As a business professional venturing out on my own to form management consulting company Adams-Gabbert & Associates Inc., I realized I didn't know what I didn't know.

But what I did know was that many local resources are more than willing to assist a new business owner with tools and knowledge to manage any situation.

I researched many different possibilities, including a private mentor or independent advisory board. But as a person who lives by the motto "Debate in quest for the right answer," I wanted something more than a one-hour, once-a-month meeting could possibly provide. As I embarked on my quest for advice, I was referred to a group called TEC, The Executive Committee.

TEC describes itself as "a membership organization that provides continuous learning and development for CEOs, company presidents and business owners/managers in a peer group setting. TEC delivers to its members a unique blend of business resources and personal support that helps make the challenge of running and growing a business both fulfilling and worthwhile."

At first, I was skeptical, but the 16-member peer-group setting and "personal and professional" development aspects that TEC touted intrigued me. So I joined.

Upon joining, I hoped the multicompany, peer-group setting also would provide an avenue for networking, but my experience with TEC has been something much different.

In fact, TEC discourages members from soliciting business from one another and encourages group collaboration and development. After attending the first couple of meetings, I soon realized that TEC offered much more than networking opportunities.

I found the peer-group setting truly focused on the member's personal and professional development. Our monthly, eight-hour meetings normally are comprised of a TEC speaker who, for four hours, provides training and outside business expertise and techniques helpful to our businesses.

The other four hours are spent discussing issues brought to the group by members wanting opinions and advice focusing on a particular issue they may be facing.

Personally, my group has given me advice on several issues, including strategic planning, personnel issues, bonus structures and even personal doctor and medical advice when my daughter was ill.

In addition to peer-group collaboration, TEC provides members with a Web site that is full of tools, tips, techniques and group discussions on anything from payroll to operations. The site also provides a network of expertise throughout the United States and abroad that I can call on at any time. Our group chairperson conducts monthly one-on-one sessions with each member that enable us to further focus on a particular issue.

TEC has opened many doors for my personal and professional growth. It has been comforting to discover that I'm not the only CEO who doesn't know it all!

Although I may be able to find solid advice from an experienced mentor or an independent advisory board, as a small business CEO, TEC allows me to have an advisory board made up of other CEOs. Most have faced or are facing many of the same issues that I am facing. Even issues that don't affect my business are a learning experience. As a team, we work together to debate, give advice, share experiences and hold one another accountable. In my "quest for the right answers," TEC suits me fine.

In Kansas City, numerous resources are available to emerging entrepreneurs and business owners.

Although I chose TEC, some may find TEC membership to be pricey. I see the dollars as an investment in my personal and professional growth and development, which can only benefit the growth and development of my company.

Jo Anne Gabbert is president and owner of Adams-Gabbert & Associates Inc. She can be reached at 816-347-0077 or by e-mail at jgabbert@adamsgabbert.com.