When I speak to Vistage groups about building and sustaining strong brands, I share the concept of a “brand balance sheet.” The idea is that any organization should be building activities that focus on their best brand assets for their members and customers.
For Vistage, this means pursuing strategies and programs that bring greater value to your decision-making, and help you grow your business and grow as a leader. Toward that end, we’ve recently launched several initiatives:
In our peer groups, we have non-competing businesses around the table. Getting those outside perspectives is tremendous. But sometimes you want guidance from other trusted global peers who understand your industry or want to connect with others who share your interests.
I’m pleased to announce that we’ve added seven new Networks, including Entrepreneurs and Small Business; Logistics, Distribution and Transportation; Real Estate; and Talent Strategies. That makes a total of 22 Networks for just-intime advice and new connections.
Each Network has private message boards where you can seek feedback or advice, as well as distinctive events that offer an opportunity to network and learn from dynamic thought leaders.
Vistage forged a new partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the leading resource on policy and its implications for small and midsize businesses. With new and changing legislation, we’ve commissioned a series of policyfocused engagements led by the Chamber’s top experts. These are exclusive to our community and are designed to give you policy foresight straight from the halls of Congress and a clear advantage in decision-making.
We’re also entering into a partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers, the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector. NAM employs a world-class staff of policy experts who can provide Vistage members unmatched access and information on the key issues affecting manufacturing businesses and their bottom lines.
Bringing in fresh perspectives from high-caliber business leaders only serves to strengthen our community and help each member compete at the highest levels. With that in mind, we’ve launched new partnerships with the Latino Leadership Institute (LLI) at the University of Denver, a professional development program dedicated to maximizing the potential of Latino leaders, and the Chicago Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, which provides access to education, capital and business support services to help entrepreneurs.
The Vistage Executive Leadership Program in collaboration with Stanford Graduate School of Business launched its third cohort earlier this year. Members across 10 cities (and one virtual group) joined the one-year program, which combines the world-class thought leadership of Stanford professors with the Vistage group experience. Members credit the program with impressive results, from an executive who gained a $100 million manufacturing client to another who grew their company by 40%.
Learn more at vistage.com/stanford.
Best practices around workplace diversity and inclusion
Best practices for startups and small businesses that will help transform great ideas into successful businesses
Strategies around new legislation and governmental changes that impact businesses
Planning, management, and movement of people, materials and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water
for companies that offer customized, knowledge-based services to clients, helping them manage a specific part of their business
For those producing, buying and selling commercial and industrial real estate
Business strategies around hiring, retaining, engaging and managing people and cultures
Learn more and join at vistage.com/networks
