By Andrew Marsh: Vistage Chair, Peer Group Director, NED and Small Business Owner
As a small business owner, you carry a unique blend of responsibility, from setting strategy and managing cashflow to motivating teams and navigating daily operational challenges.
The is no doubt that it can be a rewarding journey, but those of us doing it know it can also be incredibly isolating. At the top as the business owner, decisions rest squarely on your shoulders, and too often you end up making those decisions alone. Stressful!
My current portfolio has highlighted to me on a daily basis that one truth has become increasingly clear: you don’t have to carry the burden and do it alone – and more importantly, you shouldn’t.
Being part of a peer advisory group such as Vistage provides its members something no mentor, consultant or book ever can: insight from people who truly understand what it’s like to lead a small business. Real lived in
In a Vistage peer group, you meet monthly with a small circle of non-competing CEOs and business owners who face similar strategic dilemmas, share diverse perspectives, and help each other work through issues with openness and confidentiality. This collective wisdom helps you make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and seize opportunities you might otherwise overlook. Indeed, one member, Laura Edgar, even claims that since joining the peer group, that she has her imposter syndrome well and truly under control!
What most of members say makes our peer groups especially powerful is the trust and accountability. In our sessions, members are encouraged to set goals and throughout the year report progress. Antonia Brindle who has been a member for over five years said: “My peers don’t just listen. They challenge assumptions, offer constructive feedback and hold you to commitments you make to yourself and your business. That sense of accountability keeps you focused on what matters most and drives meaningful progress.”
A peer advisory group creates a safe space where you can raise your toughest questions without fear of judgment and get real, practical insight in return. From strategic planning to personal wellbeing, sharing experiences with peers enriches both your leadership and your life. In my groups we concentrate on personal wellbeing as well as business performance. After all, as the business owner if you don’t look after yourself it can be catastrophic leaving your ship without its captain.
In my experience as a peer group chair, I see every day how this model transforms members, boosting confidence, widening perspectives and building resilience. Many think that leadership peer groups are for high flying corporates and C Suite Executives but small business leaders really commit, seeing brilliant results. Ian Brown said: “Throughout my years of membership, I have processed things I would never have spoken to other people about. I might have felt judged or like I should know the answers but at Vistage, no question is a stupid question. There is nothing but respect, camaraderie and support.”
Recent statistics say that founders who invest in peergroup memberships grow two to three times faster and make more confident decisions (Enterprise Nation). It is also widely thought that entrepreneurs thrive in the company of other entrepreneurs, sharing ideas for transformation, experiences and wider contacts.
So, if you are serious about growing your business and becoming the leader you aspire to be, the value of our Vistage supportive peer group cannot be overstated.
There are just a small number of spaces available to claim in the North East and Northumberland Small Business Peer Group which has experts from marketing, finance, business to business services, software, automotive, charity and more!
To start the process and see if you will be fit, please email Andrew.marsh@vistagechair.co.uk