Active Buddy System – ‘ABS’

Why?

A recent questionnaire revealed some commonalities amongst the group in terms of business objectives and what each member wanted to get out of their ABG membership. It highlighted the skills and services within the group most in demand. It also revealed insight for how best to help individuals, as not all objectives were categorically ‘business’ related; some were far more complex and relied on some emotional/well-being goals being met too.

Commonalities

• Growth (recovery-driven, ambition-driven, mission-driven)
• Visibility / Brand Awareness appeared across nearly all submissions
• Scaling & Strategic Direction
• Personal Development
• A calling for Community and NOT doing it alone is a recurring theme

Top Services in Demand

• Social Media Planning / Tuition
• Public Relations / Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Videography
• Performance Consultancy
• Website Design / Development

How we see ABS helping, from a Business & Personal standpoint

Business Perspective

• Accountability for the strategic goals set
• Shared problem solving – faster learning
• Someone who sees your business from a different perspective is helpful
• You are working ‘in’ your business; they are not, so they can help you work ‘on’ your business
• Momentum is kept between meetings. You each have an invested interest in each other’s progress

Personal Perspective

• Confidence building, practice and validation from another
• Reduced isolation and ‘normalising’ struggles
• Skill development within a safe and familiar environment
• Emotional/wellbeing support
• Self-awareness – honest feedback from another
• Trust building and being ok with a degree of vulnerability
• Sustaining motivation levels

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Purpose

As Active Business Group, ‘ABG’ continues to grow, it’s important that no member feels anonymous, overlooked, or unsupported between meetings.

Active Buddy System, ‘ABS’ is a simple, people-first initiative designed to strengthen relationships, increase understanding, and provide light-touch pastoral support within the group.

It ensures every member has:-

• At least one named connection within the group
• A familiar, trusted point of contact
• Someone who notices when things change and acts accordingly (could be business related but could also be more personal)

This is not about performance, referrals, or accountability. It is about belonging, empathy, and continuity. You are encouraged, over time, to get to know each other – not just ‘breakfast table’ knowledge.

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What ABS Is (and is not)

It is:-

• A one-to-one pairing between 2-3 members
• A space for informal check-ins and conversation
• A way to build deeper understanding over time
• Part of ABG’s wider commitment to supporting members as people, not just businesses

It is not:-

• Mentoring or coaching (unless these objectives have been discussed)
• A referral or lead generation exercise
• A formal reporting relationship
• Therapy, counselling, or problem-solving by default (unless these objectives have been discussed)

There is no obligation to meet at set intervals or to report discussions back to the group.

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How It Works in Practice

Members are to be paired by the committee. The pairings were largely decided upon the findings of a recent questionnaire of which the majority of the membership participated in. The questionnaire invited members to share their goals and aspirations for the future. These were not necessarily just business related.

Buddies are encouraged to:-

• Check-in occasionally
• Listen without judgement
• Respect confidentiality
• Offer support where appropriate

Contact can be informal (coffee, walk, call, message). The expectation is connection, not compliance.

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Duration

Buddy pairings are set for an initial term (suggested: 6 or 12 months), with flexibility to:-

• Continue naturally
• Adjust pairings if needed
• Review the system as the group evolves

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Oversight and Light Touch Review

To ensure the system remains healthy without becoming burdensome:-

A simple Buddy Register is maintained (names, pairings, start date).

Periodic high level check-ins may be carried out by the committee to confirm:-

• The connections exist and are being maintained
• Members feel supported
• If any changes are needed

No personal conversations are logged or reviewed.

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Alignment with ABG Values

ABS directly supports ABG’s stated pledges around:-

• Understanding
• Collaboration
• Mentoring
• Respect
• Collective strength

It is intended to strengthen the culture that already exists, not change it.

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Summary

ABS is a simple, human safeguard; A way of making sure no one in ABG feels unseen.

Questions and/or Concerns

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this with the Active Business Group, ‘ABG’, please E-mail us.