An evening like a bag of colorful mixed drinks.

At our first Hegau group meeting at GreenPlaces in Gottmadingen in mid-January, everyone brought a different focus, which led to a diverse exchange on a wide range of topics.

Also present:

Malte Winkler, GreenPlaces

(commercial space with GreenPlaces - space for your ideas)

Steffen Köhler, Handwertig GmbH

(Renovating | Refurbishing | Modernizing - Handwertig GmbH)

Katja Epp, myskillbridge

(MYSKILLBRIDGE - Designing professional training)

Markus Grabl, Die Ofenhalle

(Ofenhalle – Your expert for all types of stoves |Ofenhalle)

Birte Thümer, Thümer Timber Construction

(Thümer Timber Construction Architecture - Thümer Timber Construction Architecture)

Johannes Paul Kauert, BusinessFriends

(BusinessFriends Community)

To avoid getting bogged down in typical business jargon, a relaxed atmosphere is especially important to us at group meetings. This is the only way to share experiences and address personal topics equally. This is particularly exciting and a little thrilling for us when meeting new groups and people who don't know each other yet.

No need to get worked up – real people are behind every project.

It was immediately apparent how lively the conversations among the new BusinessFriends were. What's going well? Where are the sticking points in the business? We had pragmatic and honest discussions. No platitudes, just straight to the point. Both refreshing and inspiring.

Topic: Personnel & Training

Katja's passion lies in vocational training. Thanks to her initiative, we discussed how training in companies should function: structured, reliable, and designed so that both the company and the trainees benefit equally. Training is not a side issue, but the foundation of a healthy company . And in times of skilled labor shortages, it's a strategic success factor.

Topic: Marketing & Target Groups

Markus is currently working on expanding his target audience. Recommendations play a central role in his stove business. Therefore, he consciously cultivates his network of advocates, for example, through a weekly breakfast with chimney sweeps. Maintaining relationships on equal footing is a regular ritual . The conversation also touched on target groups closely related to his business, such as timber merchants or foresters – people who are closely connected to the product and can alleviate any reservations potential customers may have.

Topic: Communication within the team

Steffen's topic was internal communication. How do you reach employees? And how do you create motivation? Our shared conclusion: If you want to be understood, you must first understand yourself. Good leadership doesn't begin with methods , but with open communication.

Theme: Architecture & Sustainability

Malte and Birke demonstrated their enthusiasm for sustainable building methods during their discussion. They talked about durable buildings constructed with resource-conserving materials to fulfill their responsibility to future generations . They also discussed funding opportunities and which ones are worthwhile for businesses or the renovation of private buildings.

Topic: Digitization of work processes

Steffen spoke about the digitalization of work processes that he had developed and tested in his company. Handwertig has created its own system for this purpose, which ensures clear structures and significantly simplifies daily work. Digitalization is used here as a concrete tool to streamline existing work processes. It's a great example of how digitalization can increase efficiency when the goal of its implementation is well thought out beforehand.

It was a truly diverse and engaging evening, rich in insights and solutions as well as the joy of sharing ideas. We look forward to the next one.