I originated "TOP-12," a monthly, invitation-only leadership roundtable for chief human resources executives from 12 Colorado corporations representing 150,000 employees.
The timing for the group was perfect. There was nothing else like it. Similar groups had existed in the past, but none was current. There was nowhere for top executives to meet to learn from their peers. It was a relatively easy sale. I remember walking into the lobby of a major corporation, chatting with the receptionist, walking through a maze of a building, introducing myself to the executive prospect, explaining the program, closing the sale for $14,340, and returning to my car. Elapsed time: 20 minutes.
I positioned the group as exclusive ["TOP-12: Leaders Among Leaders. The Best of the Best."], and also expensive. The fee was $1,195 per month per attendee, or $14,340 per year. There was a $2,868 discount (20%) for paying the fee in advance. Some paid in full, others payed monthly or quarterly.
By paying a large fee, group members made a large commitment. First year revenue was $150,000. Second year revenue was similar for six months, then 9/11 happened. After 9/11, companies could no longer justify large outlays of cash. I continued operating the group as a community service for a total of three years.
I aggressively grew the organization to 30 members and then merged it with The Human Resources Planning Society, which continues today. Depending upon your market and audience, you might launch a similar group. It is a source of both revenue and sales leads.
March 4, 20—
Terrie Staymates
Senior Vice President
Gratent USA
12000 DTC Boulevard
Englewood, CO 80112
TOP 12 HR Leaders
Dear Terrie,
You've been nominated to join an elite monthly roundtable for the "Top 12 HR Leaders" in Denver-prime movers who constantly think about strategy, value, leverage, and leadership. We would be honored if you could be a part of this collegial and interactive partnership.
Some would say you've reached the pinnacle of success. You're at the top of your profession—the best of the best. As a result, you've earned the privilege of being surrounded by other high-achievers who share your drive, your vision, and your unique set of tools to solve business challenges.
Here is the list of participants:
{In this space I showed twelve prominent leaders from Colorado's largest corporations. When I presented to a potential attendee, their name was on the list.}
Format
We meet on the first Friday of every month for one year, beginning on Friday, May 4th, 20--. (At the end of the year, the group may elect to continue.)
AGENDA
7:30-8:00 a.m.
We kick the meeting off with a breakfast and high-energy warmup. This is catch-up time. Members are excited to see one another, after a month's absence. It's a bit chaotic.
8:00-9:30 a.m.
The main event: A featured member-who was chosen the month before-explains a business problem or issue, usually something he or she wants help with. Then the group chimes in with thoughts, ideas, suggestions, warnings, and war stories. Inspirational!
9:30-10:30
We go around the table for a brief update from members, giving help or feedback along the way. We break at exactly 10:30 and everyone leaves the room charged-up, re-invigorated-eager to implement new solutions in their businesses.
Key Features
| Absolute confidentiality |
No industry competitors |
| No consultants or sales pitches. |
Diverse synergystic industries. |
| Principles only; no substitutes. |
Professionally facilitated. |
Benefits to You and Your Company
- You get to know your peers—the "Top 12"—far better than you could in any other setting
- Confidential sounding board to improve and direct one another's business success
- Rich source or brainstorming new ideas, approaches, and strategies
- Power networking
- Step outside the day-to-day of your own industry to gain fresh, new perspectives
- Focus on driving your business forward
- Solidify your power base with the strength of key friendships
- Increase your business knowledge
When: 7:30-10:30 a.m., the first Friday of the month, beginning May 4, 20— and ending April, 20—
Where: The Metropolitan Club, 7800 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, CO
Program Fee
The fee is $1195 per month. There is a $2868 discount (20%) for paying the fee in advance. If paid in advance, the annual fee is $11,472. This is a no-risk offer. If you don't like the group at any time, your investment will be refunded in full, no questions asked. Your fee includes monthly meetings, plus two hours of confidential executive coaching between meetings.
This is a one-of-a-kind group. Nothing else like it exists in Denver. Yes, there are other human resources meetings-but nothing this intimate and interactive at the highest senior level. No other group requires and expects this level of commitment. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Leader
Bill Frank is President/CEO of CareerLab, a national career and human capital management firm. He founded CareerLab in 1978, and has consulted to more than 250 major U.S. corporations. His niche is career consulting to senior executives in the $100,000 to $1,000,000 salary range.
Highly published, Mr. Frank has written career articles for Colorado Business, The Denver Business Journal, The Denver Post, The Denver Rocky Mountain News, and The National Business Employment Weekly.
He is the driving force behind his company's website, www.careerlab.com, which receives more than 1.5 million hits per week. Mr. Frank has facilitated a CEO roundtable similar to "Top 12 HR Leaders" for two years. Contact Bill Frank at 303-790-0505 or send e-mail to wsfrank [at] careerlab.com/.