This week, we're highlighting local business and leadership opportunity, Coalition9. Founder and Chief Vision Officer, Aaron Eggert, gives us insight into what being a member of this leadership community, Power of Nine, MN means and the exponential personal and professional growth you will experience.
What is Coalition9?
Coalition9 is a leadership community open to professionals of any industry, regardless of their progress in the leadership journey. It connects you with resources and people that will help you and your business be its best. Aaron created Coalition9 to "ignite a leadership evolution" by being financially accessible and gathering a collection of members based on character, not title.
In summary: Bring good people together and be the future of Minnesota business.
"Coalition9 is a Member-centric community providing peer groups, monthly SPARK Series events, and an online communication ecosystem united in one vision - changing business nine leaders at a time."
— Aaron Eggert, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Coalition9
Why join a business peer group?
Joining business peer groups like Coalition9, Power of Nine, MN, means joining a peer group of nine like-minded and ambitious individuals that offer a diverse set of experiences and vast amounts of information. These peer groups offer a confidential space where you can share ideas and challenges, hold each other accountable, learn from others mistakes, expand your network, and create future opportunities for your small business.
On average, the companies of members in business peer groups experience faster gross revenue growth of 5% versus an industry average of 1.6%. The companies also see, on average, profitability increases of twice as much. While growth in size (revenue, number of employees, profit) can occur for companies in peer-learning groups, a strong desire to grow your company is not a prerequisite for membership.
What can you expect as a Coalition9 Member?
Besides being able to connect to a community of purpose-driven leaders for inspiration and support, an annual membership at Coalition9 also includes:
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Monthly half day connection with 8 other like-minded individuals through our proven LeadForward™ process designed to create synergy and spark ideas. Hosted via video or in-person based on the current environment.
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Private interactive online community to promote relationship building. Enhances your opportunity to connect with members within your cohort, the entire community, and individually.
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Additional access to the broader leadership community via quarterly events and relationship building opportunities.
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Mentorship alignment between individuals in other groups to enhance your perspective regardless of your growth level.
Here is what some Coalition9 Members have said about their experience:
"Being a Member is all about how it makes me feel. I really feel the inclusion of the community and can be fully transparent and vulnerable within my group. I've finally found 'my people'."
— Anonymous Member
“Sometimes it’s just reassuring to hear people are having the same challenges you are, so you can work through it together.”
— Brady Gaalswyk, Easy Automation
“I am honored to be a part of the Coalition9 community. The diversity of leadership experience and industries represented make this group incredibly powerful. Not only does it provide members a business advisory network for the rest of their careers, but also friendships for the rest of their lives”
— Ryan Van Overbeke, Vimly Benefit Solutions
Apply to be a Coalition9 member TODAY!
What does the future look like for Coalition9?
"Our vision is to change business nine leaders at a time, so we are focused on adding the right people to our community rather than the most people. Currently we have added nearly 100 Members in 6 short months with a 97% Member Experience score, so we take pride in what we are building now. I'm less concerned about massive growth as I am with ensuring our Members have an optimal experience and we are making a positive impact on our greater community. As long as we keep evolving as a community and bring good people together, growth will take care of itself."
— Aaron Eggert
The Power of Nine, MN Podcast
"The Power of Nine Podcast gives listeners a glimpse into what makes local Minnesota entrepreneurs and leaders 'tick'. The stories shared are meant to make you reflect on your interactions with business, with yourself, and with those around you. Aaron Eggert ends the episodes on a lighter note, with him and his guest answering nine random questions about any topic under the sun - usually entertaining, and sometimes explicit."
Why the podcast began:
"I was looking for a way to amplify the voices of our Members and supporters of the Coalition9 community. Our Members are geniuses in their respective industries and more people need to know who they are. There are a couple of overarching tones to the podcast we try to take. Nature vs. Nurture - are entrepreneurs and leaders born or are they made? Also, there always seems to be a paradigm shift that happens in the journey of an entrepreneur or leader that occurs to drive the individual down that path. Additionally, I love seeing our guests "wheels" turn when being challenged with the nine questions. They give a deeper glimpse into who our guests are and what makes them tick."
Related Reading: 11 Podcasts for Entrepreneurs and CEOs
Why Security Bank & Trust Company?
"Together with my wife, we have a few small businesses that we own so the personalized touch of a community bank was necessary in a banking relationship. Whether it be a quick turnaround response from Athina or having a direct line to the President Andy, we feel valued. "
Find out how Security Bank can help you achieve your small business dreams with our business banking services.
We closed out our interview with Founder and CVO, Aaron Eggert, on what advice he has for other small business owners.
"It all starts with vision. What is the purpose of the business that is greater than financial success? Why do you exist and how/what do you do that people can get passionate about? Second, as businesses begin to grow systems and processes are wildly important. We invested into automation to streamline the Member onboarding process and manage Member engagement. It was an investment in both time and financial resources when starting, and it's paying for itself now in productivity and a positive experience. Lastly, and most important, it's all about the people. Whether it be the people on your team, the clients you choose to partner with, or the people that are cheering you on; surround yourself with the people that emulate your brand and are there for the shared vision."
Enough said.
