Today's Viewpoint: A MarshBerry Publication

Go Beyond Basic Networking With an Executive Peer Exchange

A valuable executive peer exchange can offer data insights, resources, and networking but few offer an important feature that’s both intangible and invaluable: accountability.

There’s power in numbers, particularly when those numbers are facing the same challenges, have similar goals, and seek the same success. An executive peer exchange is a proven way to find support and build networks that are mutually beneficial. Top peer exchanges offer these beneficial advantages:  

  1. Data-driven insights: Firms that leverage data benchmarking, advanced analytic tools and engagement assessments are better equipped to challenge business practices, drive strategic decisions, and achieve intentional growth. In fact, the top 25% of firms participating in MarshBerry’s Connect executive peer exchange membership see almost 2/3 more organic growth than an average firm not investing in a peer group and applying learned best practices.
  1. Exclusive resources: Webinars, human resource templates, industry studies, research reports, and a first look at new products and services all offer the opportunity to access the leading edge of innovative solutions. 
  1. Professional relationships: Participants from similar firms connect to motivate, inform, and present new perspectives with their colleagues.  

Relationships created in an executive peer exchange are incredibly valuable and should go beyond basic networking. Successful peer exchanges organize members into smaller cohorts, what MarshBerry calls Strategic Issues Groups (SIGs). These small groups of executives provide each other with individual coaching, ongoing support and collaboration, problem-solving, and most importantly, accountability.  

Like-minded partners and experts 

Executive peer exchanges with cohorts offer a more intimate and insightful experience. Best peer cohorts include firms with similarities in obstacles, strategy, complexity, objectives, and even revenue size and structure. They also avoid geographic conflicts, like selling territory, to ensure each firm can share its financials, marketing capabilities, and differentiators without worry.  

Effective peer groups come together a few times a year for collaborative opportunities in person, via webinars, and through group calls. Those who join a peer group should be prepared to have candid, confidential conversations, and encourage others to achieve success.  

A safe space for difficult conversations 

During these peer exchange sessions, firm leaders have opportunities to share knowledge, seek advice, and receive guidance. It’s a place to ask questions specific to a firm and its individual objectives, setbacks, wins, mistakes, and lessons learned. Successful peer exchanges should include a quarterly check-in for firm progress and push continuous improvement and problem-solving. There should be an expectation that action plans are completed, objectives are met, and areas of improvement are addressed within specific timelines set by the firm. If not, it is up to the peers in the cohort to encourage tough conversations with positive intent to nudge others toward their goals. 

Individuals and organizations have a lot of partners in life, but not all truly understand leadership perspectives and what it takes to succeed. An executive peer exchange is a valuable tool for ongoing improvement and professional growth, leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of peers to achieve better outcomes. 


FocalPoint Webinar: Leveraging Data Through Peer Exchange 
Thursday, July 11 | 1pm ET / 10am PT  

Join Don Folino, MarshBerry Vice President, and Shelley Turk, MarshBerry Vice President Growth Advisory, as they delve into the data insights gathered through a peer exchange program. In this session, they will highlight financial benchmarks, operational perspectives, and best practices learned through measuring your team’s sales culture. In addition, gain perspective on data through a peer exchange that can lead to significant enhancements in your leadership capabilities, strategic direction and overall performance. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how connecting with other executives can elevate your firm to new heights. Register now to secure your spot! 

Contact Shelley Turk
If you have questions about Today's ViewPoint, or would like to learn more about how MarshBerry can help your firm determine its path forward, please email or call Shelley Turk, Vice President, at 440.520.1048.

MarshBerry continues to be the #1 sell side advisor in the industry (as ranked by S&P Global). If you’re considering selling your firm, we are the best choice to help you through the complicated process. If you don’t hire MarshBerry, hire a reputable advisor that can help you navigate one of the most important business decisions you will ever make. You will be much better off having an advisor in your corner that knows the industry than trying to do this on your own.