Business Forward, a 3-year-old trade group that has facilitated meetings between businesses and Obama officials, is ramping up operation as a liberal counterweight to the conservative-leaning U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

NPR: Obama Outside Groups Forming Influence Network

It hired an outside consulting firm, AIM Group, to compile reports of violent crimes that resulted from meetings facilitated by Craigslist.

FORBES: Craigslist Called 'Cesspool of Crime' by Rival. Low Blow?

Kaufman recommends regular strategic meetings, facilitated by a third party, to make sure molehills are dealt with before they become mountains.

FORBES: Look Before You Leap into a Partnership