A recent speaking engagement reminded Robert Ashton of the opportunities for grassroots organisations. 

I really enjoy getting close to the challenge. In many ways, it doesn’t matter what the challenge is, providing it fits within the theme of contemporary entrepreneurship. I think most people now appreciate that waiting around for someone else, particularly government, to solve our problems is not the wisest policy. The burden of responsibility for our future rests firmly on our own shoulders and it is the more entrepreneurial amongst us who will lead the change we all need to see.

So when I was invited to speak at the AGM of the West Norfolk Federation of Small Business branch I didn’t hesitate before saying yes. When I had a second call, explaining that only eight people had booked to attend, I chose not to cancel but still go along. For me the most interesting people are always the minority who buck the trend rather than the majority who follow the herd.

The meeting started in a classically apologetic manner. Those who were there clearly felt the burden of responsibility for the low turnout. I quickly reassured them; "It’s not about quantity but quality," I explained. After they had completed the formal business of the evening we talked about entrepreneurship.

We talked about the current state of play in in the world of economic development. As I went on they gradually came to realise that actually the ball was sitting on their side of the court. All they had to do is pick it up and start the game. "It’s no good waiting for government initiatives that you can pitch for," I explained, "your opportunity is to organise yourselves and take the lead".

As with any membership organisation, the starting point for member debate is always the value of the services bundled within the membership package. With the FSB these represent a particularly good deal, which when added with the strong national lobby the organisation represents, make the cost of membership an easy thing to justify.

But the opportunity is at the grassroots not head office. The opportunity for this group was to develop a collective vision amongst their 800 members. Then the barriers to success can be identified. Finally by pledging money themselves to overcome those barriers, they can be very well-placed to lobby locally, be it council or LEP, to get their commitment matched with public money. And then stuff will start to happen.

So if you are a member of a business organisation that is struggling to organise a programme of events that people will attend, think again about the opportunity you are probably missing. The power of any business network is in the strength and cohesion of its membership. To put it bluntly, it is no longer about finding people to come and speak to members, but making it easy for people in power to come and listen to your members!