Reading a recent U. S. Chamber article about the impact of local businesses on the big comeback of Detroit, host city of the national Democratic Debate last week, I was reminded once again how business success means major wins for their local communities. From General Motors compost collection program to cultivate urban gardens throughout theContinue reading
What distinguishes our organization from others is the emphasis we put on relationship building. It is the cornerstone of any successful business, especially ours. We know that there are so many options when it comes to growing your business, but the NACC knows that you can’t grow your business without relationships. Being the leaderContinue reading
We’ve all been there. Your vacation is ending, anxiety kicks in with the anticipation of all the emails, phone messages and paperwork that awaits you. Although if you’re like most people, you’ve been checking your emails while on vacation which begs the question, are you ever really on vacation? Many years ago, vacation was trulyContinue reading
The other day I was signing on to social media, which I try not to do too often. I happened to notice that members of the NACC were asking others (not on the NACC FB page, but personal asks) about recommendations for hair care, transportation, plumbers, designers, etc. It made me wonder if our membersContinue reading
I have been on a reading/listening roll. I’ve got a book I’m reading and another I’m listening to. I love the fact that I can have two books going at one time. One to read at night and the other to listen to during my workouts. It’s a great way to get in as muchContinue reading
Years ago, I was talking to one of my clients and he shared that he shies away from giving his team members too many kudos. “You start telling them how great they are and the next thing you know, they’re gone.” I asked, “Well is it a bad thing if you are the reason, they’reContinue reading
My grandmother’s education stopped after third grade. At least her formal education. She came to this country from the Azores as an immigrant at just 10 years old. Since she didn’t speak English; she gave up school to work in a factory by her home. Despite her challenging childhood, she is one of the smartestContinue reading
One of the many positive outcomes from reading or listening to great book, it frequently triggers self- reflection or action. As I make my way through, Dare to Lead, I’m reminded about the importance of living organizational values versus just paying lip service to them. Clear values within an organization builds trust. I think we can all agreeContinue reading
I’m currently listening to Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. Although I always take away great nuggets from her work, one recently stood out and struck me as particularly brilliant, “Be clear, be kind. Be unclear, be unkind.” Although I had to process the statement to fully grasp the concept, once I did, I thought about theContinue reading
This month, I celebrate 5 years at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, a 112-year-old organization. Some regard this chamber as an institution, while others view it as an “old” organization with fading relevance. I know this because shortly after taking the position, that was the feedback I received. So how do you reenergize and rethink anContinue reading
