What are the true benefits of peer groups?

Let's face it. Everyone is scared. You can't read a newspaper, turn on the tv or have a conversation with a peer without the topic changing to fears about the economy. Don't get me wrong, it is real. As much as I want to bury my head in the sand and think that it is not real, it is real, and people are really suffering.

At times like this, every expense is scrutinized. So...what about Peer Groups? What is the value of your Peer Groups? How many Peer Groups is to many? The answer is different for different people and situations. I can't answer that for everyone, just for myself...and my answer is...as many as you can be impactful with. Life is about relationships and the people we surround ourselves with. Some of the most valued opinions I get come directly from my HTG and WPO groups. These people KNOW me and more importantly, KNOW my business. I can also trust that they will give me their honest thoughts and opinions, not just tell me what I want to hear. So what is that worth? A lot.

What does it mean to be the owner?

I am wrestling with what it means to be the owner? What expectations should I have for my staff? Should those be different for the key staff members? I look at my company and my role in it and try to figure it all out. I feel that I am trying to be too much to everyone instead of letting my managers field items...but that means letting go of control...and I am a control freak. I think it all comes back to accountability, and holding everyone - including myself - accountable. Setting the expectations and then measuring them to the expectations never stops. As an owner, once you stop, so will the behavior. So, I guess I just need to get back to the basics - set my expectations for my key staff - monitor their actions and hold them accountable for the results. By doing so I will be holding myself accountable for staying in the right place in the business.