“What do you do?”

It’s that networking or dinner party question that either strikes up a good conversation or creates a thud.

Acumen creates a challenge in how to answer this question as askers usually turn their heads and ponder if they want to ask the next obvious question.

“I help CEOs and Owners grow through a community of mastermind teams and peer advisory.”

“So, you are a consultant?”

“Not in the slightest. We’re Growth Catalysts, former business owners that help facilitate the groups, with an executive coaching approach that helps sharpen the leadership saw while creating connection and opportunity.”

This is where they get skeptical.

“Is that a real job?”

“Yes, yes, it is. We have seven teams and over 70 CEOs, owners, and key executives in Kansas City and expanding into other markets.”

“How do I get THAT job?”

It’s a good question and one that we are actively seeking. Is this the job for you?

It’s become abundantly clear through COVID that the Acumen’s CEO accelerator community is highly valued and delivers high-value ROI. So, in response to demand, we’re expanding and need top-shelf qualified leaders. Here’s what that potential Growth Catalyst looks like:

  • A proven history of building successful business enterprise(s)
  • A significant and robust professional network
  • Humble, hungry and smart (EQ not IQ)
  • A shared vision to “ignite a higher standard of CEO influence and business impact by creating owner-centric accelerator communities that sharpen, inspire & challenge business owners”… to produce exceptional performance and results AND leverage their business platforms for impact on the greater good
  • Former CEO/President/Business Owners only
  • A mature and strong foundation of Christian faith

Our own experience as a Growth Catalyst (GC) has shown us a more balanced life-cycle around the four R’s, which is where potential GCs see potential and value to continue to provide impact and influence … beyond “retirement.”

The Four R’s

RE-ENGAGEMENT (not retired):
For most, Acumen affords those who are qualified to re-engage with business owners, entrepreneurs, and CEOs without having to carry the full weight of biz ownership. “Get back in the game” / “stay in the game” without the risk, investment, or employer responsibility. Opportunity to help others thrive, create value, and engage in economic exchange (fee for service/value).

RHYTHM:
The monthly rhythm of Acumen’s platform will help you build a calendar around predictable activities that give you meaty connections while allowing you to create time and space for other businesses, activities, and fun.

REPETITION:
The repetition of Council, Debriefs, and Advance allows a steady flow of learning, spaced out in a natural way that allows for a cadence of connection and income. The recurring revenue model of Acumen will enable you to plan and not worry about the cycle of finding business, doing business, finding business, doing business, which creates a feast/famine cycle.

RELATIONSHIP:
This was the biggest surprise in the work we have done in Acumen. The rhythm and repetition help develop deep relationships with our clients. Deeper than we’ve ever had to do business running a company. Doing life shoulder to shoulder with high impact individuals will enrich your life more than you know. We have been given a sense of purpose from the power of helping others that impact their companies, employees, communities, families, and God.

“Is that a real job?”

Yes. Yes, it is.

“How do I get THAT job?”

Are you or someone you know ready to explore something new? Let’s talk. 913-735-0194.

Dan Cooper
Post by Dan Cooper
September 2, 2020
Dan Cooper co-founded ej4, a video-based online training company, in 2003, and was its CEO until selling in 2012. During his time with ej4, he grew the company from a startup to a nationally-recognized firm, serving clients including Pepsi-Cola, Dr. Pepper Snapple, Honeywell, Monsanto and Syngenta. Channel partners included SAP and Oracle. As of the 2012, ej4 was serving 1,000+ customers, delivering millions of program views, was highly profitable and debt-free. Today, he is the CEO of Acumen, a mastermind community platform built for CEOs and Owners of strong and growing companies. He and his wife, Ali, have three children and attend Cure of Ars church in Leawood, KS. Dan enjoys running, all things soccer — coaching, playing and watching —and burning all types of meat on the backyard barbecue grill.

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