In it together
No man (or woman) is an island, they say – and that was a key theme at the recent launch of Aspiring Law’s new community-based business initiative, BizClub.
We were rapt with the turnout, not just by way of numbers, but with the diversity of businesses, both in terms of size and nature, represented at the kick-off. Lots of people are as excited as we are about what BizClub’s set to bring to the table for our community.
Probably what struck me most as I came away from the launch was the enthusiasm and positivity that filled the room, together with the fact that so many could see the potential for what BizClub can inspire and help achieve.
One of the most consistent threads of feedback we received is that running your own venture can be a lonely business. That got us to thinking about how we could do something innovative to give back to the community that we live in.
Even in a bustling metropolitan area, heading a business – particularly a small or medium-sized venture – can leave even the strongest feeling alone and isolated, weighted down as if carrying the proverbial world on thinly-stretched shoulders. In places like our neck of the woods, it can feel even more so, miles away from big city resources and support.
From small beginnings
So, a few years down the track, the seed that was planted when we set up Aspiring Law is well and truly germinating – and we’re confident that it’s going to continue to flourish into something pretty special for our business, and wider, community.
If you’ve missed the BizClub start-up memo up to now, and you’re in business or looking to be, it’s not too late to jump on board. The more the merrier, we reckon. What does BizClub offer? Members receive a range of seriously meaningful benefits, including a monthly opportunity for free legal advice, exclusive access to tailored seminars and workshops with industry experts, together with regular networking events. There will also be opportunities for business people to showcase their own products and services, as well as brainstorm ideas.
BizClub features three packages: Associate, Business and Platinum. As an Associate, members get to trial BizClub’s core goodies absolutely free. The Business and Platinum packages come with a modest admin fee, but we’re covering the cost of everything else to ensure BizClub’s benefits are accessible to all.
We’ve already had businesses signing up for the paid packages, keen to take advantage of the added offerings, like free legal audits and key legal templates.
Snowballing success
A common question as I mingled at the launch was how BizClub fits with other business groups. For starters, BizClub isn’t here to crash on anyone else’s parade. BizClub is a support tool for all – we’ve designed it to be nimble, fluid and proactive. Our goal is to dovetail into and, where helpful, partner with other business-focused groups, to add value, support and strength whenever we can.
BizClub is all about cohesion and collaboration. We know success doesn’t happen in a bubble. Our theory is: if we can help and encourage businesses, and offer a responsive platform of tools, contacts and support they might not otherwise have, each individual victory that results snowballs and makes for a stronger, more vibrant business community. That can only be fantastic for our community as a whole.
I was especially stoked with the feedback to one of BizClub’s significant planks: opportunity for a free monthly legal consultation. Over two decades of practice down the track, I still struggle when a client comes in with an absolute doozy of a problem, and, as we peel back the layers, I can see oh-so-clearly how a little legal advice early on in the critical path would have avoided a whole lot of potholes and, sometimes, gaping chasms.
When I ask why a client didn’t seek advice earlier, the common response is they thought it would cost too much, quickly followed by a major wince at the now-glaringly false economy. Well, excuses be gone – members now have up to 30 minutes at absolutely no cost each month to run whatever they like past our legal team. My great hope is, through all the tools and offerings available with BizClub, local businesses will have their houses in order and sensible safety nets in place, so their energy can be channelled on the positive: growth and innovation.
Getting cracking
We already have ideas in the pipeline for BizClub’s rollout in 2016, but we’ve kept it deliberately flexible, because it’s super important we get members’ feedback first. We’re looking at breaking 2016 into quarters, with an overarching legal and wider business focus for each. So, over to you – what do you want to learn and achieve next year, and how can we support you?
We’ll be going out to our membership in the next week or two to ask just that, and to share some of the ideas we’ve had. We’re also looking at having a major community event further into 2016 – and we’re keen to tailor it for maximum benefit both for our business community, and the wider community at large. Thoughts and ideas welcome.
Want to check out more about BizClub, or sign up? Go to our website, www.aspiringlaw.co.nz, click on the BizClub link and you’ll find an overview, the beginnings of our evolving resource library and a section that enables you to join under whichever package best suits your business’ needs. In the meantime, if you have feedback, ideas or questions, please feel free to email our team on bizclub@aspiringlaw.co.nz, or give me a bell on 03 443 0900. And bring on BizClub 2016!