After Eric Schapira founded Klondike Contracting 15 years ago, finding support from like-minded business people when he was looking for direction as the business grew was a challenge. When he talked to others about issues, Schapira was often given advice or opinions – something that never felt right.
“Entrepreneurs don’t like to be put in a situation where they feel they’re being told ‘You have to do this’ – almost a knee-jerk is to do the opposite and say no,” Schapira said.
“If I had come to that decision on my own, then I go forward, but to be forced [into] or feel uncomfortable with the decision, it never sits well.” Schapira said sometimes he didn’t follow what could have been good advice because it was given to him in a manner that he wasn’t comfortable with.
About five years ago, Schapira joined Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a worldwide network of over 9,500 business owners and entrepreneurs. He and other local members meet monthly to discuss issues they’re having in their businesses.He said one of the best things about the meetings is that members aren’t allowed to give their opinions about others’ situations.
“They have a protocol that says if you give an opinion or advice, you’re basically elevating yourself and putting someone else down, saying, ‘I’m smarter than you are.’”
Schapira said the group instead advocates sharing experiences, which involves members presenting issues and then having each business owner discuss similar experiences and how they handled them.
“You just extrapolate and say, ‘That’s an interesting way to go about it; I’m going to try that’ or ‘That’s not me, I don’t think I’m going to do that.’” Schapira said.
“You get all these different perspectives in an environment that’s very non-threatening and doesn’t put you down.”
Schapira said the process has been extremely helpful – and not just when it comes to his business.
“It’s quite empowering. I’ve used that in my personal life, too. When my family members call me up and say they have a problem and ask what I think, I won’t give them advice. The minute you do that, you set up a dynamic that makes them feel stupid that they didn’t think of it on their own.
