by Kensel Tracy, Canadian Bureau ChiefIn talking with Craig Chandler from The Progressive Group for Independent Business Business Clubs (PG IB) you know you are talking to a business man and a consummate networker. Craig sounds like a radio announcer and I find out later on in the interview that he has in own online radio show at www.craigchandler.com. and I was impressed.
PGIB is a networking club that started in 1992 as a political organization and in 1997 started a link with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Craig who is the owner and the Executive Director of the company now run business clubs throughout the provinces of Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan with the sole purpose of helping businesses grow through networking.
Craig makes a point of telling me that his clubs are a business and they are dedicated to helping build businesses throughout western Canada and that they play a role in influencing the Federal Government in Canada through their lobbying efforts. PGIB clubs are setup like other networking referral clubs in that the weekly luncheon meetings act as a sales force for all the businesses that join the clubs. Membership dues are $320.00 per year.
When asked about his views on networking Craig is quite candid and open about it. He thinks that networking is all about relationships and in this economy; relationships are now going to be more important than ever. Calgary is located directly in the centre of Canada’s oil country and has been through a recent boom. With dropping of oil prices and the world economy, Craig believes the small business person and their ability to be able to network effectively with others is the main ingredient of business survival.
His business approach to running a good networking club is simple. Ensure that there are good people to network with, provide a good mix of business opportunities, add added values and ensure that everybody wins.
Craig says he is proud that his conservative business organization and has been able to take a stand on a variety of topics that have helped businesses grow in Canada by taking his case to governments throughout the province and Canada. He makes no bones about the fact that his networking organization is built on strong capitalist values and conservative views and that he proudly states this throughout the conversation. The organization lobbies consistently on public accountability, less government and lower taxes overall. Something I think that most business people would agree are great causes to fight for.
Craig’s wife has also started her own version of the PGIB for women. The women’s version of the club allows women business people to get together and hold their own meetings without men attending. There are meetings that are mixed and meetings for women only. The women’s group allows for networking to take place in a more relaxed and open atmosphere.
The Progressive Group for Independent Business, Business Clubs are one of the great opportunities for business people to get involved in a business organization in Calgary, Edmonton in Alberta and throughout various cities in British Columbia. Craig Chandler is the Executive Director and can be reached at www.pgib.ca.
Kensel Tracy is The Marketing Coach and Senior Partner with the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. business coaching and consulting company located in Chelsea, Quebec. He is also the President of Business over Breakfast (BoB Clubs) now setting up business networking clubs throughout North America.
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