How does Mission Growth help members to “improve the bottom line”?

During the meetings member might discuss issues such as finding investors, streamlining processes or recruiting staff.  Because there is a diversity of knowledge and experience within the group, it helps to bring about innovative solutions that can immediately impact on the profits of a business.   For example, if a member is able to think through her recruitment strategy more carefully and gains new insights and learning from other members, this can avoid a poor hiring decision which could have meant additional costs, not to mention the associated stress and hassle.

What makes this different from a networking group?

Mission Growth provides peer support which means that members are all at a similar stage in growing their businesses and therefore everyone is able to gain from participating in the meetings.  Whilst people will build relationships with other members of their group, the purpose of meeting together is to address common business issues and support one another, not to sell to each other.

Why is the facilitator important?

The facilitator is the lynch pin of each Mission Growth group.  They are highly experienced facilitators and carefully selected because they are role models and have credibility within their local business community.  Their role is to manage the process of each meeting, ensuring that everyone can speak and be listened to, issues are prioritised and that the group gain maximum learning from each issue discussed.  The content of each meeting is decided by the group and the facilitator ensures that the group uses a meaningful method of tackling each issue.

Why should I trust someone from a non-competing business?

We purposely ensure that each business is non-competing in order for members to feel more comfortable to share sensitive information with their peers.  We recognise that confidentiality and trust are vital to the success of each Mission Growth group and each member is asked to sign a confidentiality agreement when they join. In addition, at the start of each meeting they verbally agree to maintain the confidentiality of anything discussed by the group. 

What is the benefit in having only women members?

Research has shown that women run businesses in a different way to men and by focusing only on women; we find that the culture within the Mission Growth groups reflects these differences.  Women tend to be great collaborators, so there is willingness to share and support one another as opposed to competing.  Often members are trying to juggle the conflict between work and home life and this is recognised by others who may be in a similar situation.

Why is the network of advisors useful?

It is likely that members will need expert opinion in a number of areas e.g. marketing, accounting, finance, sales, franchising etc. as they grow their business and may not always know someone that they can turn to for this advice.  Mission Possible has spent over ten years developing trusted relationships with advisors in many areas related to business which means that members save time by having instant access to these contacts.

What type of speakers will there be at the speaker events?

We will arrange speaker events that feature specialists in different business subjects as well as entrepreneurs who are running successful businesses and can provide insight and ideas.  These include Leila Wilcox, Founder of Halos ‘n Horns; Gary Frank, founder of the Fabulous Bakin’ Boys and Fiona Price, founder of Fiona Price and Partners.

How do you select members?

Members that satisfy our membership criteria may apply to join Mission Growth.  We have a conversation with each applicant to ascertain their interest and to gauge their commitment to confidentiality, regular attendance and sharing their knowledge and experience.  We also inform them of the groups that do not currently have a member in their particular industry that they might be able to join.

If the Mission Growth group is already established, prospective members are welcome to attend the first 30 minutes of a group meeting, in order to meet existing members and vice versa. Once all parties are satisfied, then the individual is invited to join the group.

When does my membership begin?

Once you are approved as a member, and membership fees have been paid, your membership begins for a 12 month period.  You will be given the dates of the meetings and speaker events well in advance and it is down to each individual to save the dates in their diary.  There is no pro-rating of fees in case of absence.

Who identifies the topics for the meetings and speaker events?

The meeting topics are developed with input from the group.  The Mission Growth process is designed to surface issues of importance to the group which are prioritised.   Issues can be addressed immediately if there is a critical need for action, or scheduled for discussion at a later meeting, but group consensus determines which issue will get priority.  Members are also welcome to suggest topics for speaker events too.

How do I join?

To request an application form click here or download further information (pdf document)

Contact us by email or phone  growth@missionpossible.co.uk

Phone + 44 (0)1223 421470