There’s a new networking group made up of a diverse set of entrepreneurs that’s challenging the way traditional networking meetings operate. That group is called Businesses 4 Businesses, and its weekly meetings bring together business owners and professionals who are focused on building knowledge, making connections, and exchanging resources. Facilitated by Sam Hyndrich, Pacific resident and accountability coach behind the business Your Accountability Bestie, the group is bringing a fresh perspective on networking to the Franklin County area.
Building a unique networking experience, while providing members with value, professional development, and business growth is what’s behind the Businesses 4 Businesses philosophy. The group is not affiliated with any larger networking organizations or specific industries, and has a membership that includes professionals you might expect to see at a more traditional networking group, like contractors, realtors, and insurance agents, as well as people with creative businesses, those in hospitality, and the medical field. There’s also diversity of experience, with members who are just beginning to build their business as well as those who are much further along in their entrepreneurial journey.
“There’s lots of networking opportunities in the area, but it feels like you’re attending the same meeting over and over,” Sam says.
Striving to create an atmosphere that doesn’t feel like members are attending the same meeting each week, the meetings follow a rotating schedule – speed networking one week, a member or visitor presenting a problem for the “hot seat” the next, a presentation that teaches a specific business-related skill the following week, and a presentation from a member on their business the last week of each month.
Yet, networking is a core part of what they do, and the group, often referred to as B4B by its members, has been implemented with an accountability piece built in, and members set individual goals, plus an action plan to meet them.
“It has helped me get honest perspectives from other entrepreneurs. I am more persistent now because I listened to advice that was given and it has paid dividends. I have already surpassed an annual goal thanks to the accountability [and support],” one member shares.
There are opportunities to collaborate with other professionals in the group through informal open networking before and after the meetings, as well as discussions during the meetings. There’s also an educational component built into B4B.
Learning new things and challenging beliefs
Being a business owner means finding solutions and that’s best done through an expanded knowledge base. Although the internet has plenty of information, it can present content that confirms your doubts and biases, or that isn’t always applicable. At least once a month a member will present on a topic like marketing or using AI. Learning during these presentations is two fold: members can see how to integrate the information into their own businesses and ask the presenter questions about their process for an even deeper dive.
Challenging existing beliefs can be one of the best ways to grow as an individual and as a professional, and a core part of attending B4B meetings centers around challenging beliefs.
“B4B has helped me gain new insights on my business that I wouldn’t have seen within the echo chamber of my own company. I’ve gained new knowledge and ideas that I don’t think I would have without it,” explains member Tyler Catt, who owns Sip on Main.
One way this is achieved is through the opportunity for members and visitors alike to spend time in the hot seat. While the name might sound a little intimidating, the hot seat offers a chance to present a current business struggle, while every person in the room has the opportunity to offer possible solutions. Through this collective effort, the person in the hot seat leaves with new insights, fresh perspectives, and a viable path to solve their problem.
But members and visitors alike can gain insights without spending time in the hot seat, since the structure of the meetings naturally leads to organic conversations. As member Alex Edwards, who is in the insurance industry shares, “When I go in and vent about the challenges of my business, I get immediate solutions on how to fix the problems.”
Speed networking
On the first Wednesday of each month the group has a speed networking session. The six minute mini networking sessions work similar to a speed dating event. People sit across from each other and each person has three minutes to speak, but rather than everyone in attendance giving their business’s “elevator pitch” over and over, attendees draw questions from a jar to help guide the conversation. The questions are thought-provoking and scenario based, with topics such as sharing a recent business struggle and how they dealt with it.
While three minutes may not seem like a long time to talk to someone, connections are made as members and visitors alike share their experiences, with the questions presenting a chance for business owners to share what has helped them in their entrepreneurial journey.
Visitors are encouraged to attend any meeting, but the speed networking events offer the opportunity for visitors to present their business to members and other visitors in a one-on-one experience. No matter when a visitor attends, they’re always met with enthusiasm and a group who wants to help.
“You can expect to be welcomed and to walk into a room full of people that want to know about you and how we can help you,” Sam says.
Giving back
Although the room is full of busy entrepreneurs juggling their businesses, family life, and other commitments, during any given meeting you can expect to hear about upcoming community fundraisers or other philanthropic opportunities.
“A lot of our members are on boards and lead foundations, and they’re allowed to talk about those things in our meetings because other people in the group like giving back individually and we give back as a group,” Sam describes.
During the holidays the group will use some of its leftover funds provided by membership dues to support community causes like Angel Tree donations and adopting a family in need in the community.
If you’re interested in attending a meeting or you would like to know more about Businesses for Businesses, you can find out more on Facebook, or call/text 636-306-5636. The group meets each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 228 E. Union St. in Pacific. Visitors are always welcome, but are encouraged to DM on Facebook or reach out by phone to ensure there’s an accurate head count for the meeting’s lunch order.
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