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“Our group pushes me further than I would push myself. We share our problems and they help me put things in perspective that are sometimes hard when you are buried in the details of fighting day to day issues. If I come up with an innovative solution to a problem, I often run it by the group for an opinion. If the majority of the group is in favor, it is almost always a good solution. I run all major decisions by the group as well. I have been taught that it takes more than one major bad decision to bankrupt a company. I feel that this would be hard to do assuming that I use this group the way it is intended. They would advise me against making bad major decisions so the risk of failure is substantially reduced using this type of advisory board.
The group also helps me stay focused. We are constantly discussing out long term goals and strategies and this in turn keeps me focused. I find myself thinking of my goals in a much more focused way than before I joined the group. My strategic planning skills are constantly improving thanks to the group leaders – Mike Kind and Mitch Evans.
I would highly encourage others in my position as CEO and owner of a fast growing company to take advantage of an advisory peer group. It has worked well for me and I feel it would work well for others.”
Jim Kaufman, MarketPlace Direct
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| “The value of belonging to a peer group goes beyond the obvious of being able to discuss your business with other members in the same industry. I have developed personal relationships that will last a lifetime.
Sales issues are always at the front of owner’s minds. These groups prompt us to set goals and to look at how we are going to achieve them. The accountability factor is very important. We can collectively look at each others goals and see where we are. Being accountable to a group is a big motivator and they help you to stay on track all year long.
At times we may feel like things are just fine and that we do not need to make any changes. Having a group evaluate your situation is important so that we do not get complacent. There have been many times when the group will question why some of the goals are not being worked on, again, the motivating and accountability factor helps to keep us moving forward and on track.”
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| “What I have learned from Mike and Mitch and Nancy as well as the other owners in the group has proven to be invaluable. We have been in business for 27 years and have always used the old school approach of - get the order, print it, deliver on time and get paid. The group has opened my eyes to new solutions, ideas and opportunities. If I have a question about technology or a certain philosophy, I know that someone in the group is just a phone call or email away. Mike and Mitch are seasoned pro's who have successfully run and then sold their own shops.
The peer pressure to perform is also a benefit. Each month we go over the "metrics" of our companies tracking earnings, growth and financial status. These tools have been a great help to me in running our family business. I look forward to being member of the group for many years to come.
We now have a one page business plan. To be quite honest, I wouldn't have known the value of such a plan nor would have known where to start in preparing one before I joined the group. Thanks a ton to Mike, Mitch and Nancy Proffit as well as all of my good friends and fellow business owners in our group.”
Lou Ciampi, Jr. Independent Graphics Inc.
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"This group provides a great opportunity to share ideas with owners who have the same challenges and concerns. I am looking forward to the dialog and hope I can learn as well as provide support"
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"The Next Level Group really helped me bring my business to the next level. Setting goals, accountability and the ability to reach out for help, is what it's all about. Thanks for letting me join."Ben Heinemann, BP Graphics
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