The Swartz Report: My Advisory Board Has Helped Shape the Company

Don Swartz

Post written by Donald Swartz, President and Principal at Swartz + Associates, Inc. | Lover of Chiefs, Royals and golf | Avid “Cruiser” | Poker Enthusiast

Last month, my blog post focused on my employees and how each of their talents makes our company successful.

This month, I would like to go behind the scenes and talk about my Advisory Board. While I won’t go into details about each of them, collectively they’ve played a significant role in shaping my company.

I’ve relied on them and their expertise in many ways to ensure I’m doing the necessary things to run a successful practice.

All are successful in their own right. Whether it’s achieving senior management roles in large companies or running their own companies, they have experienced all the issues I face as a business owner.

I consider each of them friends first but chose them because I believe they’re not afraid to tell me what they think and not necessarily what I want to hear.

Their backgrounds are diverse, covering all aspects including, legal, marketing, financial, risk assessment and business ownership.

I’ve worked with some in previous jobs, have represented others in property tax appeal matters, and have engaged a few to assist in our appeals. The constant is that I know they’re there for me and are willing to help me be successful.

Since 2014, they’ve been a part of my business story and I’m pleased they’ve continued to be a part of my Board today.

I try to be cognizant of their time and our meetings are generally to the point and with purpose.

We go over financials and compare them to previous year’s performances, but the greatest benefit to me are the questions relating to, “What’s next?”

As a small business owner, it’s easy to get wrapped up in today and not worry about the future.

I rely on them to push me to focus on the future and ensure I’m taking care of my clients while also looking to continue to grow the practice.

It’s a fine balance and having an outside perspective is very positive and meaningful.

With that, I’ve listed my Advisory Board members below. I thank each of them for their contributions and friendship and look forward to future meetings where I can continue to tap into their expertise.

To learn more about this great team, I’ve linked their names below to their respective LinkedIn profiles. Take a look…they just might be able to help you like they’ve helped me and my business!

Alana Muller – Network Speaker, Coach & Consultant, Author, Blogger, Facilitator at Coffee Lunch Coffee