How we started the Boston Business Alliance
The Boston Business Alliance had it's genesis at a coffee shop in Swampscott in mid-2009 when three business people met to discuss how to help each other. The idea immediately led to "how can we help every business person who wants or needs help" without too much cost or fees. It had to be more than the traditional networking groups because there are already many good ones in existence. And, the primary focus had to be small and mid-size businesses because of the volume and obvious need and demand.
The founders decided that if the concept of 'build it; they will come;' was more than a movie line -- a good, interesting, and timely business presentation and event was offered -- business owners/executives would come to hear more. By August of 2009, the first event was held, and they came; and they continue to come, in bigger numbers.
The initial vision was to provide no/low cost, timely, and valuable information to attract business owners. Also, they realized that there are many business people out there (even the recently unemployed) who are experienced subject matter experts, with specialization and skills that the business owners need. Where else can business people, specialists, and consultants meet business owners? Not many opportunities exist, so the vision grew to two primary audiences:
* Small and mid-size business owners and executives
* Individuals with specialization in specific business areas in demand by those business owners.
The Alliance grew without any advertising, and very little marketing -- mostly by word of mouth. The attendance at the monthly breakfast meetings has been consistently increasing, month to month. The number of members continues to grow, along with the interest from almost everyone who hears about the Boston Business Alliance -- beyond Boston, and beyond Massachusetts. People in other cities and even other countries have expressed an interest in bringing a similar concept to their cities. The first objective of the Boston Business Alliance was to prove itself as a valuable source of information for business owners and members before taking the concept into other cities.
After all, the initial concept was how to help others!
