How do you structure a Power Group?

A typical approach taken by members of an association is that association members who live close to each other agree to meet, usually weekly, at a local coffee shop or sandwich shop where they can buy some coffee and meet with the approval of the shop owners.

The groups are often made up of either those with common careers (sales, finance, hr, …), common levels (college students, managers, executives, senior executives…), and genders. However more diverse backgrounds are not uncommon.

For common backgrounds, if each person develops 10 leads and there are five group members, then the group now has 50 leads that can be shared. Who actually will get the job will depend upon experience, personality, culture, relationships and a host of other factors. The general belief is that “if someone is going to get the job, why not let it be one of us!”

For diverse backgrounds, there is less group competition and often a broader net of contacts. Further, diverse backgrounds can create a unique learning atmosphere where everyone can learn different perspectives and become more rounded and balanced. For example, a sales and a finance person in a group will not be competing for the same job but will know people for networking and can help each other understand how to perceive and meet the needs of other sales and finance people. For higher level jobs, cross-functional teaming is critical to company success – and being a qualified hire.

The size of the group is usually limited to around seven and most experts would recommend not exceeding fifteen members. The actual number who will show up will depend upon travel, meeting, and family commitment schedules.

The purpose of the group generally is focused upon a common urgent need, such as looking for work. Then, as members obtain work they will generally go in one of three directions. Those who appreciated the group but have still not learned the importance of networking will usually leave and not be heard from again. Those who appreciated the group and have developed trusted relationships and friendships with other members will often leave but regularly stay in touch with each other over the phone or email. Some will even continue networking through one-off times for coffee or over a meal. The third group usually decides to stay because they have benefited so much personally that they want to “pay it forward” to others and help other members, particularly newer members.

The timing of most meetings is either before or after work. This allows those getting a job to continue to participate and allows other members to focus on looking for work during prime time. However, some groups meet at various times throughout the day. The group determines what is best for them.

The bottom line is that the value of any group will depend upon the members and the level of participation by each member. If you join a group and find that it does not work for you, the problem may be who is in the group not that Power Groups are not useful.