Networking, accountability, mentoring - call it what you like.

[Graeme @ BGS]

Hopefully we will all recognise that to survive and prosper in these tough times, we have to be performing at the highest level of effectiveness.If like me – I use a “to do list” of “key objectives” but as I don’t have any accountability being the owner I sometimes let a few tasks slip.I was thinking that maybe if sufficient number of people are in the same boat (and hopefully not in direct competition) we could form a little group to share our "must do objectives", gain feed back from everyone on their feasibility and more importantly to be held accountable to undertake them.A little bit like having an appraisal with a bit of coaching and mentoring thrown in.If we are all fairly local maybe meet up informally bimonthly over an odd glass or two?Now I don’t want to share my killer list to drive the business onwards and upwards with everyone as I am sure you can appreciate whilst willing to help people we all still need to protect our own investment.Update: This has generated a fair bit of interest and since the original post we have created a group for mentoring etc. so here is the link if you are interested in the sharing of business ideas / plans to hopefully help move forward.Please request to join at https://landscapejuice.ning.com/group/keyobjectivesprivategroup

[Lisa Valentine]

I am so pleased someone else has mentioned this. I think I mentioned it to Sefton on one of my replies. I think it would be a great idea. I'm ok with the day to day stuff and just wing it on a daily occurence (not very professional I know!). However, I want to really drive the business forward and could do with a kick up the backside to get me going. I'm based in Derbyshire so think I could be a bit far away from you to meet up bimonthly. Would love to get in on this if possible.

[Graeme @ BGS]

Hi Lisa,

Glad I am not alone! Even if we have an Email exchange / teleconference I am sure it would work well. Just need a few more so that we can bounce ideas off each other.

Let's keep in touch regarding this and do Email me if I fail to get back to you within a week or so - I have put you on my "to do" list :-)

[Classic Gardens]

Ditto on that sounds a great idea iam tup north in lancashire iam afraid a bit to far for a lot.

[Kerrie John-The garden design Co]

I am up for this and based in Cambridge don't think we would be in competition but too far away for a glass or two, sadly:{

[Graeme @ BGS]

Have created a new (private group) may be we could post key objectives etc here or if the group thing format doesn't work we can think of another way to address it.

[Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd]

I would be delighted to share my thoughts and ideas. My business is based in Slough so I could probably meet up :)

BGS LTD said:

Have created a new (private group) may be we could post key objectives etc here or if the group thing format doesn't work we can think of another way to address it.

[Graeme @ BGS]

HI Nick has sent you a group invite

[Shadow Hall]

Great idea BGS I would really appreciate someone to bounce ideas off as its one thing to talk stuff over with the other half but he doesnt really understand this business. Its great being self employed but can end up a bit isolated at times.

Shadow

[Shadow Hall]

Forgot to say I am on the Norfolk coast so too far for beer mores the shame.

[Graeme @ BGS]

Hi Shadow,

Invite sent.

Perhaps we will have to revert to virtual drinks! :-)