Do you have your own “business development” group?  I do not mean a networking group, a business association or an assembly of caffeine junkies at the local bistro.  I’m talking about a solid group of professionals who meet regularly to wholeheartedly grow each other’s businesses or careers.  If you do not employ this powerful, competitive advantage, let me make a case for it.

It is free.  It’s not very often that you can hand pick professionals from any vocation to be part of your business team at no cost to you.  Sitting down with colleagues who have a genuine interest in your success doesn’t cost a penny, and it’s 2010.

It is illuminating.  Sitting down with business development partners and brainstorming about any area of your business is very powerful.  It not only allows you to have a sounding board for your ideas, but it is also a potential wealth of best practices, great tips and “out-of-the-box” thoughts.

It is practical.  No matter how many people you know, how many books you have read, how many hours you spend scouring the internet for new information, it is impossible to know everything about everything.  (Yes, I’m even talking to you, consultants.)  Increase your knowledge base by querying your business development group.  Each member of the team can attend different networking groups, share solid contacts and leverage resources.

It increases your accountability.  Most of us are only accountable to ourselves.  Being in a strong business development group will increase your professionalism, raise the standards of your work and assist you in “setting the bar high.”

It makes you better, period.   Working with others will make you better, but more importantly, it  will make THEM better.  A strong business development team comes to the table with open arms and a sharp mind.  In this spirit of giving, and teaching and helping, you cannot help but grow yourself.  Try it.

Pick three of the best professionals you know.  Ask them if they would like to join a business development group to help build their business or career.  Since we all want to succeed, let’s use some all to get there.