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Owning a business can be lonely at times, especially when you are the only leader in the company. It’s hard to explain to others the effort, constant attention and burden of leadership. In fact, a QuickBooks survey found that more than 75% of small business owners report feeling stressed but may not want to discuss their feelings or concerns with their employees
However, they are willing to open up to other business owners. I recently taught a class for the Small Business of Michigan Foundation to a group of business owners. During the discussion, feelings of being alone came up. Everyone seemed interested in sharing experiences and getting honest feedback on business initiatives. It was a two-session boot camp that was not designed for long-term commitment. To my surprise, in just eight classes, participants quickly bonded and many shared information to stay in touch.
This need for peer-to-peer conversations and compassion is real. For many, the answer is to join business groups. It seems like a good idea, but do your homework. You may find that the experience doesn’t live up to the hype and the cost doesn’t provide a return. I know this from experience.
Over the years I have joined business groups, women’s forums, trade organizations, etc. The results were mixed. Today I have contacts with several worthwhile organizations, but I would like to offer a few ideas for those still looking.
Is it the right fit?
We all like to belong, but why are you looking for a community? Would you like to learn more about your industry? Would you like to get together with other owners to share general knowledge? Is it about networking and sales? That’s great, but be prepared. As you sell them, they sell you. Make sure the group is your preferred target market. Otherwise it can be annoying and a waste of time.
Many entrepreneurs join organizations that offer group purchasing power for goods and services or various types of insurance. This creates a level playing field for smaller companies and gives them the advantages that larger companies enjoy due to their size. It can be a huge benefit, but look at how the organization vets members’ offers. Is it just a pay-to-play game or is there a process to find the best value for members? And know that the offering will change over time.
Related: 7 Networking Groups Every Small Business Owner Should Attend
Are you connected to the mission?
Every organization has a mission. Some focus on serving specific groups, such as veterans, women, minorities, or specific industries. Others have a broader mission. For example, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) is a nonpartisan organization that serves all small businesses. For more than 85 years, it has championed small businesses and provided an opportunity to make the voices of entrepreneurs heard.
While serving as NSBA Board Chair, I had the opportunity to testify before the House Small Business Committee on challenges related to creation, sustainability and future growth. Because of their mission, which I believe in, I remain involved with this organization to this day.
One of the most important things about working with a mission-based organization is that they often have the time and resources to focus more deeply on the issues at hand. When you run a business, it’s difficult to get everything done. So when you have the power of an organization behind you, it’s easier to handle anything.
Does the organization have a strong board and succession planning?
Organizations have a life cycle. They build up, stabilize and then either rise to a new level or begin to decline. The strength and resilience often comes from a great staff, a strong board and succession planning. I was once a panelist at a meeting of a local chapter of a national organization. I liked what I saw and asked about membership. To my surprise, they asked me if I would join and become the president of the next chapter. That’s not a good sign. The problem was that the chapter was losing members and did not have a strong program committee.
Call me crazy, but I accepted the challenge. I asked the state to relax some programming requirements and worked to stabilize the organization. We have recruited new board members and put in place solid succession planning. Today the chapter is still operational and healthy.
Look at the board and plan the organization. Is it vital? Cultivation? Is there an opportunity for you to move up and gain board experience?
Related: Joining the board early in your career can change your trajectory for the better
Look at the costs
Most business associations are non-profit and have varying levels of membership. With a Premium level you get additional access to resources and events. You need to evaluate whether this is valuable or whether a basic membership will give you what you need. Some organizations offer free or online memberships. This gives you the opportunity to try out the offer and then upgrade at some point.
One final thought
I’ve learned a lot over the years. The value of a membership really depends on what I put into the organization. When programming isn’t easy to access, participation is difficult and I don’t get much out of it. Some organizations were wonderful when I started my business, but they no longer met my current needs or kept them current.
Don’t get stuck as you outgrow an organization. Move on. Finally, there must be great opportunities to meet in person and virtually. The real benefit is the people you meet. Socializing is why you join. So make sure you look forward to “getting in the room” with them.
