Page 6 - DWN Business Groups Guide_July 2022

CREATING YOUR BUSINESS

GROUP

Diversity of thought

Diversity of experience and perspective creates unique insights into real and
relevant issues, so it’s important to connect together people from all stages of
the farming journey. If possible, include larger agri-business owners, single farm
owners, sharemilkers, contract milkers, equity partners, those involved in the
wider dairy industry outside the farm gate, and farmers working within their own
businesses.

If you can’t get a diverse group from the outset, don’t worry! Start with the
members you have and let the group evolve and grow naturally.

Contribution
The idea that ‘the gold is in the room’ is core to DWN Business Groups.
Encouraging members to set the content of each meeting encourages
contribution on relevant and timely topics, and ensures that members are getting
value out of the time spent meeting with the group.

Including a balance of personalities in your group means that members are
actively sharing ideas and experiences while taking others on board. They should
also show authenticity, vulnerability, courage and openness, as well as ensure that
the group is a safe and empowering space.

Venue
Ideally you need to find a venue that:

• Is able to be used on a monthly basis
• Is private with limited disruption or through traffic
• Has access to Wi-Fi and AV

• Is close to cafes and restaurants for lunch (DWN Business Groups are self-
catering at your own cost)

DWN Network Partners are supportive when it comes to using their meeting
spaces so try them as a first port of call.

DWN Business Group Guide