The Power of Peer Support with EO
As a business owner, I know firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with running a company. It’s a journey that can often feel isolating, as even the most supportive employees may not fully grasp the unique pressures and decisions we face. That’s why I want to share with you one of the best-kept secrets in Wisconsin: EO, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization.
Just for Business Owners
In 2019, I had the privilege of helping establish a Wisconsin chapter of this international organization, which boasts over 18,000 members worldwide. What sets EO apart from other peer groups is that it is exclusively for business owners.
While I’ve learned a great deal from other C-suite peer-to-peer organizations, EO holds a narrow focus on the owner. It’s a space where entrepreneurs can connect and share their experiences on a deep personal level.
Leadership Learning
EO membership offers a wealth of benefits, from engaging speakers and mastermind sessions to best practice talks and regional events. We’ve had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders like Craig Culver, founder of Culver’s, and Brian Smith, the creator of Ugg boots, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys with us.
But EO goes beyond just business; it covers all aspects of life, including personal and family matters. So we’ve also heard from relationship psychologists and experts on health and longevity.
‘No Advice Allowed’ Forums
One of the most valuable aspects of EO, in my opinion, is the forum experience. Each month, groups of 5 to 10 members gather for a confidential, judgment-free deep dive into the issues and challenges we face.
The key is that members don’t share advice with each other. Instead, we listen to our peer’s challenge and then share our own stories and experiences that relate most closely to their situation. It’s not “you should try this,” but “here’s how I approached something similar.”
It works. By sharing our “top 5%” and “bottom 5%” (i.e., the highs and lows you’re going through), we create an unbelievable level of vulnerability and trust within the group.
Privileged Encounters
As an EO member, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend regional and global conferences, designed to include rare-access, once-in-a-lifetime events. I’ll never forget driving a bus into AT&T Stadium in Dallas and spending an evening right on the field, followed by a 90-minute talk with George W. Bush, in person.
If you travel internationally, you are invited to connect with EO members from around the world. The hospitality and camaraderie among EO members are truly amazing, regardless of the size of your business.
Be My Guest at an Upcoming Meeting
If you’re interested in learning more about EO Wisconsin and how it can help you grow both personally and professionally, check out our website at www.eowisconsin.org or I encourage you to reach out to Ashley Sturgeon, Manager at EOWisconsin.org, or Tom Bushkie at Tom@hellowater.com. You can even attend an upcoming event as my guest at no cost.
Remember, we have one shot at life. As business owners, surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who understand our unique challenges and aspirations can make a real difference in achieving our goals, both personally and professionally.
EO has allowed me to walk on glass and fire, learn from top experts, and dance in the streets of New Orleans – all while forming lasting bonds and growing my business. If you’re ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring what EO has to offer.
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Scott Bushie is the president and CEO of Cornerstone Business Services, a boutique investment bank, providing exit strategies and M&A advisory services to business owners in the lower middle market.
Scott Bushkie
President and CEO, Cornerstone Business Services
