GLN LearnAbout - Where to From Here

[Paul Terlemezian]

This discussion has been created to support conversation between members of the Georgia LEARNS Community who are the founders and current operators of a business that has been in existence for several  decades. These owners are interested in open dialog about what the next decade (or longer) might look like for their business.

Our initial meeting was at 8:00 AM Eastern on June 17th.

During that meeting we shared some thoughts and agreed to have a follow up meeting. We will continue to meet for as long and as frequent as the group wishes to meet.

Getting feedback, being accountable, and broadening our perspectives are what I hope each of us gains from these conversations.

[Paul Terlemezian]

As I prepare for the initial meeting and the first follow up I am thinking about three specific things:

1. Have I created a brand that means anything to anyone but me

2. How can I leverage/improve the brand via a recurring or passive revenue model

3. How might I connect with a cause that makes this more likely to succeed - and worthy of succeeding

[Brent Darnell]

I am traveling and teaching all day that day.  Please keep me posted on future dates. I'm very interested.  Thanks, Paul, for putting all of this together.

[Paul Terlemezian]

You are welcome - will do!

[Paul Terlemezian]

Thank you Dave, Ron, Karl, Mike, Theo, and Jay for being part of this meeting. Each voice was heard at least once. As we thought about our businesses "10 years" into the future we thought about:

1. Do we need to separate our personal identity from our brand identity
2. Trust is a key factor
3. What is the impact of AI
4. What is the value we create
5. What is the final mile from the perspective of our clients

We agreed to meet again and I agreed to lead the session with the understanding that we will then continue with a different leader each time.

The focus on the next session will be how to create a recurring revenue stream as a consulting services provider. I will present what I am trying and will be eager for feedback and for others to also apply what I am trying - if they wish to consider doing so. 

The next meeting will be July 7, 2025 at 11:30 AM Eastern USA - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83191576964?pwd=SirdqSG4XznUL2ZabtQ6LTa7m...

[Paul Terlemezian]

Thank you to Brent, Joanne, Ron, Brownell, Karl, Theo, and Andrew for participating today.

Getting feedback, being accountable, and broadening our perspectives are what I hope each of us gains from these conversations.

1. I will send an email with the PPT that I presented (it is also attached to this comment), and your LinkedIn profiles - please consider following up with each other - 1-on-1 or in groups.

2. Brent agreed to lead the next conversation - July 29th at 12:30 PM Eastern - I will send a Zoom invite.

3. Theo sent me an email after the meeting ended and has agreed to lead the conversation after Brent's.

4. Andrew posted in the chat - "Give me the real truth of what others know about me—no sugar coating." I just did so - and found it to be humbling....

Here are the details for our next conversation:

Topic: Brand, Revenue, Cause (Brent to lead)
Time: Jul 29, 2025 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83191576964?pwd=SirdqSG4XznUL2ZabtQ6LTa7m...

Meeting ID: 831 9157 6964
Passcode: 669420

[Paul Terlemezian]

Thank you to Ruth, Brent, Theo, Andrew, Brownell, and Ron for being part of our conversation on July 29, 2025.

Brent facilitated the conversation by asking each of us to state:

• One or two things that we have to offer to each other
• One or two things that we might need from others

Each of us did so - it was an effective activity and the expectation is that many of us will follow up with each other one-on-one. I will be asking for insight from each of you regarding how/if we maintain each other's awareness of these ideas.

Theo confirmed her willingness to lead the next session - we agreed to meet on Monday, August 18th from 12:30 to 1:15 PM.

Here are the zoom details:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83191576964?pwd=SirdqSG4XznUL2ZabtQ6LTa7m...

• Meeting ID: 831 9157 6964
• Passcode: 669420

[Brent Darnell]

This was a valuable exercise for me.  I try to do everything myself.  I will be following up with individuals for specific needs and I hope all of you will reach out to me as well.  I already connected Ron with a succession planning expert and I think there were some good ideas exchanged.  Glad to be a part of this group!