Joining a C-Circle is a no-brainer! However, we know there are logistical questions that need to be addressed which we hope are answered below. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly. Our goal is to ensure you make the right decision.
who may join?
As a support group for business leaders, C-Circle permits members who are owners, partners, managing directors, entrepreneurs, C-Level members of their companies or organizations. We may also include management executives who have significant responsibilities. We don't get stuck on title. But we do look for decision-making authority.
how to join?
Becoming a C-Circle group member is simple:
1. We invite you to a one-on-one interview to determine if we can provide the lift to your business and to decide if we have a group that you can achieve the most appropriate synergy.
2. Register online by completing a membership questionnaire, so we can tell you if we have a group in your geographical area, with compatible group demographics.
1. We invite you to a one-on-one interview to determine if we can provide the lift to your business and to decide if we have a group that you can achieve the most appropriate synergy.
2. Register online by completing a membership questionnaire, so we can tell you if we have a group in your geographical area, with compatible group demographics.
Who will be in my group?
This will depend on your sponsor. Most peer advisory groups comprise of local business professionals from non-competitive industries. If you are joining a same industry group you will be participating with members from either other parts of the country who do not compete in your geography or within your geography who are not direct competitors. Some of the criteria we use to group members is company size; stage in the business growth cycle; mix of unique needs and experiences; diversity (non competitors); and geography.
does membership require a substantial time investment?
No. In fact, we conserve time by focusing on the correct set of strategic issues, by compressing the time required to review the best current practices, and to weed out the bad ideas quickly. Participating in a C-Circle group will give you a fresh perspective; create exposure and accountability that lead to positive change. Members often feel that the four hours they spend in a group each month saves them countless hours elsewhere.
how often will my group meet and how long do meetings run?
That depends on the sponsor. Our standard meeting protocol meets ten times per year, generally on the same day each month (for example, the first Tuesday of each month). Each meeting may continue for up to four hours, but only as long as there is meaningful discussion. We normally go dark in July and December as these are typically lower attendance months. We are committed to making the best use of our member’s valuable time.
how do i get a return on my investment?
These business forums have been around for decades with tens of thousands of members across the world paying as much as $30,000 per year. If these forums did not add value, there would not be such an interest in these forums.
That said, while we cannot promise a return on your investment, we will introduce you to new ideas and concepts that will help you transform your business. Your fellow members will challenge you, encourage you, and act as devil’s advocate. Have you ever made a bad business decision, only to wish later that someone had warned you of the unforeseen risks? That is where membership achieves its’ advantage.
That said, while we cannot promise a return on your investment, we will introduce you to new ideas and concepts that will help you transform your business. Your fellow members will challenge you, encourage you, and act as devil’s advocate. Have you ever made a bad business decision, only to wish later that someone had warned you of the unforeseen risks? That is where membership achieves its’ advantage.
what do participants actually talk about?
While the discussions vary by peer group, most facilitators find that business owners ultimately wind up addressing six general topics:
Personal isolation - Many business owners of fast-growing companies feel alone at the top, so they share their feelings in meetings and find they're not the only ones experiencing a sense of isolation.
Finance - Participants often want to compare notes on setting financial controls, managing cash flow, securing bank loans and finding other ways to raise capital.
Marketing and advertising - Peer networks offer an ideal setting for business owners to exchange ideas on how to develop public relations campaigns, invest in advertising and develop and expand their brands or positioning in the marketplace.
Employee relations - All business owners must devise systems to recruit, train and motivate their employees. In group meetings, they often share best practices and acknowledge mistakes.
Legal and compliance - From employment law to government regulations, business owners must navigate the maze of local, state and federal rules. They can discuss measures they've developed to raise compliance and tighten oversight.
Production - Almost every business owner wants to boost productivity. While specific steps may differ by industry, members of peer groups can share their experiences testing new ways to improve efficiency and cut costs.
Personal isolation - Many business owners of fast-growing companies feel alone at the top, so they share their feelings in meetings and find they're not the only ones experiencing a sense of isolation.
Finance - Participants often want to compare notes on setting financial controls, managing cash flow, securing bank loans and finding other ways to raise capital.
Marketing and advertising - Peer networks offer an ideal setting for business owners to exchange ideas on how to develop public relations campaigns, invest in advertising and develop and expand their brands or positioning in the marketplace.
Employee relations - All business owners must devise systems to recruit, train and motivate their employees. In group meetings, they often share best practices and acknowledge mistakes.
Legal and compliance - From employment law to government regulations, business owners must navigate the maze of local, state and federal rules. They can discuss measures they've developed to raise compliance and tighten oversight.
Production - Almost every business owner wants to boost productivity. While specific steps may differ by industry, members of peer groups can share their experiences testing new ways to improve efficiency and cut costs.
Is sponsorship required?
Participation in a C-Circle peer advisory group requires sponsorship. If you would like to participate and you have not been referred to us by the Association for Corporate Growth, we may still be able to secure you a seat.
WhY is the association for corporate growth orange county/inland empire sponsoring this program?
ACGOC is always looking for ways to improve the business environment in Orange County and the Inland Empire. In addition to the dozen or more programs ACG hosts each year to better educate the business community, ACG introduced the C-Circle post pandemic as a way to encourage business leaders to talk about the biggest challenges they face in today's very complex environment with a group of peers who have similar experiences.
What is the investment to participate in a peer advisory group?
Membership in a sponsored peer advisory group is very affordable compared to traditional peer to peer organizations. Please reach out to Paul Wirth who facilitates our groups. He can be reached at [email protected] or (949) 933-7705.
