Business Advice & Growth Blog | The Alternative Board

5 traits of an effective TAB Member

Written by The Alternative Board (UK) | Apr 4, 2023 3:19:05 PM

The Alternative Board (TAB) is dedicated to supporting not only the businesses of private company owners and leaders but also their personal growth and development. We recognise that each individual deserves a business that aligns with and enables their life goals.

Through the TAB experience, members can exchange advice and insights, fostering a community where no one feels isolated in running their business. This collaborative approach allows all members to prosper together.

We are honest and transparent about TAB's suitability for different individuals. In some cases, alternative business coaching or support forms may better serve a particular business owner. We always recommend the most suitable option based on the owner's unique circumstances and business stage.

Our comprehensive service, which includes advisory boards, coaching, and business tools, consistently delivers outstanding value and results for business owners and leaders. We are so confident in our offerings that we provide a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Moreover, after over a decade of operation in the UK, we have identified five key character traits that enable TAB members to maximize their membership benefits.

What are the traits of an effective TAB member?

Values help and advice.

A successful TAB member acknowledges that they don't possess all the solutions. They are open to considering the input of others, even when it may be difficult. A business leader who embraces personal growth and development will derive greater benefits from their TAB membership.

Meet Simon Hudson, a TAB member for over a decade. He shares his insights on his experience and explains the value he derives from the guidance provided during board meetings.

 

Be prepared to act

Business leaders who would benefit from TAB must be willing to act.

One of the biggest benefits of a TAB membership is the accountability it provides, as fellow board members and the TAB facilitator encourage leaders to follow through on their commitments. This has been shown to boost business performance and enhance leaders' productivity and effectiveness. Therefore, those who are hesitant to act on the advice they receive may not fully capitalize on the benefits of their TAB experience.

Wants a sounding board

A primary motivation for leaders joining TAB is the desire for support in their business decision-making. Many small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners may lack a board of directors or require an unbiased perspective from individuals with no vested interests. TAB membership offers this invaluable support. Each month, members have the chance to be heard and receive advice from others. This fosters a sense of support, care, and increased confidence in their decisions.

Here, Paul MacDonald discusses his appreciation for having a sounding board:

 

Willing to admit their weak points

TAB members can achieve greater success by embracing vulnerability. Here are some common concerns shared by new TAB members:

  • Uncertainty about having the right sales team or process
  • Lack of a safe space to discuss challenges openly
  • Constantly serving clients with no time or strategy for business growth
  • Perpetually in crisis mode, unable to focus on strategic initiatives
  • Anxiety about the business's future due to its dependence on them
  • Struggling to identify a successor or sell the business
  • Feeling trapped in a job, despite being the company owner
  • Facing difficult family-related business issues and unsure how to proceed

To fully benefit from TAB membership, owners need to be open about their weaknesses and challenges, both personally and within their businesses. Addressing these issues can lead to transformative results.

Anna-Marie Eardley, TAB Member

Read about how TAB gave Anna-Marie a whole new lease on life by admitting her biggest business problems.

Happy to support others

It goes without saying that a TAB member who actively offers genuine, practical, and valuable advice to others will benefit more from their membership. This supportive spirit is a key strength of the global TAB community, with members continually striving to help each other achieve success.

An impressive 95.7% of our members report that TAB advisory boards provide tangible value to their businesses. Possessing these five traits can further enhance that value. If you believe TAB might be a good fit for you and you're seeking support and unbiased guidance for your business, don't hesitate to contact us today to learn more about TAB membership.