Entrepreneurs are unique individuals who would rather blaze their own trail than settle for the comfort of a well-trodden path. But given the challenges of kickstarting a business, even the most successful business leader can benefit from connecting with peers and seizing ongoing opportunities to learn and grow. That thirst for knowledge serves as the foundation and the glue that holds Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and its global members together.
While we may have a lot of great people in our lives, chances are very few of them have gone through the journey of building a company.
Joining EO gave me access to a peer community of very smart people who have been there and done that, connections to experts and the emotional support that encourages exploration and professional growth. Being surrounded by like-minded business leaders can give any entrepreneur the courage to go “all in.” In fact, I often jokingly refer to EO as my informal board of directors and therapy group rolled into one.
[To read more of Gary Alexander’s thought leadership click here]
Peer Support
Entrepreneurs face myriad unique challenges ranging from rapid growth to meeting payroll or finding ways to coach, mentor, and develop your team. EO provides a sounding board that encourages participation, input, and the collaborative sharing of solutions to the challenges we all face.
One of the main cornerstones of the organization is Forum. Members are divided into small groups or forums of eight to 12 fellow business owners. Forums meet monthly to discuss relevant issues in a non-judgmental environment based on the Gestalt Language Protocol. The Gestalt format calls for members to share their personal and professional experiences without giving advice or opinions.
You are free to take away valuable tidbits and lessons while leveraging the cumulative experiences of your peers. After 14 years with the organization, the commonality of our issues still amazes me. I have met members from all over the world, different industries, and different backgrounds, yet some of our basic fundamental issues remain the same, business or personal.
After all, even an experienced and talented pro like Kobe Bryant still needs coaching. And peer coaching can be a great way to work through issues, bounce ideas off a trusted partner, and overcome isolation.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences
How would you like to spend a week at Necker Island with Richard Branson? Or have an opportunity to visit Mount Everest base camp? EO offers these types of unique learning opportunities and more.
For instance, Kinko’s founder Paul Orfalea spoke to the members of the LA Chapter. He explained how he trusted his team to run Kinko’s stores, giving him the freedom to focus on big ideas and scale. Advice I took to heart and remind myself of daily.
Leading Leaders
Serving on EO’s board has broadened my leadership experience and expanded my perspective. Leading leaders who volunteer their time is an amazing and unique experience.
As a member of EO, you gain access to a wide variety of tailor-made benefits designed to help you grow your business and become a better leader. EO offers professional development training courses, leadership events, and opportunities to lead discussion groups or chapters and network with entrepreneurs across the globe.
[For more on EO’s approach to Leadership click here]
If you have a specific problem, you can reach out to entrepreneurs who have similar backgrounds, or you can post a question on social media and solicit input from members.
Supporting the complete entrepreneur, EO offers numerous resources to help you excel in your business, family, community, and personal life. You’ve made it this far as a business owner—let EO take you to the next level!
If you have business challenges, want to expand your business networks or are looking to connect with small-to-large business owners who are ready to share their experiences and best practices, look no further. As a global entrepreneurial network, EO offers you the connections, tools, and resources you need to reach the next level in your entrepreneurial journey. Explore the growing range of exclusive EO member benefits.
