YOUNG ENTREPRENUERS TAP INTO THE POWER OF "PEERNESS" THROUGH EO - THE ENTREPRENUERS' ORGANIZATION

    /24-7PressRelease/ - July 01, 2007 - Most entrepreneurs don't employ a team of experts to manage every intricacy of the business, which can leave them wearing many hats and trying to succeed at an increasingly complex job. Many seek solace and solutions with a peer group, which have been increasingly woven into the state's business culture.

Different from formal networking groups, peer groups are not about exchanging sales leads. They bring together a diverse group of business owners who get together on a monthly basis to solve problems, exchange leading business practices and challenges, validate ideas, and offer each other professional and personal support in a safe, noncompetitive environment.

The Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) the premiere peer-to-peer global community for young entrepreneurs, is one such peer support organization celebrating its 20th year of providing the power of "peer-ness" to young entrepreneurs across the globe.

EO members - 6,400+ in over 120 chapters in 40 countries with an average age of 38 - come from all walks of life and run companies of every type and size imaginable. And they take support and camaraderie way beyond discussions of the board room. Unlike other peer groups that simply hold monthly meetings to discuss business challenges, EO embraces the young, adventurous spirit of its members.

The EO New Jersey chapter board members recently participated in a rock climbing retreat - an exercise in trust, perseverance and stamina, all of which help them succeed in business and in life. EO New Jersey members have also been to the Skip Barber Racing School, gone sky diving, fly fishing, all in pursuit of "peer ness."

Of course, the business of getting down to business isn't entirely abandoned, as EO frequently hosts high-profile speakers during its monthly chapter and regional meetings, such as: Jack Welch, Michael Gerber, George Ross and Seth Goden. Members have the opportunity to meet with these business leaders in an intimate setting for in-depth Q&A.

"The quality and thoughtfulness of the peers I've met, combined with commensurate experience is what makes EO so unique," says Ed Delia, communications chair and president of Whitehouse, NJ-based branding firm, Delia Associates. "There is a component of emotional support among our members that isn't always present in a traditional peer group. The closed-door Forums and adventure retreats provide a safe, confidential environment, where our real lives and persona is considered and respected."

In addition to learning and events, Forum is considered by most members the greatest advantage of EO membership. The New Jersey Chapter has eight Forums, each containing 8-10 chapter members in non-conflicting businesses. Forums meet on a monthly basis and are designed to serve as a safe haven for members to share - in a totally confidential environment - experiences with peers who all understand the unique successes and challenges that an entrepreneur faces.

Bill Brandt, managing partner of SWOT Management Group, a Hillsborough, NJ-based sales management consulting firm, and newly elected president of EO NJ comments, "Over the years, I have been affiliated with a variety of organizations. Nothing even remotely compares to the amazing experiences and lessons learned as a member of EO."

At 36, Brandt is in his fourth year of membership and representative of the young, adventurous spirit of EO. "Our business would not be where it is today without the help of EO. Today, SWOT Management Group has more than tripled in size, and we attribute much of our success to lessons learned from the EO experience. We have also launched several new business ventures, again turning to the valuable resources and support from the EO community to help channel our goals into successful outcomes."

"With EO, everyone can relate," adds Delia. "Whenever I think I have a situation that's unique to me or my business, I'm always surprised at the number of fellow members that have encountered the exact same scenario."

In addition to sharing experiences and advice with fellow NJ entrepreneurs, EO members also have the opportunity to meet, learn and exchange with members from around the world. The organization regularly hosts multi-day learning opportunities, called "Universities" where members can learn from some of the world's top business minds in Australia, India, Canada, Latin America, and Europe.

About EO
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) - for entrepreneurs only - is a global community that enriches members' lives through direct peer-to-peer learning, connections to experts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. EO is comprised of more than 6,400 members in 41 countries, with an average member age of 38 and average annual revenue of US$13.1 million. The organization is committed to building the world's most influential community of entrepreneurs. Visit www.eonetwork.org for more information.

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