We are excited to announce that we have officially launched HTG Online.  This is a return of a program that we initially had back in 2006-2008 in cooperation with Microsoft, but had to end it in the summer of 2008 due to funding limitations.  After several years of planning and a desire to return to helping small IT firms, we have brought the program back.  We were serving over 150 companies when the program retired last time, and believe there are many others that would benefit which served as the catalyst to bring it back again.

HTG Online is an adaptation of HTG Peer Groups’ face-to-face program, which consists of  quarterly meetings, networking and an annual summit. Now, without the cost of quarterly travel, value-added resellers (VARs) and managed services providers (MSPs) have the opportunity to benefit from an HTG-like experience during monthly, online meetings.

Through a combination of educational content, independent study, and online meeting collaboration, members will work to improve their businesses and their lives. The Web-based meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes, and are led by an industry veteran who facilitates discussion of homework and assigned reading materials. The HTG Online group then compares notes on key areas and best practices, while making sure everyone is accountable for their individual goals.

“We understand that for a developing business, not only are out-of-pocket dollars a hindrance to participating in our in-person quarterly meetings, but also the lost billing opportunities from not being in the field,” said Arlin Sorensen, founder and CEO of HTG Peer Groups.

 “I personally have always had a heart for the small guy,” Sorensen continued. “In fact, I was the only guy in my company for the first five years, so I can relate to the challenges of running a business with few resources. I also understand that as an owner or executive, there’s so much you need to know and sometimes you don’t know where to turn. That’s why we’re here.”

Two HTG Online groups were launched on July 12, with members from across the United States and Canada. Additional groups are forming and will be launched in August and September. To learn more and to apply: http://www.htgpeergroups.com/become-an-htg-member/htg-online.html.

 A second Web-based program is being developed focused on second level managers and staff, of existing HTG members, with leadership potential. The details for this program will be available in September 2012.

The fee for participation in HTG Online Program is $1200 when paid annually.  We are still looking for good members to join the program - both online and face-to-face.  The power of peers makes a huge difference in a business, no matter the size.  And the coming addition of peer interaction for managers will help people develop the skills necessary to lead well.