September 2007 Circle Update
The month of August witnessed the Boomer Technology Circles swing back into action! For the second year in a row, the summer meetings allowed select Circles to extend their contacts and meet briefly with members of other Circles.
New format, new friends
Using the “1-2-1” format, Circles #1 and #2 met together as did Circles #5 and #7. In this format, the first Circle arrives on a Monday and has its own meeting for one day. On the second day it is joined by the second Circle, and they meet together in a double-sized group for one day. At the end of the second day, the first Circle finishes and departs, while the second Circle stays for a meeting of its own on the third day.
This format has several advantages: Each Circle gets a full, “regular” day to meet by itself and can explore its own custom-built agenda. In addition, Circle members receive the benefit of a joint meeting day during which they can meet members of another Circle, build additional, professional relationships and extend the “reach and touch” of their Circle memberships.
The four Circles selected for participation in this unique program were chosen because they form two logical pairs: Circles #1 and #2 are similar in size, make-up and levels of technology. The same is true for Circles #5 and #7. Circles #3, #4, and #8 continue to meet in the standard format (as none form a logical pair).
Those keeping track will notice there is no Circle #6. It’s a long story, and if you really want to know—ask me sometime.
While this format has been implemented successfully for the past two years, it will probably not be repeated next year. Instead, we plan for the Summer, 2008 Circle meetings to convene for an “All-Circle” event—with perhaps as many as 150 firms and up to 300 people joining together in a unique format for a two day conference! Watch for more information on this exciting development in the months ahead!
Future firms, firms in progress
The Circle meetings themselves continue to be outstanding! Each group was treated to some great insight and good material, primarily from among the groups members themselves. Some examples which pop to the top of the list include:
- Presentations on the IT role in meeting new audit standards
- Implementation strategies for CRM software
- Several looks at client service portal products and the opportunities they present
- Updates on firm progress toward solving the record retention challenge
Circle #3 explored the pros and cons of internal IT support versus contracting the function to an external provider—a dilemma faced by many small firms! In addition, each Circle featured a view of the future through the eyes of L. Gary Boomer and a brief review of Fiscal Year 2006 financial metrics reported by member firms.
Several Circles were also challenged by Sandra Wiley to think about the “Firm of the Future” and new opportunities presented by changes in technology, demographics and social expectations. Her presentation prompted plenty of spirited discussion, both inside and outside the meeting rooms!
And, as always, the concept of peer group accountability was reinforced by completing individual 90 Day Game Plans and reviewing progress through Accountability Reviews at the beginning and end of each session.
Video and vendors
Many of these sessions were recorded to video and will be edited and posted to the various Circle web pages in the weeks ahead. These will give members who attended and saw the presentations a way to share their learning experiences with fellow employees who did not attend. We hope this innovative use of technology extends the value of the Circle experience more deeply into member firms!
In addition, a selection of our 2007 Circle Sponsors attended each Circle meeting. Their presence allowed members opportunities to meet with key industry vendors in a low stress environment and build relationships which will be valuable for both members and vendors. This program continues to be popular with members and sponsors alike.
As this article goes to press, we are just days away from meeting with BTC #4 and #8 during the second week of September. Check this column next month for an update on those meetings!
Get in on the Circles!
If your firm is a member of the Boomer Technology Circles, congratulations! You are already part of a self-selected group of industry leaders working hard to get even better—together.
If you are not yet taking of advantage of this opportunity, it’s not too late. Boomer Consulting, Inc. is offering FREE TRIAL MEETINGS for the Fall round of the Circles. (See more about this offer in this month’s Boomer Bulletin).
Contact Eric Hunt (eric.hunt@boomer.com) at 888-266-6375. He’ll get you started on your way to a truly rewarding experience in the Boomer Technology Circles.
See you in Kansas City!
