An innovative peer-to-peer learning tool for second-stage companies

Do you have operational issues that create obstacles to your company's success?

Do you spend more time stamping out fires than firing up your plans for growth?

Is most of your day spent dealing with employee or operational issues?

Do you have to approve all activities before anything can happen?

If you agreed with any of the questions above, then you and your business may be entering the next business cycle that many second-stage company executives face in the North Bay. If you're ready to address your company's challenges, read on.

Second-stage companies are firms that have moved past the start-up stage and are now established and growing. They offer great promise for innovation and local job creation. Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties have one of the highest percentages (approximately 10 percent) of "second-stage" companies in the U.S., and this one-tenth of businesses generates about 42 percent of all jobs in the North Bay.

While these firms are the most promising for a region's economy, they are also the most under served. The North Bay PeerSpectives® Network is a tool that allows fellow entrepreneurs to work with one another to address issues specific to second-stage firms and allow growing companies to succeed in the North Bay!

You and your company can benefit from this unique networking opportunity--only offered in the North Bay--if you fit the criteria for participation.

What you get:

• The opportunity to learn from, network with, and share best practices with fellow entrepreneurs and executives;
• The ability to discuss pertinent issues specific to second-stage firms in a confidential environment;
• A platform to generate new ideas to help your business grow.

What is it?

• PeerSpectives® Roundtables are typically comprised of 10-12 executives from non-competing companies.
• Originally established by the Edward Lowe Foundation, the roundtables use a format that focuses on sharing experiences instead of giving advice.
• A trained facilitator provides the fundamental backdrop for discussions that prompt learning about best practices from individuals who have "been there, done that" as opposed to traditional seminars and education programs.
• The North Bay is the site of the second PeerSpectives® Roundtable in the western United States.

Using a clearly defined timeline, the PeerSpectives® system allows for in-depth discussion at each roundtable session. The protocol allows time for each individual to update the group on pertinent issues, and to bring a pressing issue to the table. Once the group selects the topics to be discussed via a ranking system, the protocol provides structure for the presentation, including the opportunity for each group member to ask clarifying questions. The clarifying questions help the group fully understand the issue while allowing everyone to be involved in the process.

What others are saying about PeerSpectives®

"The depth of knowledge and experiences within our group is amazing. My PeerSpectives group helps me to be a better business competitor."
Marilyn Holt-Smith, President, Holt-Smith Advisors, Inc.

"In PeerSpectives group, I learn not only from my own issues but from others' issues as well. It turns out that, regardless of the business or industry, many problems and concerns are the same and we all need help from peers in solving them."
Tom Schwei, DNASTAR, Inc.

"PeerSpectives has been a great experience, sharing and learning from other people in businesses that are similar in stage but completely different in almost every other way."
Laura Strong, Quintessence Biosciences, Inc.

Participants in the Wisconsin PeerSpectives® Roundtable

Who can participate?

The roundtable is targeted for growth-oriented, second-stage companies. Second-stage companies are generally defined as:

• Privately held
• Past the start-up stage
• Facing issues of growth rather than survival
• Transitioning from an entrepreneurial to a professional management style
• Generating between $750,000 and $5 million in annual revenue
• Employing between 10 to 99 full-time (or equivalent) employees including the owner

Participants will be chosen through an application process by a regional panel of objective business people.

Trained Roundtable Facilitator

The key to a successful PeerSpectives® Roundtable experience is a trained facilitator and a protocol that ensures balanced discussion. That's why these individuals are trained in the PeerSpectives® System by the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Learn more about Lisa Schaffner, Sonoma County Alliance Executive Director, who has been trained to facilitate the North Bay PeerSpectives® Roundtable in conjunction with the Sonoma County Economic Development Board.

How do I apply?

The roundtable will be limited to 10-12 participants and will require:

• A commitment of four hours per month for 12 months
• $500 annual fee for meals

Complete the application materials and send by fax to the EDB at (707) 565-7231 or mail to: Sonoma County Economic Development Board; 401 College Ave., Suite D; Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Please submit all materials no later than June 30, 2009.

If you have any questions, please contact: Lisa Schaffner at (707) 525-8377 or (707) 484-7805. All applicants are required to submit a letter of support from a professional contact (e.g. banker, lawyer, CPA, etc.)

Where can I learn more?

Some excellent resources are available online that provide additional information about economic development strategies, building entrepreneurial communities, second-stage businesses, and peer networks.

Edward Lowe Foundation
Wisconsin PeerSpectives®
PeerSpectives® is a registered trademark of the Edward Lowe Foundation.

This program has been developed in cooperation with the Innovation Council.

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