A Treasure in Idaho

Treasure Valley Consultants Network is an organization that promotes the know-how of business-to-business consultants, and connects them in the greater Boise area to companies of all sizes in Boise and beyond (as well as to each other). What piqued my interest about this group I found on the 'net is that they fit a specific niche, their website is well done, they have a solid foundation, and they offer a trove of resources for members as well as visitors to the site.

Immediately I can see who the members of TVCN are and link to each of their website. Dues are a mere $35 per year, and I love the three fundamental principles:

1. The Law of Abundance: we cannot enjoy the riches life provides us unless we are willing to share them with others.
2. Six Degrees of Separation: we are all connected to one another through our friendships, relationships and acquaintances by no more than five intermediaries. Chances are someone in our network knows the person you want to do business with - or at least knows someone who might know them.
3. Sharing and Collaboration: we all have much to gain by sharing, collaborating and networking with one another. We are not competitors as we each have our own unique offerings and unique ways to addressing problems and providing solutions in the business community. Consultants with complementary skill sets can team up to increase their capabilities and enter new markets.

These principles are ones that encourage people working together and building alliance partnerships and referral relationships rather than small-minded competitiveness. I find that very refreshing. While there are some national organizations for consultants, such as IMC, this group in Boise really seems to "get it" when it comes to helping each other succeed.

A goal of the TVCN website is to attract a broader audience. Maintaining an up-to-date website seems to be challenge enough for many small businesses - I often find that non-profit groups such as this one have outdated and unhelpful sites. Not TVCN - they have a feed for the Google calendar with all of their upcoming events which are clear and helpful. They also have a resources section promoting member articles - another great service they are providing to their members. I see they have a blog, but it was not working when I tried it in the evening then again the next morning.

Definitely my favorite part of the site, aside from the easy-to-find member directory is a section called SOS, or Sharing Our Success. This page is reserved for the success stories of members. While this is a simple concept - how many organizations have a page like that? It is so clear that the intentions of the founders of this group want to really promote each other. It is commendable, and perhaps other groups will see the simplicity of TVCN and work to make their own organization's sites easier, clearer and cleaner.

I'm hoping I get invited to one of their upcoming meetings because it would be fun to see what TVCN is like live and in person. If this happens, I'll be sure to write an update.

Lori Richardson is a sales thought leader featured as one of the original bloggers at award-winning All Business, Top Sales Experts, and Sales Shebang. Lori speaks, trains, and consults on sales effectiveness and is writing a book on building strategic alliances. Reach her at www.scoremoresales.com.