Peer Circles
When I created GEM more than seven years ago, I knew GEM (Diamond)’s place in the world would be fostering deep industry relationships. Now, we’re ready to go even deeper to help proptech founders in the solitary journey they have undertaken.
Relationship-building already happens at the twenty-plus (and growing) dinner tables we curate yearly. But deep trust takes time, and a different level can be reached by going all-in with a core group who you become intimate friends and allies with.
These peers will gain the historical context needed to provide more valuable insights and support—much like a long-time therapist’s insights gaining value over time once they get to know you.
This is not a new line of thinking:
If you’re to succeed as a founder, advocates and supporters are not only desired, but required.
You need people to pull you through the rut, commiserate, [learn from], and share war stories with you. You need people to help you fight off the depressing thought that what you’re attempting to do isn’t worth it.
Welcome to Peer Circles, a confidential setting providing accountability and knowledge sharing among peers. Think of a peer circle as your personal “brain trust” of equals, a mix of fellow real estate and Built World innovators who share their hard-earned wisdom to help you chart the best course forward. An intimate place where you don’t have to perform. A place where you aren’t working in the business, but working on the business—and yourself.
PEER CIRCLES FORMAT
Group size of 6-8.
Given 60% of the GEM Diamond membership base is founders, we’ll start there. Over time, we’ll curate groups for executives, consultants, and tech-forward owners/operators.
Monthly Zoom calls, of either 90 minutes or 2 hours. Calls aren’t recorded.
Time will be allocated for peer circle participants to meet in person during the GEM Proptech Getaway, and retreat spots will be prioritized for those who belong to a peer circle.
Private channel in GEM to share updates in between monthly calls, and access the dates and call-in info for upcoming calls.
Matched based on a combination of capital raised, revenue, team size, sector, and life goals. No competitors will be in the same group. Diversity of backgrounds and experience will be a core piece of the process, as we lean into the cross sector value the GEM community brings to the table.
Until otherwise stated, all members will be vetted by me personally.
Self-directed, but with a framework. As we embark on this journey for the first few groups, I will kick off the group’s introductory session, but beyond that, the monthly Zoom sessions and what your group wants to get out of it will be self-directed. That means, you’ll be free—and encouraged—to craft the environment to your needs. If your group seeks a paid facilitator, do let us know and we’ll source one that your group can pay for directly.
Members must have skin in the game and commit to at least six months. The cost is $750 to be placed into a group: $250 paid upon application, $500 paid upon successful match. There is no ongoing cost once you’re in a group, unless your collective group decides a paid facilitator is needed.
Required: All groups will operate the Circle of Trust, a framework I’ve become familiar with as part of the community builders mastermind I’ve recently engaged with. Bottom line: What is shared is kept strictly confidential unless explicit permission is granted.
TRACTION TWIST
Traction is everything in today’s age. That means closed sales.
You know what every great sales team has? Accountability. Great sales organizations have leaderboards, celebrate wins, and discuss losses.
Early stage founders don’t have this dynamic, and they should. We suggest that a portion of every monthly peer circle call be a check-in to hold you accountable that you’re doing what you said you’d do to get revenue on the books.
DEEP CONNECTIONS
Growth and deep relationships are the name of the game.
Interested in joining a Peer Circle to level up in 2025 and beyond? Please fill out this form (GEM Diamond membership is required, but you are welcome to fill out the form & we can tell you if we think we have a great group for you). The information included will not be shared with anyone outside my immediate team.
We look forward to helping you tap into the knowledge, expertise, and support only a brain trust of peers can provide.
Image generator: DALL-E
Prompt: image of a small braintrust of 6 executives sharing notes, knowledge and startup war stories
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.