us CEOs have been together for more than 10 years.  We meet for a full day each month, with June reserved for a regional meeting and November for a retreat away from home.  Additionally, each member has a 2 hour one-on-one meeting with Randy every month.  This program allows us to get to know each other and each others' businesses extremely well and, as a result, provide each other with open and honest feedback and advice. 



  


In our monthly executive sessions, each member has the opportunity to present issues and opportunities that are confronting or affecting their business.  Feedback and advice is frank, open, and timely and follow up is mandatory.  Additionally, in January, we prepare our yearly goals, both professional and personal, for presentation and comment by our fellow members. We also bring in nationally known speakers to address our group for half a day 4 or 5 times per year.  The quality and take home value of these presentations is far beyond anything I have seen from any other professional group I have ever joined. 
 
If you are an entrepreneur looking for professional advice as you grow your business, I highly recommend that you look into Vistage.  You may well find that it is more effective, economical, and fun than the alternatives.  

Dave Chitester