Tap Into the Power of Collaboration To Grow Your Business, Part 2 -

Tap Into the Power of Collaboration To Grow Your Business, Part 2

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how collaboration can positively affect your business by producing better business decisions. Now, let's discuss options for broadening your decision-making inputs by finding the right business group for you.

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how collaboration can positively affect your business by producing better business decisions. Now, let’s discuss options for broadening your decision-making inputs by finding the right business group for you.

You realize you need help in making your business decisions, but where do you go to find it?  There are several different group options, and you might find that one or a combination of a few works the best for you. Here are a few ways to broaden your decision-making inputs in group settings:

Peer Advisory Groups. These are groups of non-competing business owners who get ­together with the benefit of a facilitator, usually monthly, to discuss the issues and opportunities in their businesses. The common thread in these groups is the growth-orientation of the owners and the interest in doing whatever is necessary to be more successful.

Trade Associations. Usually a great storehouse of industry ­information and they typically offer programs or forums for getting together with other owners. The common thread here is that everyone is from the same industry.

Local Chambers of Commerce and Other Networking Organizations. These organizations have ­access to a wide ­variety of businesses and run group programs or provide expert speakers to help ­educate their membership. The common thread here is that every member is located in or does business in the same geographic area.

Business Advisory Boards. Boards such as these are often put together by a consultant. They typically meet quarterly and provide input on strategic platforms and broad initiatives. The common thread is either a prior close connection to the ownership or a deep ­understanding of the industry.

The list above is not mutually ­exclusive. Many very successful business owners participate in more than one of these groups and most of them would say that is the reason for their success.

The bottom line is that going it alone is not a viable option. If you want to grow your automotive ­repair business, you absolutely need to tap into the power of numbers. If you do it right, you will find that you can ­create better business results faster, with less effort than you are expending now.

What You Can DO:
1. If you already have a peer advisory group or business advisory board – If your group is led by or was created by a ­reputable firm, the only issues are:
a. Whether or not you are fully leveraging the group. As in so many things, you get out of it what you put into it.
b. Whether you are truly open to the ­advice you receive. A simple test – when you are given feedback, do you find yourself defending your current thoughts and the decisions you already made, and do you find that you never get around to implementing any of the ideas provided to you? If either of these are true, you are probably not truly open to receiving advice.

2. If you do not have a peer advisory group, business advisory board, ­association or other group feedback mechanism, you should get at least one. As you search for a partner who will lead your peer advisory group, business exchange or form your business advisory board, consider the ­following questions:
a. What kind of people do I ­respect? Whose advice would make me sit up and listen?
b. Am I seeking a group that will give me feedback on a monthly basis, quarterly basis or something else?
c. Would it be useful to have feedback on just the really big issues or would it be valuable to get thoughts on a wide variety of challenges?

3. If you do not have a formal group, but do have people you can talk to on a more informal basis, ask yourself these questions:
a. How many advisors have you identified? Is the number sufficient/excessive?
b. What is their expertise? Do your advisors represent a sufficient array of skills and experience?
c. Do you meet with your advisors individually or in a group? Do your advisors ever interact with each other and hash out their solutions together, or do you get feedback from each of them separately?
d. What is your connection with each advisor? Would your relationship with any one of them be damaged if they told you something that was ­difficult for you to hear?
e. What is their motivation for working with you? Are they paid by you?
f. How often do you talk? Are you free to call them anytime or just at specified times?
g. When you speak, how much time do you get? Is it sufficient?
h. What do you do after speaking with them? Are the next steps always clear?
i. Do you have a number of examples in which conversations with your advisors made a significant positive impact on your business?

If you plan to create an ad hoc group or have already created one, there are some guidelines for doing so that you might consider the response to the prior questions. For example, you should probably have three to five advisors and one should be your “go-to” person. Their combined expertise should represent an array of business functions (e.g., HR, operations, finance, marketing, sales, law, big companies, small companies, etc.).  Ideally, you meet with them as a group, or they should get together with you as a group from time to time.

Each advisor should have a business relationship with you that ­ensures they are motivated by your success and have no vested interest in any specific solution. Each one must be able to speak his/her mind and provide unedited feedback without fear of it impacting your relationship. You should not have to go long periods without being able to speak with them so that current issues can be brought up as they arise. They should communicate in a manner that enables you to understand what you should do next and, ultimately, you must have the trust in their judgment so that you are comfortable acting on their ­advice and making an impact on your business.

Dave Mischler is president of Sun Advisory, LLC and president/facilitator of Inner Circle Chicago (peer advisory boards for business owners). Read his blog at www.peeradvisoryblog.com or go to his website at www.il1.theinnercircle.com.

You May Also Like

TechShop, ShopOwner Offer $50 For Good Guesses

Guess The Tool For A Chance At Cold Hard Cash!

Experts say that, if you can identify the tool described by the image below, you have an exceptionally creative personality. For two of you, the same experts say you'll have a slightly larger bank account as well.

TechShop and ShopOwner have teamed up to present the monthly "Guess The Tool" contest. Presented by Snap Finance, the contest randomly selects two winners from all correct guesses each month. Here is the current puzzle:

Upgrading Your Air System Is Easier Than You Think

Improving your shop airflow benefits your shop, your techs and your bottom line

Understanding the Customer Lifecycle

Connect with customers to create repeat business and build your brand.

The Advantages of Selling Specialized Automotive Services

Specialization can set your business apart and meet specific customer needs.

Working Smarter Instead of Harder

Imperfect people can perform at or near perfection when they have perfect processes.

Work-Smarter

Other Posts

What Would I Say To My Younger Self?

Hindsight is 20/20 – wouldn’t it be nice to have better foresight?

AI in the Automotive Aftermarket

The applications for AI are endless, but hurdles still remain.

Why ECU Reflashing Needs Certain Power Levels

A reflash power supply is not designed to jumpstart the vehicle.

Fine-Tuning Your Wheel Balancing Process

The first step to a smooth ride and well-balanced tire has nothing to do with the balancer.