ABOUT THE ALTERNATIVE BOARD

Believe in the power of peer support.

ABOUT US

The Alternative Board supports business owners to take their business to the next level through; supportive advisory boards made up of other local business owners, expert one-to-one coaching, and our suite of business tools.

But how do we differ from a traditional business coach or consultant? They may concentrate on improving your sales, sorting out your HR or helping you with your finances but that’s where it often ends. At TAB, we’ll look at these too of course, but we’ll start with you, the business owner, as a person.

Our coaching and mentoring sessions are designed to give you the time and space you need to gain more clarity and focus on your business. With the additional support of the TAB Business Builder’s Toolkit you will have everything you need to exceed your goals and set new ones.

MEMBERS TESTIMONIALS

Sarkis Garabedian

Rita Di Tommaso

Angelo Argyros

OUR TEAM

Headed up by Claire Wilson, our team of Facilitator/Coaches is made up of business owners, CEOs, CPAs, Trainers, Certified Business Coaches, and experienced Management Consultants and Directors, with formal qualifications in Business, Law, Commerce, Neuro linguistics and more. Together we have proven results across all industries and combined hundreds of years business experience, along with world’s best practice, gained from being a part of a forward thinking network of coaches and facilitators.

WHERE WE STARTED

TAB is a global organisation, which has been running for nearly 30 years. Set up by Allen Fishman, he realised that his non-executive directors had been invaluable to him over the course of his career and wanted to make that kind of experience accessible to all business owners.

He recognised the value that peer advice and coaching from experienced business owners could bring to individuals who were serious about achieving greater personal and business success.

He also knew from his own experience that when his personal and business lives were balanced it made him happier and more successful in his role as an entrepreneur.

TAB started as one board and grew from there. It is now operating boards in almost 20 countries around the world and continues to expand. TAB has helped over 20,000 business owners to improve their businesses and their lives.

Doug Downer and Claire Wilson brought TAB to Australian businesses in 2014 with Doug focusing on the NSW market and Claire the Queensland market. Since 2019 Claire has taken over the national business and is now growing the business throughout Australia.

FIND OUT MORE

FIND YOUR LOCAL BOARD

We have Boards operating Australia wide. Our point of difference is that our Boards operate in your local area. Click on the link below to find your local Board and see how a Board can add value to your business.

PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE

We offer a 90 day risk free guarantee. If after 90 days you have not received value, after attending three board meetings and three strategy sessions, we will refund your investment in full.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Contact us to arrange an initial chat on how we can help you and your business.

Our members are stronger together

“Board meetings provide structure and opportunity to air an issue or raise a concept for consideration.  I found immediately that there was a high degree of professionalism and respect around the table.”

Brett Prankerd
Brinlex Group

“Prior to working with The Alternative Board, we were focusing on the wrong things and spending too much time working hard without thinking about the approach we were using. We have been able to redirect so much of our energy into ways that have impacted on our productivity, mental health and bottom line.” 

Mikael Wedemeyer & Nathan Mussig
Niche Studios

“The Alternative Board have been a great support and the necessary push I needed to get my business on track, and keep me on point whilst working outside of my comfort zone.  Having other board members that I can pitch my ideas to and get valuable, constructive feedback has been imperative to my business as they see from outside in, but I can only see from inside out.  “

Steve Thomas

FS Security

Real business progress. Less stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a TAB Board work?
In monthly, half-day meetings, you’ll gather with your peers to discuss challenges, set goals and provide feedback. Board meetings are led by a TAB Certified Facilitator Coach. Your Facilitator has a wide array of professional expertise and has been trained to lead and facilitate business owner advisory boards, helping to draw out issues, ask clarifying questions, and provide suggestions, ideas and advice.

Unlike traditional business meetings that many of us have experienced, a TAB Board gives everyone equal time – equal time to discuss and seek help on their own challenge or opportunity. No one will dominate the meeting or take up a disproportionate amount of time. Your facilitator will keep the meeting on track and ensure you get what you need out of each meeting.

How can I benefit from the opinions of those on the board?
The big decisions have been all on your shoulders. Until now. The business owners and leaders on your board bring decades of collective wisdom and experience to the table. They also will not have a vested interest in your business beyond a genuine desire to help you. As a result, they’ll give you impartial business advice based on real-world experience, since they likely will have faced similar challenges themselves. You also get to do the same for them. Not only does the board provide accountability and expert advice, it becomes a mechanism for developing valuable friendships and community.
I don’t have enough time for most things, so how will I have time for this?
The Alternative Board is designed for busy leaders. We’ll help you increase profits without increasing your workload. Our monthly meetings are only half-day and are expertly facilitated to ensure efficiency and value. You’ll gain the freedom to live the life you’ve been working for.

Our carefully crafted services encourage you to take time away from your business. In stepping back briefly, you will benefit from the insight, experience, and wisdom of your TAB facilitator and your fellow Board members. You’ll gain the support and skills you need to make better, faster decisions and start reclaiming your time.

How will people from other industries be able to understand my unique business and help me with challenges and opportunities?
All businesses are unique in some way, but they still face many of the same major issues with time, people, strategy, money, vision and exit planning.

You are an expert in your sector, but everyone on your Board is an expert in business. The advantage of working with fellow business owners and leaders from diverse backgrounds is their ability to provide new perspectives and different ways to handle the same situation based on real world experience.

You will also get the opportunity to help others with their business growth by offering your perspective and advice. It’s a win-win! 

 

What is the investment for a TAB membership?
We are confident you will get a return on investment for your monthly TAB membership fee. As we offer personalised business support services, a conversation with your nearest TAB Facilitator will guide you through the process and allow them to provide you with your bespoke quote.

We’re so confident in our service that we offer a money-back guarantee – if you don’t feel you’ve received value after three months of TAB membership, we’ll give your money straight back.

Can a competitor join my board?
Put simply: no. We make sure a competitor cannot join your board. We have a comprehensive process that ensures you do not sit on a board with potential competitors. A key part of our screening process allows existing members to prevent new members from joining their board where they feel a conflict of interest could exist. This will guarantee no competitors join your group.
Can I attend a board before deciding to become a member?
Some of our TAB Facilitators offer the opportunity to attend a sample Board meeting, giving you the chance to experience how The Alternative Board works and the value it can provide for you and your business. Equally, if there are places on an existing Board and your facilitator thinks you’d be a good fit, they may invite you as a guest. 

Latest News & Insights

How to Be an Agile Leader

How to Be an Agile Leader

It’s altogether likely that business conditions in 2024 will be at least as tumultuous and unpredictable as they were in 2023. For that reason alone, it’s important to begin the process by which you become an agile business leader or improve on your current agile...

Goal-Setting Tips for Your Remote Work Team

Goal-Setting Tips for Your Remote Work Team

Is there any difference between setting goals for your on-site team and your remote workforce? Certainly, there are striking familiarities. For example, whether employees work in-house or are remotely located, it’s vital that their goals are aligned in some ways with...

Unlearning Conformity: How to Overhaul Old Business Paradigms

Unlearning Conformity: How to Overhaul Old Business Paradigms

Industry is evolving at a record pace, particularly in the post-pandemic era. While COVID lockdowns and shutdowns temporarily changed the way businesses operated and employees engaged, today’s profound advancements far surpass what most of us could have anticipated...

We’re a global community