Grow Peer Group Membership Slowly

Although many hands make for less work, BSCs should be cautious about having too many people in the group at first. Typically three to four members is a good start. When growing, it should be a unanimous decision to add a member. In addition, all members should have something to gain from enlarging the group. The new member shouldn’t be the only one benefitting.

Once a potential new member is identified, it’s like BSCs are back at the beginning — slowly checking each other out.

BSCAI offers a peer group program for members looking to join a group. Otherwise, BSCs can network with other contractors at industry events. Talk with colleagues and see if they’d be a fit to form a group or if they have an existing group that is looking for new members.

Although company owners are the ones typically joining a peer group, they are not the only employees that need to benefit. Once established, owners can create subgroups with different department heads. For example, the human resources directors or sales directors from each peer group company could form their own groups to share best practices via calls once a month or quarterly.