Business Groups

Networking, camaraderie and enjoying time with other business owners is an important component for any owner. Ellen is a member of two business groups she finds extremely valuable. She joined EO (Entrepreneur Organization) the beginning of last year. In addition, at the end of 2008, she became a member of WPO (Women’s President Organization).

While these two organizations are similar in scope, they both offer different insights from a professional and personal perspective. Each group part of a national organization and each offers a chapter in Columbus. Members are placed in a small forum set up with members being a business owner and there are no competing people assigned to one forum. Both groups meet once/month and every individual is committed to attending every meeting for 4 hours. In addition, each group goes on retreat once/year for 2-3 days. The meetings provide the opportunity for you to discuss intimately and in a non-threatening environment as to what is going on in your personal and professional life. It’s an opportunity to share the highs and lows and get advice as the other members share from their experiences.

In addition, each organization brings in outside speakers and consultants for the entire Columbus This provides an expanded opportunity for networking and excellent educational programs. The retreats are designed by the members and provide the chance to get to know the group members more informally. There are daily workshops each entwined with “fun time”. membership.

Perhaps, one or both of these organizations might work for you. Check them out at womenpresidentsorg.com and eonetwork.org.