Blog Welcome Jerome Chamber of Commerce Director Kevin Williams Welcome Jerome Chamber of Commerce Director Kevin Williams Kevin Williams is passionate about the success and economic development of Jerome, Idaho. Born and raised in Jerome,... Risk Aversion is Holding Your Organization Back Risk Aversion is Holding Your Organization Back Guest post by Angie Morgan Witoski Angie will come to Jerome for the 2nd Annual Leadership Symposisum on September 21.... Disciplined Leadership Leaders have a tough job. They must manage themselves, lead others, and keep their organization headed in the right direction (Gulledge, 2018). As authors Willink and... What is a Jerome Chamber STIR? How does it benefit you? In its simplest form, the Chamber STIR is a networking event. When I reentered the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom and at my workplace,... Leaders Do Not Make Excuses Personal responsibility is at the heart of what it means to lead. If you don’t own it, you can’t improve it. Focus on Your Strengths. Leveraging your strengths helps improve your performance which can lead to promotions or other career opportunities. Becoming a Person of Value “Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.” – Albert Einstein. The more valuable you are, the... Benefits of Tourism Recently while shopping at a local store, I overheard three workers discussing Idaho and our hidden gems. The first person told the others that social... Consistency One of the many leadership traits is demonstrating consistency. In today’s workplace, everyone is burdened with more tasks than ever. Being a leader is learning... How to Stop Interrupting People at Work Have you been in a meeting where you were interrupted? Have you been the one who has interrupted others? I have experienced both where I... Sideline Criticism I subscribe to a leadership blog by Leadstar. Recently they shared an article about Criticizing from the Sidelines. The synopsis is that a parent was frustrated... Leaders need to Develop Patience In our society today, we are accessible at all times with phones in our pockets, self-checkouts, and two-day shipping; no one wants to wait for... Finding Value in the Journey The American dream, to many, is having the opportunity to succeed. Our success and journeys are unique to each of us. No two travel the... Authentic Leadership Authentic leadership is servant leadership, and it is a lifelong journey. Servant leaders help their team members feel empowered, cared for, respected, trusted, and valued.... Growth Mindset A growth mindset is more than just being open-minded. Open-mindedness is willing to explore new thoughts and ideas, but a growth mindset means you are... Filler Words 2.0 We are often unconscious of the filler words we use. Yet, language matters and the words you use have an impact on your effectiveness as... Leadership starts with Self Leadership Ongoing leadership success is determined by one’s ability to develop self-leadership skills which provide the tools to help leaders better navigate essential situations. Our successes... Five Common Leadership Challenges Regardless if you are a seasoned leader or new to a leadership role, leadership skills are developed through practice. Managing Conflict Conflict is a normal part of life. You are only sometimes going to agree with everyone. Harvard Business Review says that most people respond to... Leaders are Lifelong Learners The world we live in has ever-increasing change. Everyone including leaders is forced to quickly respond and shift in ways on how businesses operate and... Impact of Artificial Intelligence and our Jobs I had a request to do a post about Artificial Intelligence and how it will affect our current and future jobs. For decades there has... Do soft skills make us stronger leaders? We continue to hear the phrase “Soft skills.” Soft skills are less tangible qualities we all possess. They are traits that make our personality which... Decision-Making & Problem Solving We all make decisions every day at home and work. We are faced with countless choices and problems, large and small. Many decisions are so... As a leader, are you seeking growth opportunities? Many set new goals and resolutions at the start of a new year. For example, some say they want to take better care of their... Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is a pattern of doubting one’s skills, talents, or accomplishments. It is normal to question yourself. At different times in our lives, we... Imperfection Embrace imperfection. Life is a process driven by practice. Recently on LinkedIn, the question was asked, “What does imperfection feel like to you?” Responses varied from imprecation... Stepping out of your Comfort Zone What is your comfort zone? Our comfort zones are where we feel the most at home. These activities and behaviors fit a routine and pattern... Empowering Service As we head into the holidays, many seek opportunities to serve those in their community. When I lived in North Dakota, the children and I... Leadership and Success Success and leadership are not the same things. Often, we think that if someone is successful, it is because they have good leadership skills. Unfortunately,... How to Regain Focus Tony Robbins said, “Your life is controlled by what you focus on.” There are seasons in the year when employees seem to lose focus. Everyone I... Be your own hero "The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is." Jim Carrey Empathic Marketing All businesses continue to find ways to connect with customers. Empathic marketing is putting yourself in the customer's shoes. Develop an understanding of your audience's... Cultivating Strong Work Relationships Building solid relationships at work or in personal life is following through on your commitments. You want to be known as a person of integrity.... Hope in the workplace What is Hope in the workplace? Are you a high-hope leader? How do you practice Hope? The workplace continues to change, and employees can become paralyzed... The road to success In our busy world, we often want to go from point A to Point B as fast as possible. We want to bypass many essential... Effective Communication We have all heard our mothers say, “I can’t read your mind.” Yet often in the workplace, we expect customers and colleagues to know what... No "Buts" We have all experienced a conversation where a compliment is followed by a “but.” The small three-letter word “but” can make you forget everything that... Stop Ghosting and Start Saying No Ghosting is a common phenomenon in both personal and professional relationships. Ghosting originated with online dating, when someone disappears from a relationship without warning. However,... “I Don’t Wanna!!” Envision a child who is having a tantrum. They do not want to do what their parent is asking. You watch them stomp their foot,... The art of knowing when not to talk Most people think that becoming a good communicator is becoming a great speaker. However, listening can be more important than speaking. Our days are filled... The value of Uncertainty Change is the one constant in life. Uncertainty is uncomfortable; we want predictability and want to know the outcome. In our fast-changing, unpredictable workplace, we... Becoming Your Best Self Your work and your work ethic reflect you. Do you coast by doing the bare minimum to collect a paycheck, or do you push yourself... Showing Appreciation Dale Carnegie, author of how to win friends and influence people shared a few principles on giving appreciation. Principle 1 - Don't criticize, condemn or complain We... Organizational Ethics We are familiar with the scandals such as Enron, Wells Fargo, and even Uber. When ethical scandals occur, we shake our heads and question how... Social Media Security Social media is a fantastic marketing tool for many companies, especially small businesses. This tool helps you get your name in front of current and... 3 Essential Leadership Principles A person can acquire all the knowledge and skills needed to make an extraordinary impact on those around you, but you will not realize your... Decision Making We make decisions every day. Some are simple and easy; others require more time as we weigh the pros and cons. Leaders are faced with... Leading from the Front Where is the best place for a leader to be? In the Front, in the middle, or the back? There are varying opinions on the... Strengthening Teams A thread by itself is not very strong. It is easily broken. When you take more than one thread and twist the threads or braid... The Value of Hard Work Some people need a little nudge. They need feedback from a team member or supervisor to tell them they’ve got this. Encouraging another person to... Adding Value Customers seek value in the products or services they are provided. A leader’s job is to ensure that employees feel valued in their jobs. Unfortunately,... Team Learning For decades, team building and team management have been around, including Total Quality Management (TQM) and Six Sigma. Research continues on how to build effective... Is Constructive Criticism Helpful? I have never liked the term “constructive criticism.” However, some say it is helpful in the workplace. There is a belief that constructive criticism helps... Personal Mastery Did you know that when we see something we view it as upside down and our brains flip the images right side up? How often... Making a Better Community Community is critical to our overall wellbeing. We are social creatures, and we find strength in numbers. Our very first community is our family, both... Tips for Managing Work Stress Work Stress affects everyone, even if you love your job there will be times that you will be stressed and overwhelmed. It is how your... How to Distinguish Yourself in the Workplace. Are you a high performer? What gives you an edge over another team or company? Your performance edge has to come from somewhere – everyone... Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Dr. Karyn Gordon, author of “The Three Chairs,” discusses the 5 Emotional Intelligent Skills great leaders need to drive communication, performance, and engagement. Imagine three... Management vs Leadership is the same thing, right? One of the highlights of my job is the opportunity to talk to people in various industries. I have the chance to visit with managers,... Am I a builder or a Wrecker? I watched them tearing a building down,A gang of men in a busy town.With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell,They swung a beam, and a sidewall... The Value of Bad Ideas Have you ever had what you thought was a bad idea? Of course, we all have had bad ideas. Bad ideas are not useless; they... The Shoes you Wear Jane Clayson Johnson is an award-winning journalist known for CBS News, ABC News, and NPR On Point. She tells a story of an interview with... What is Success to you? Contributed January 18, 2022 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director/CEO, MBA Success means different things to everyone. If you’re a college student, Success for you right now... Servant Based Leadership By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA A new year, with new goals. In 2017 Harvard Business Review shared a Gallop poll reporting 70% of the workforce... Motion Does Not Equal Progress As the year is wrapping up, many have expressed sheer exhaustion. Everyone has had to pivot in roles and jobs, economic stress, political unrest, natural... Are you Crazy Busy? Contributed December 13, 2021 Cheryl Viola, Executive Director/CEO, MBA Have you ever described your workday as "Crazy busy"? "Crazy-busy" is a significant productivity issue; it drives... Finding Inspiration in Imperfections December 7, 2021, by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director/CEO, MBA Life is busy and messy, unexpected things happen. Every person I have met has had to deal... Making Others Feel Smart By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director & CEO, MBA Our current world and economic state are turbulent. Communication is more important than ever, yet we devote less... Top Two Things in Leadership By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Leadership Author, Courtney Lynch said “Leadership is really about the ability to do two things very well. How well you influence... Help Wanted Ads Many businesses are struggling with an employee shortage. A well-crafted help wanted ad could be the difference between attracting the top talent. Job ads are a... Will you Choose to Matter? By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Many people think that being busy means that we matter. We rush from task to task filling our days with... Power Phrases By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA, October 26, 2021 Words are powerful and can create connections or put distance between people. Good leaders spend time refining... Everyday Leadership By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA, October 18, 2021 When we think of leadership, we often think of a CEO or someone who has a prominent... Empathy Recently the local college contracted with me to be an adjunct instructor. I assigned the students in the English class I am teaching to research... Conversation Starters October 4, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director Do you struggle with how to start a conversation? Meeting people isn't always easy and can be uncomfortable.... The Value of Time September 27, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director The one thing everyone has in common is that we all have the same number of hours and... R E S P E C T September 21 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA John Maxwell tells the story of Harriet Tubman, an uneducated slave, a woman, and from a minority culture... Encouraging Self-Care and Recharging Submitted September, 14, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA It is common today for workers to experience work fatigue. Employers are dealing with employee shortages,... Tradition and Change Contributed on september 7, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Every person, every society, and every culture have traditions. Traditions are wonderful; they are a... How to Ask for Help Contributed on August 30, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA We can all relate, you’re doing your work, and you need help but you are... Teamwork Contributed on August 24, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Everyone’s first experience with teams starts in the family unit. A team is more than... Solutions not Excuses Role of a Manager in Dealing with Conflict and Customer Grievances Contributed on August 10, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA In the workplace when you... Little Things Matter Contributed on August 10, 2021, by Cheryl Viola, MBA Creating and maintaining a good work culture should be a top priority for all businesses all the... Acquiring Self-Discipline Contributed August 3, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA There are many qualities that contributed to a person’s success and happiness. Remember successes to each... Motivation vs Inspiration Contributed July 20, 2021, by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Motivation and inspiration are they the same? When we talk leadership often these two terms are... Delivering Great Customer Service Contributed July 6, 2021, by Cheryl Viola Executive DIrector, MBA Great customer service is a by-product of following best practices. Best practices include things like: Valuing the... Leaders Ask Good Questions The best leaders know that to truly be effective you must do one thing really well…. Ask good questions. Standing out in your Industry Contributed June 29, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA All businesses are in the transactional industry. Everyone has goods or services in which they are... How to create a great work culture "Leaders help shape the culture of their organizations based on who they are and what they do." Getting back to Work – Post Pandemic Economic Recovery Contributed June 15 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA The state has 3% unemployment, which is a big problem for employers. I have heard from the... 5 Types of Mentors We All Need June 8, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA When I traveled to the Pacific Islands, I was intrigued by the variety of trees there and... Confidence June 2, 2021 By: Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Recently, I was returning home from vacation and had the wonderful opportunity to visit with a business... The Power of Relationships May 18, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Relationships shape our lives in ways we could never expect. When it comes to business the most... Overcoming Obstacles No matter how bleak things look or how many times you think you’ve failed, you’ve got to keep getting back up. No matter how hard,... K.I.S.S. Marketing Your message needs to be laser-focused on your customers and their needs to be effective. Marketing 101 comes down to KISS. Keep it short and... Pick Me!! April 27, 2021 By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Work fatigue, we have all had it from time to time. When you question why you are... Becoming an Inspirational Leader “As a leader, you have an incredible opportunity to change someone’s life every single day.” “Soft Skills” are Human Skills If you want to be a great leader, you must first start with being a better human being. Hobbies Improve Work Productivity April 6, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, MBA, Executive Director The work-life balance came into use in the 1970s and ‘80s. When we pursue outside interests it... Leading Yourself March 30, 2021 contributed by Cheryl Viola, MBA Before you can lead others, you need to be able to lead yourself. Developing the art of leading... Making Stress your Friend Stress is a normal part of life. It is unavoidable. Stress can prompt us to take action, and when managed correctly it can increase... Recharging your Batteries Everyone is feeling work fatigue. There is pressure to cram more and more into our work and personal lives. Our culture is go, go, go.... There is No “I” in Teamwork Mother Teresa said: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things” Unlock your Potential The most profound times of our lives are the situations and challenges we couldn’t have planned for. Choice by choice, effort by effort, we end... Leading Change Change is inevitable. It is going to happen. We have three choices. We can fight it, accept it or champion it and lead the change. Defining Success February 9, 2021 by: Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA We live in a culture where too often success is defined by arriving at a destination. To... Effective Meetings Communication is the currency of success. Structure your meetings so that the participants want to attend, find value and feel like the meetings are accomplishing... Balancing Time The one equalizer we all share is that everyone has 24 hours a day, 1440 minutes. How we use those minutes determines our work-life balance. Bridging the Generational Communication Barrier Communication is people sharing ideas, opinions, or information. Learning how to navigate generational divides will ease miscommunication between generations in the workplace. Preparing for the Job Interview Congratulations, you have a job interview. Now what? Job interviews, whether your very first one or your 100th are nerve-wracking experiences. You want to give your... Setting Goals When we ring in a new year, many seize the opportunity to set new goals and resolutions. Are you one of these people who set... Leadership Presence The same water that floats the boat, overturns it. Everyday communication failures can overturn the boat. When we think of presence, we often think of a... Leader A vs. Leader B What comes first, the compass, or the clock? Before we can manage time (the clock), you have to know where you are going (the compass). The... 4 Ways to Grow your Career Career growth is a lifetime process. The Intentional Leader Many people do not live intentional lives. This means that people don’t have a focus. Are you stuck in the rut where you do through... Shop Local Twice a year, campaigns are run about shopping local and supporting small businesses. Question: If I shop at a local big box store isn’t that... Eliminate Filler Words Having and using good vocabulary sets you apart from others. In a job interview, seeking a promotion, networking, or trying to make a sale, the... Organizational Skills Organizational Skills I love organization, I have great fun wondering office supply stores and the Container store looking at all the cool storage containers and options... The Transparent Leader Trust + Respect + Transparency = Successful Teams. Stress Management in the Workplace Pictures say a thousand words, I am sure we have all felt this way, completely overwhelmed with work and life. Stress can be a good... Networking is Intelligence Gathering Networking is the most important tool for intelligence gathering. Meeting people, asking them to tell you their stories and active listening is essential. Good conversations... Hearing vs. Listening Our Work, our relationships, our very lives succeed and fail…one conversation at a time 5 Tips to Close a Deal The best sales executives have learned to show their customers the ‘VALUE’. Customers seek answers to a problem. Clarify your Message – Grow your Company When telling your story use the 5 second test: What do you offer? How will it make my life better? What do I need to... Start with the Why Last week’s blog post we discussed “Thinking inside the Box”. In the book “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, he introduces The Golden Circle. According... Thinking Inside the Box We have all heard and been encouraged to think outside of the box. This phrase conveys looking at things in a new way. Thinking inside... 3C’s of Life: Choices, Chances, and Changes All great things start with one small step, one choice, one decision that directs you down a path. Remember the 3C’s: Choices, Chances, Changes. You... Power of Small Wins No one wakes up one day and is magically successful. Success in life and business comes step by step. Too often as we go about our... Opportunities in Times of Crisis When we are faced with a challenge or crisis, do we see the opportunities? Positivity in the Workplace A positive attitude will lead to positive outcomes. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. Personal Branding A personal brand is marketing yourself by showing the unique combination of skills and experiences that make you. Adapting to Change in the Workplace We have all heard that challenges can make or break us. Many people are resistant to change. Change forces growth and can be uncomfortable. The... Are we becoming a Cashless Economy? I applaud employees and employers who have adapted to the changes required during the pandemic. We are truly stronger together. Some businesses have chosen to... But I am not a Leader… Today we hear the term “influencer”, but what does that mean? In the world of social media, it means that these people have enough followers... Customer Service We can all get complacent in our jobs. I had many discussions this week with customer service and we need reminders to be sure that... Show your Talent in the Job Market The ability to showcase your talents in an interview could be the tipping point and convincing the recruiter and hiring manager that you are the... Becoming Your Best Self By: Cheryl Viola, MBA, Executive Director Becoming your best self requires stretching yourself, trying new things, and breaking free from your comfort zone. Here is the... How to Talk to Anyone Opportunities are around us all the time to meet new people, seize the opportunity each day to practice your conversation skills. Reinventing Yourself in the Workplace In today’s marketplace, no one stays in the same job or industry for their entire career. Especially during these challenging times as we navigate through... An Effort with a Good Attitude Equals Reward We all search for meaning and hope that we are influencing others and that our life’s purpose will lead us to happiness. We have been taught... Service-based Leadership Many of the leadership books I have read are written by former military and CIA people. The one thing they all say that corporate America... Accountability in the Workplace Accountability in the workplace means that all employees are responsible for their actions, behaviors, performance, and decisions. It increases commitment to work and employee morale... Content Marketing Marketing is vital for business success. It is how a business creates and builds awareness of who they are and sell products and services. Utilizing... Trust in the Workplace The need for trust in the workplace is a fundamental building block of any organization and can be regarded as so important that trust in... Stay Connected Human connection is important and it is a huge aspect of building relationships. During these times of COVID-19, optimism, hope, and kindness are strong. Communities... Living through the Economic Recession The reality of the COVID-19 health crisis is that the economy has taken a huge downward plunge. The current health crisis did not start the... Being a Great Coworker Our lives are built on relationships. Relationships with partners, family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We spend more time with coworkers than anyone else. The average... Inspiring others Stop and think about a person who has inspired you. What traits did they have? Honesty, integrity, confidence, good communicator, accountability, creativity, empathy, resilience, humility,... Social Media Responsibility Gone are the days of moving away and losing touch with friends. We can stay connected as never before. I have lived in two countries,... Grade A Leadership When we hear the word ‘grade’ we think in terms of school, what scholastic accolades did you receive, was your GPA a 4.0, where you... What is Success? Each week, as I think about what I could write about that, will help not only businesses but also the employees, my mind kept going... Soft Work Skills Keeping an UpToDate resume is a challenging task, especially if you have been in the same position for five or more years. The layout and... Top Challenges faced by Entrepreneurs There is not a shortage of information on how to be successful in business. We have endless books and resources providing tips on how to... Better, Best & Perfectionism If you were to ask my younger self what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have told you an art teacher... Building Great Work Relationships One of the trends for 2020 is the need to rebuild relationships and this includes workplace friendships. To cope with rejection in the workplace, it... Rejection in the workplace One thing all successful entrepreneurs have learned is how to cope with rejection. In the workplace, everyone faces rejection. There will always be more ‘no’s’... Digital File Management Tips Digital file management is an ongoing challenge. We not only store files on desktops, laptops and mobile devices but everything can also be sent to... 5 Best Practices for Small Businesses For businesses to succeed it needs to constantly adjust following the marketplace. All businesses need to regularly evaluate what is working and eliminate what isn’t... Gratitude in Leaders The holidays are over and we are already halfway through January. Often, we think of gratitude in the fall, this is when our hearts and... What is your story? In the business world, often we think that the companies that have large marketing budgets are more successful because they have deep pockets. The truth... Unstoppable Teams Part 2 Last week we discussed the first two pieces to the C.A.R.E Loop. Connect and Achieve. If you recall connecting is about connecting on a personal... Unstoppable Teams Part 1 In the last post, it was discussed how the first team we need to build is ourselves. Each person individually is a remarkable person; each... Overcoming Self-Doubt I have been reading a good book called “Unstoppable Teams” by Alden Mills. Mills is an ex-Navy Seal and an entrepreneur. Mills describes “Unstoppable teams... Volunteering The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that the essence of life is “to serve others and do good”. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to... Upskilling What is upskilling vs training? Training, is teaching employees how to perform a task or job. Proving the tools for them to be successful. Upskilling... Value of Providing Good Employee Training I love talking to our Chamber members. It is fascinating to hear from businesses first-hand the challenges they face. Last week we discussed the importance... Mentoring Tomorrows Leaders We work in a multi-generational workplace, the baby boomers and traditionalists are aging out of their roles and creating a void where knowledge is not... Dealing with Irresponsible People In the workplace, we get to work with a variety of people. We all have different traits and personalities. We have all been there where... Loyalty in the Workplace Loyalty in the workplace is creating and maintaining a strong culture. Last year while mentoring 7th Grade Students at the Jerome Middles School I had a... National Support Your Local Chamber Day October 16, is national Support your Local Chamber Day. If you do not know what a chamber of commerce is or what it does you... #ShopLocal There are 79 days until Christmas, that is 11 weeks! If your budget is like mine, I need to start thinking about Christmas and budget... #givingback Denzel Washington said: At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished…it’s about who you’ve lifted up,... Influencing People Not everyone is a leader, nor does everyone want to be a leader, and that is okay. Leadership does not always come from your position.... Managing Employee Entitlement This week I have had numerous conversations with a variety of businesses. They are all reporting the same concerns. The first has to do with... Basic Budgeting When you were in High school or even college did you know and understand how to use a personal budget? Do you know how to... The Fred Factor Passion in your Work Life We hear a lot about relationship building and how to be successful in today’s workforce we need to foster and build... Dynamic Resumes In today’s digital world with most job applications online the first challenge is to get your resumes past the robots where human eyes will then... Remembering Names One of the best ways to make a favorable impression is to remember people’s names. Relationship building and connecting with people is essential in all... Is Everyone a Leader? When geese fly south for the winter, they fly in the V formation. The geese set the course and when the lead goose tires, it... How to Find Qualified Employees How do businesses find qualified employees in today’s tight job market? In previous segments, we have discussed tips for employers on how to attract employees... The Importance of Training in the Workplace Do you remember your first job? Were you trained or just thrown into the task(s) at hand? I remember my first job was at a... Positive Attitude in the Workplace Our attitude affects our relationships, happiness, lifestyle and, success. A positive attitude is what your co-workers and customers will pick up on, whether it is... Revenue vs Growth Starting and owning a business can be exciting and terrifying for anyone. Profit, Revenue, Growth. Do these terms all mean the same thing? If not,... Conflict Resolution Conflict happens in all areas of our lives. Conflict occurs whenever there are people with different expectations. Just about every workplace conflict stems from two... Increasing Confidence in the Workplace Can you think of a time when you lacked confidence in the workplace? We have all had them. It might be a lack of confidence when... Job Search Tips We are blessed to have a thriving economy and with the current market of a 2.5% unemployment rate, there are more jobs that work. How... Creating a Dynamic Customer Experience Marketing trends come and go quickly, marketers are constantly seeking new creative ways to get their name and brand out in the community to engage,... Successful Teams A strong team is the foundation of a high-performing business. If team members do not work well together, problems can arise and cause conflict within... What is your Leadership Style? Who was your favorite leader or boss? What traits did they have? Why were they your favorite? Did you connect with them on a personal... Hiring the Right Team Members Hiring and training team members can be a costly mistake if you hire the wrong person. It is essential to be sure that you make... Creating Awesome Social Media Images We are visual people. Since 1873 when the first American newspaper began using daily illustrations we tend to connect and remember more with a good... ROI vs VOI Small Business is the cornerstone for our economy. All businesses want to see growth. Growth in a business is more than just Return on Investment... Acceptance in the Workplace No two people think or act the same way. Thank heavens for that, I joke that you wouldn’t want two of me, I don’t want... Building Online Visibility A couple of weeks ago we discussed the importance of and ways to increase your business visibility. As a quick refresher, businesses need to look... Embracing Fear and Failure in the Workplace Did you know that Oprah was fired from her first news reporter position? Or that Jerry Seinfeld was booed off stage the first time he... Increase your Business Visibility A brand’s visibility is key to growing your business. Customers need to know about your business and interact with you. Growing your visibility should be... Elements of Starting a Business Starting your own business can be exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Many people dream of being their own boss and not having to... Why is Creativity Important in the Workplace? Creativity in the workplace has become a “must have”. Today we operate in a highly competitive, global environment, making creativity crucial. You might be wondering... Qualities of a Good Mentor Today’s Leaders are Mentors. At its core, being a mentor is a trusted advisor. It is leading another person through a one-to-one relationship, supporting and... Ways to Boost Your Reputation Your reputation is perhaps your greatest asset. Looking after your business reputation is paramount. Your business reputation is the most powerful leverage you have and... Embrace your Expertise Not that long ago one of the traits listed on every job application was the skill to multi-task. Multi-tasking is proving to be less efficient... Integrity in the workplace Recently I had a conversation with a Chamber member about integrity in the workplace. We discussed that integrity is one of the top traits’ employers... Active Listening Listening is one of the most important skills we can have. How well we listen has a major impact on our effectiveness on the job... Advocacy Myth Buster! Is a Chamber of Commerce apart of the local city government? No, we are not a division of the city of state government. The Chamber... Word of Mouth Marketing The Best Marketing Tool You Have!! Can you think of the last time you saw something and you just had to tell your friends about it?... Where to get business help before calling it quits. Starting and owning a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of work. Too often business owners close their doors... Art of Good Conversation I have been reading a few professional development books. One book by Daniel H. Pink, titled “To Sell is Human” discusses how we are all... Stop Saying I'm Busy When People Ask You How You Are, Stop Saying "Busy" I am constantly on the lookout for tips and good topics to research to bring to... Creating a Dynamic Work Culture A company’s culture is its identity. Creating workplace cultures that can withstand the uncertainty of changing business models, increase workforce diversity and a flood of... Business of the Week - New Program There are many benefits to supporting your local Chamber of Commerce. Membership provides you with networking, advocacy, growth, opportunity, and credibility. One of the most... Surviving the Business Holiday Slump The Holiday season is here. Life is busy with family, work and community parties galore. This busy season can have a major impact on your... 5 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Know Wow, it is December already. If you are like me you wonder how and when the year slipped by. This is a time to reflect... Building your Business Brand There is a strange idea that by joining the local Chamber of Commerce that it is the magic solution to making money and will bring... How to Distinguish your Business from the Competition As consumers, we all strive to make our dollars stretch as far as we can. As businesses, the goal is to beat out the competition... 7 ways to Promote your Business without being Obnoxious. Another Holiday season is upon us. Saturday, November 24 is Small Business Saturday. Promoting your businss is essential to your success. In today's technological world... Reduce Employee Turnover Employee turnover is a continual challenge all businesses experience. It is costly for businesses in both time and training. When it comes to dealing with... 8 Ways to Super-serve Consumers eBay and Amazon first launched online shopping in 1995. For the past 23 years, retailers have been struggling against a retail Apocalypse. They have been... How to Increase Revenue Last week we discussed the importance of having charitable contributions built into your business plan and how sponsoring events through the Chamber of Commerce or... Promoting Your Business Through Donating to Local Nonprofits We are entering in the busiest time of the year. Businesses a receiving request daily to donate to one cause or another. Focusing on charitable... Operating Costs All businesses big and small. For-profit and nonprofit need to ensure that they have enough cash flow to cover operating expenses. There is often a... The Importance of Having Good Mentors What does the word community mean to you? We live, work and play in communities. The definition of a community is a feeling of fellowship... Marketing using Social Media When it comes to marketing any business there are many things to consider. The business owner and marketing team need to decide who their target... Naming a business When it comes to starting and owning your own business there are no limits to age, you don’t need a lot of money or even... Multi-generational workforce communication Our segments of multi-generational work place have been about understanding the different generations for better communication and creating a better work environment for all generations.... Millennial's in the Work Force - Segment 2 In our previous segment about multi-generational work places we discussed millennial's and bridging the communication barrier. We covered the value and learning opportunities that comes... Millennial's in the work force - Segment 1 We humans tend to put labels on everything. We identify ourselves by the labels we are given or give ourselves. The same with millennial's, not... The Importance of making and keeping Eye Contact How often have you talked with another person who never looked you in the eye during the entire conversation? Or they have looked at your... Chamber Membership ROI In the past 5 years I have worked for a chamber of commerce in two different states. The communities are different but the one thing... Make your Contacts Count Anyone can learn how to make small talk into smart talk. Networking is the deliberate process of exchanging information, resources, and support to create mutually... 'Soft' Chamber Benefits We have spent a lot of time over the past weeks discussing networking skills. There are many ‘soft’ benefits that the Chamber offers businesses. These... Increasing your Visibility Last week's message was about not being a shadow on the wall, how to break into networking experiences successfully. It doesn't matter how long you... Shadows on the Wall Let’s face it too many people entering a networking situation alone or for the first few times can be intimidating. Most people’s natural tendency is... Building Successful Business Relationships If you have not had the opportunity to tune into the weekly Chamber Chats on both the BUCK FM and la perrona we visit about various... What is a Chamber of Commerce? I want to thank the community for the warm welcome to Jerome. As I have been out meeting people in the community I have meet...
Welcome Jerome Chamber of Commerce Director Kevin Williams Welcome Jerome Chamber of Commerce Director Kevin Williams Kevin Williams is passionate about the success and economic development of Jerome, Idaho. Born and raised in Jerome,... Risk Aversion is Holding Your Organization Back Risk Aversion is Holding Your Organization Back Guest post by Angie Morgan Witoski Angie will come to Jerome for the 2nd Annual Leadership Symposisum on September 21.... Disciplined Leadership Leaders have a tough job. They must manage themselves, lead others, and keep their organization headed in the right direction (Gulledge, 2018). As authors Willink and... What is a Jerome Chamber STIR? How does it benefit you? In its simplest form, the Chamber STIR is a networking event. When I reentered the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom and at my workplace,... Leaders Do Not Make Excuses Personal responsibility is at the heart of what it means to lead. If you don’t own it, you can’t improve it. Focus on Your Strengths. Leveraging your strengths helps improve your performance which can lead to promotions or other career opportunities. Becoming a Person of Value “Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.” – Albert Einstein. The more valuable you are, the... Benefits of Tourism Recently while shopping at a local store, I overheard three workers discussing Idaho and our hidden gems. The first person told the others that social... Consistency One of the many leadership traits is demonstrating consistency. In today’s workplace, everyone is burdened with more tasks than ever. Being a leader is learning... How to Stop Interrupting People at Work Have you been in a meeting where you were interrupted? Have you been the one who has interrupted others? I have experienced both where I... Sideline Criticism I subscribe to a leadership blog by Leadstar. Recently they shared an article about Criticizing from the Sidelines. The synopsis is that a parent was frustrated... Leaders need to Develop Patience In our society today, we are accessible at all times with phones in our pockets, self-checkouts, and two-day shipping; no one wants to wait for... Finding Value in the Journey The American dream, to many, is having the opportunity to succeed. Our success and journeys are unique to each of us. No two travel the... Authentic Leadership Authentic leadership is servant leadership, and it is a lifelong journey. Servant leaders help their team members feel empowered, cared for, respected, trusted, and valued.... Growth Mindset A growth mindset is more than just being open-minded. Open-mindedness is willing to explore new thoughts and ideas, but a growth mindset means you are... Filler Words 2.0 We are often unconscious of the filler words we use. Yet, language matters and the words you use have an impact on your effectiveness as... Leadership starts with Self Leadership Ongoing leadership success is determined by one’s ability to develop self-leadership skills which provide the tools to help leaders better navigate essential situations. Our successes... Five Common Leadership Challenges Regardless if you are a seasoned leader or new to a leadership role, leadership skills are developed through practice. Managing Conflict Conflict is a normal part of life. You are only sometimes going to agree with everyone. Harvard Business Review says that most people respond to... Leaders are Lifelong Learners The world we live in has ever-increasing change. Everyone including leaders is forced to quickly respond and shift in ways on how businesses operate and... Impact of Artificial Intelligence and our Jobs I had a request to do a post about Artificial Intelligence and how it will affect our current and future jobs. For decades there has... Do soft skills make us stronger leaders? We continue to hear the phrase “Soft skills.” Soft skills are less tangible qualities we all possess. They are traits that make our personality which... Decision-Making & Problem Solving We all make decisions every day at home and work. We are faced with countless choices and problems, large and small. Many decisions are so... As a leader, are you seeking growth opportunities? Many set new goals and resolutions at the start of a new year. For example, some say they want to take better care of their... Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is a pattern of doubting one’s skills, talents, or accomplishments. It is normal to question yourself. At different times in our lives, we... Imperfection Embrace imperfection. Life is a process driven by practice. Recently on LinkedIn, the question was asked, “What does imperfection feel like to you?” Responses varied from imprecation... Stepping out of your Comfort Zone What is your comfort zone? Our comfort zones are where we feel the most at home. These activities and behaviors fit a routine and pattern... Empowering Service As we head into the holidays, many seek opportunities to serve those in their community. When I lived in North Dakota, the children and I... Leadership and Success Success and leadership are not the same things. Often, we think that if someone is successful, it is because they have good leadership skills. Unfortunately,... How to Regain Focus Tony Robbins said, “Your life is controlled by what you focus on.” There are seasons in the year when employees seem to lose focus. Everyone I... Be your own hero "The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is." Jim Carrey Empathic Marketing All businesses continue to find ways to connect with customers. Empathic marketing is putting yourself in the customer's shoes. Develop an understanding of your audience's... Cultivating Strong Work Relationships Building solid relationships at work or in personal life is following through on your commitments. You want to be known as a person of integrity.... Hope in the workplace What is Hope in the workplace? Are you a high-hope leader? How do you practice Hope? The workplace continues to change, and employees can become paralyzed... The road to success In our busy world, we often want to go from point A to Point B as fast as possible. We want to bypass many essential... Effective Communication We have all heard our mothers say, “I can’t read your mind.” Yet often in the workplace, we expect customers and colleagues to know what... No "Buts" We have all experienced a conversation where a compliment is followed by a “but.” The small three-letter word “but” can make you forget everything that... Stop Ghosting and Start Saying No Ghosting is a common phenomenon in both personal and professional relationships. Ghosting originated with online dating, when someone disappears from a relationship without warning. However,... “I Don’t Wanna!!” Envision a child who is having a tantrum. They do not want to do what their parent is asking. You watch them stomp their foot,... The art of knowing when not to talk Most people think that becoming a good communicator is becoming a great speaker. However, listening can be more important than speaking. Our days are filled... The value of Uncertainty Change is the one constant in life. Uncertainty is uncomfortable; we want predictability and want to know the outcome. In our fast-changing, unpredictable workplace, we... Becoming Your Best Self Your work and your work ethic reflect you. Do you coast by doing the bare minimum to collect a paycheck, or do you push yourself... Showing Appreciation Dale Carnegie, author of how to win friends and influence people shared a few principles on giving appreciation. Principle 1 - Don't criticize, condemn or complain We... Organizational Ethics We are familiar with the scandals such as Enron, Wells Fargo, and even Uber. When ethical scandals occur, we shake our heads and question how... Social Media Security Social media is a fantastic marketing tool for many companies, especially small businesses. This tool helps you get your name in front of current and... 3 Essential Leadership Principles A person can acquire all the knowledge and skills needed to make an extraordinary impact on those around you, but you will not realize your... Decision Making We make decisions every day. Some are simple and easy; others require more time as we weigh the pros and cons. Leaders are faced with... Leading from the Front Where is the best place for a leader to be? In the Front, in the middle, or the back? There are varying opinions on the... Strengthening Teams A thread by itself is not very strong. It is easily broken. When you take more than one thread and twist the threads or braid... The Value of Hard Work Some people need a little nudge. They need feedback from a team member or supervisor to tell them they’ve got this. Encouraging another person to... Adding Value Customers seek value in the products or services they are provided. A leader’s job is to ensure that employees feel valued in their jobs. Unfortunately,... Team Learning For decades, team building and team management have been around, including Total Quality Management (TQM) and Six Sigma. Research continues on how to build effective... Is Constructive Criticism Helpful? I have never liked the term “constructive criticism.” However, some say it is helpful in the workplace. There is a belief that constructive criticism helps... Personal Mastery Did you know that when we see something we view it as upside down and our brains flip the images right side up? How often... Making a Better Community Community is critical to our overall wellbeing. We are social creatures, and we find strength in numbers. Our very first community is our family, both... Tips for Managing Work Stress Work Stress affects everyone, even if you love your job there will be times that you will be stressed and overwhelmed. It is how your... How to Distinguish Yourself in the Workplace. Are you a high performer? What gives you an edge over another team or company? Your performance edge has to come from somewhere – everyone... Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Dr. Karyn Gordon, author of “The Three Chairs,” discusses the 5 Emotional Intelligent Skills great leaders need to drive communication, performance, and engagement. Imagine three... Management vs Leadership is the same thing, right? One of the highlights of my job is the opportunity to talk to people in various industries. I have the chance to visit with managers,... Am I a builder or a Wrecker? I watched them tearing a building down,A gang of men in a busy town.With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell,They swung a beam, and a sidewall... The Value of Bad Ideas Have you ever had what you thought was a bad idea? Of course, we all have had bad ideas. Bad ideas are not useless; they... The Shoes you Wear Jane Clayson Johnson is an award-winning journalist known for CBS News, ABC News, and NPR On Point. She tells a story of an interview with... What is Success to you? Contributed January 18, 2022 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director/CEO, MBA Success means different things to everyone. If you’re a college student, Success for you right now... Servant Based Leadership By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA A new year, with new goals. In 2017 Harvard Business Review shared a Gallop poll reporting 70% of the workforce... Motion Does Not Equal Progress As the year is wrapping up, many have expressed sheer exhaustion. Everyone has had to pivot in roles and jobs, economic stress, political unrest, natural... Are you Crazy Busy? Contributed December 13, 2021 Cheryl Viola, Executive Director/CEO, MBA Have you ever described your workday as "Crazy busy"? "Crazy-busy" is a significant productivity issue; it drives... Finding Inspiration in Imperfections December 7, 2021, by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director/CEO, MBA Life is busy and messy, unexpected things happen. Every person I have met has had to deal... Making Others Feel Smart By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director & CEO, MBA Our current world and economic state are turbulent. Communication is more important than ever, yet we devote less... Top Two Things in Leadership By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Leadership Author, Courtney Lynch said “Leadership is really about the ability to do two things very well. How well you influence... Help Wanted Ads Many businesses are struggling with an employee shortage. A well-crafted help wanted ad could be the difference between attracting the top talent. Job ads are a... Will you Choose to Matter? By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Many people think that being busy means that we matter. We rush from task to task filling our days with... Power Phrases By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA, October 26, 2021 Words are powerful and can create connections or put distance between people. Good leaders spend time refining... Everyday Leadership By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA, October 18, 2021 When we think of leadership, we often think of a CEO or someone who has a prominent... Empathy Recently the local college contracted with me to be an adjunct instructor. I assigned the students in the English class I am teaching to research... Conversation Starters October 4, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director Do you struggle with how to start a conversation? Meeting people isn't always easy and can be uncomfortable.... The Value of Time September 27, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director The one thing everyone has in common is that we all have the same number of hours and... R E S P E C T September 21 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA John Maxwell tells the story of Harriet Tubman, an uneducated slave, a woman, and from a minority culture... Encouraging Self-Care and Recharging Submitted September, 14, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA It is common today for workers to experience work fatigue. Employers are dealing with employee shortages,... Tradition and Change Contributed on september 7, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Every person, every society, and every culture have traditions. Traditions are wonderful; they are a... How to Ask for Help Contributed on August 30, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA We can all relate, you’re doing your work, and you need help but you are... Teamwork Contributed on August 24, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Everyone’s first experience with teams starts in the family unit. A team is more than... Solutions not Excuses Role of a Manager in Dealing with Conflict and Customer Grievances Contributed on August 10, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA In the workplace when you... Little Things Matter Contributed on August 10, 2021, by Cheryl Viola, MBA Creating and maintaining a good work culture should be a top priority for all businesses all the... Acquiring Self-Discipline Contributed August 3, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA There are many qualities that contributed to a person’s success and happiness. Remember successes to each... Motivation vs Inspiration Contributed July 20, 2021, by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Motivation and inspiration are they the same? When we talk leadership often these two terms are... Delivering Great Customer Service Contributed July 6, 2021, by Cheryl Viola Executive DIrector, MBA Great customer service is a by-product of following best practices. Best practices include things like: Valuing the... Leaders Ask Good Questions The best leaders know that to truly be effective you must do one thing really well…. Ask good questions. Standing out in your Industry Contributed June 29, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA All businesses are in the transactional industry. Everyone has goods or services in which they are... How to create a great work culture "Leaders help shape the culture of their organizations based on who they are and what they do." Getting back to Work – Post Pandemic Economic Recovery Contributed June 15 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA The state has 3% unemployment, which is a big problem for employers. I have heard from the... 5 Types of Mentors We All Need June 8, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA When I traveled to the Pacific Islands, I was intrigued by the variety of trees there and... Confidence June 2, 2021 By: Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Recently, I was returning home from vacation and had the wonderful opportunity to visit with a business... The Power of Relationships May 18, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Relationships shape our lives in ways we could never expect. When it comes to business the most... Overcoming Obstacles No matter how bleak things look or how many times you think you’ve failed, you’ve got to keep getting back up. No matter how hard,... K.I.S.S. Marketing Your message needs to be laser-focused on your customers and their needs to be effective. Marketing 101 comes down to KISS. Keep it short and... Pick Me!! April 27, 2021 By Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA Work fatigue, we have all had it from time to time. When you question why you are... Becoming an Inspirational Leader “As a leader, you have an incredible opportunity to change someone’s life every single day.” “Soft Skills” are Human Skills If you want to be a great leader, you must first start with being a better human being. Hobbies Improve Work Productivity April 6, 2021 by Cheryl Viola, MBA, Executive Director The work-life balance came into use in the 1970s and ‘80s. When we pursue outside interests it... Leading Yourself March 30, 2021 contributed by Cheryl Viola, MBA Before you can lead others, you need to be able to lead yourself. Developing the art of leading... Making Stress your Friend Stress is a normal part of life. It is unavoidable. Stress can prompt us to take action, and when managed correctly it can increase... Recharging your Batteries Everyone is feeling work fatigue. There is pressure to cram more and more into our work and personal lives. Our culture is go, go, go.... There is No “I” in Teamwork Mother Teresa said: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things” Unlock your Potential The most profound times of our lives are the situations and challenges we couldn’t have planned for. Choice by choice, effort by effort, we end... Leading Change Change is inevitable. It is going to happen. We have three choices. We can fight it, accept it or champion it and lead the change. Defining Success February 9, 2021 by: Cheryl Viola, Executive Director, MBA We live in a culture where too often success is defined by arriving at a destination. To... Effective Meetings Communication is the currency of success. Structure your meetings so that the participants want to attend, find value and feel like the meetings are accomplishing... Balancing Time The one equalizer we all share is that everyone has 24 hours a day, 1440 minutes. How we use those minutes determines our work-life balance. Bridging the Generational Communication Barrier Communication is people sharing ideas, opinions, or information. Learning how to navigate generational divides will ease miscommunication between generations in the workplace. Preparing for the Job Interview Congratulations, you have a job interview. Now what? Job interviews, whether your very first one or your 100th are nerve-wracking experiences. You want to give your... Setting Goals When we ring in a new year, many seize the opportunity to set new goals and resolutions. Are you one of these people who set... Leadership Presence The same water that floats the boat, overturns it. Everyday communication failures can overturn the boat. When we think of presence, we often think of a... Leader A vs. Leader B What comes first, the compass, or the clock? Before we can manage time (the clock), you have to know where you are going (the compass). The... 4 Ways to Grow your Career Career growth is a lifetime process. The Intentional Leader Many people do not live intentional lives. This means that people don’t have a focus. Are you stuck in the rut where you do through... Shop Local Twice a year, campaigns are run about shopping local and supporting small businesses. Question: If I shop at a local big box store isn’t that... Eliminate Filler Words Having and using good vocabulary sets you apart from others. In a job interview, seeking a promotion, networking, or trying to make a sale, the... Organizational Skills Organizational Skills I love organization, I have great fun wondering office supply stores and the Container store looking at all the cool storage containers and options... The Transparent Leader Trust + Respect + Transparency = Successful Teams. Stress Management in the Workplace Pictures say a thousand words, I am sure we have all felt this way, completely overwhelmed with work and life. Stress can be a good... Networking is Intelligence Gathering Networking is the most important tool for intelligence gathering. Meeting people, asking them to tell you their stories and active listening is essential. Good conversations... Hearing vs. Listening Our Work, our relationships, our very lives succeed and fail…one conversation at a time 5 Tips to Close a Deal The best sales executives have learned to show their customers the ‘VALUE’. Customers seek answers to a problem. Clarify your Message – Grow your Company When telling your story use the 5 second test: What do you offer? How will it make my life better? What do I need to... Start with the Why Last week’s blog post we discussed “Thinking inside the Box”. In the book “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, he introduces The Golden Circle. According... Thinking Inside the Box We have all heard and been encouraged to think outside of the box. This phrase conveys looking at things in a new way. Thinking inside... 3C’s of Life: Choices, Chances, and Changes All great things start with one small step, one choice, one decision that directs you down a path. Remember the 3C’s: Choices, Chances, Changes. You... Power of Small Wins No one wakes up one day and is magically successful. Success in life and business comes step by step. Too often as we go about our... Opportunities in Times of Crisis When we are faced with a challenge or crisis, do we see the opportunities? Positivity in the Workplace A positive attitude will lead to positive outcomes. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. Personal Branding A personal brand is marketing yourself by showing the unique combination of skills and experiences that make you. Adapting to Change in the Workplace We have all heard that challenges can make or break us. Many people are resistant to change. Change forces growth and can be uncomfortable. The... Are we becoming a Cashless Economy? I applaud employees and employers who have adapted to the changes required during the pandemic. We are truly stronger together. Some businesses have chosen to... But I am not a Leader… Today we hear the term “influencer”, but what does that mean? In the world of social media, it means that these people have enough followers... Customer Service We can all get complacent in our jobs. I had many discussions this week with customer service and we need reminders to be sure that... Show your Talent in the Job Market The ability to showcase your talents in an interview could be the tipping point and convincing the recruiter and hiring manager that you are the... Becoming Your Best Self By: Cheryl Viola, MBA, Executive Director Becoming your best self requires stretching yourself, trying new things, and breaking free from your comfort zone. Here is the... How to Talk to Anyone Opportunities are around us all the time to meet new people, seize the opportunity each day to practice your conversation skills. Reinventing Yourself in the Workplace In today’s marketplace, no one stays in the same job or industry for their entire career. Especially during these challenging times as we navigate through... An Effort with a Good Attitude Equals Reward We all search for meaning and hope that we are influencing others and that our life’s purpose will lead us to happiness. We have been taught... Service-based Leadership Many of the leadership books I have read are written by former military and CIA people. The one thing they all say that corporate America... Accountability in the Workplace Accountability in the workplace means that all employees are responsible for their actions, behaviors, performance, and decisions. It increases commitment to work and employee morale... Content Marketing Marketing is vital for business success. It is how a business creates and builds awareness of who they are and sell products and services. Utilizing... Trust in the Workplace The need for trust in the workplace is a fundamental building block of any organization and can be regarded as so important that trust in... Stay Connected Human connection is important and it is a huge aspect of building relationships. During these times of COVID-19, optimism, hope, and kindness are strong. Communities... Living through the Economic Recession The reality of the COVID-19 health crisis is that the economy has taken a huge downward plunge. The current health crisis did not start the... Being a Great Coworker Our lives are built on relationships. Relationships with partners, family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We spend more time with coworkers than anyone else. The average... Inspiring others Stop and think about a person who has inspired you. What traits did they have? Honesty, integrity, confidence, good communicator, accountability, creativity, empathy, resilience, humility,... Social Media Responsibility Gone are the days of moving away and losing touch with friends. We can stay connected as never before. I have lived in two countries,... Grade A Leadership When we hear the word ‘grade’ we think in terms of school, what scholastic accolades did you receive, was your GPA a 4.0, where you... What is Success? Each week, as I think about what I could write about that, will help not only businesses but also the employees, my mind kept going... Soft Work Skills Keeping an UpToDate resume is a challenging task, especially if you have been in the same position for five or more years. The layout and... Top Challenges faced by Entrepreneurs There is not a shortage of information on how to be successful in business. We have endless books and resources providing tips on how to... Better, Best & Perfectionism If you were to ask my younger self what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have told you an art teacher... Building Great Work Relationships One of the trends for 2020 is the need to rebuild relationships and this includes workplace friendships. To cope with rejection in the workplace, it... Rejection in the workplace One thing all successful entrepreneurs have learned is how to cope with rejection. In the workplace, everyone faces rejection. There will always be more ‘no’s’... Digital File Management Tips Digital file management is an ongoing challenge. We not only store files on desktops, laptops and mobile devices but everything can also be sent to... 5 Best Practices for Small Businesses For businesses to succeed it needs to constantly adjust following the marketplace. All businesses need to regularly evaluate what is working and eliminate what isn’t... Gratitude in Leaders The holidays are over and we are already halfway through January. Often, we think of gratitude in the fall, this is when our hearts and... What is your story? In the business world, often we think that the companies that have large marketing budgets are more successful because they have deep pockets. The truth... Unstoppable Teams Part 2 Last week we discussed the first two pieces to the C.A.R.E Loop. Connect and Achieve. If you recall connecting is about connecting on a personal... Unstoppable Teams Part 1 In the last post, it was discussed how the first team we need to build is ourselves. Each person individually is a remarkable person; each... Overcoming Self-Doubt I have been reading a good book called “Unstoppable Teams” by Alden Mills. Mills is an ex-Navy Seal and an entrepreneur. Mills describes “Unstoppable teams... Volunteering The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that the essence of life is “to serve others and do good”. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to... Upskilling What is upskilling vs training? Training, is teaching employees how to perform a task or job. Proving the tools for them to be successful. Upskilling... Value of Providing Good Employee Training I love talking to our Chamber members. It is fascinating to hear from businesses first-hand the challenges they face. Last week we discussed the importance... Mentoring Tomorrows Leaders We work in a multi-generational workplace, the baby boomers and traditionalists are aging out of their roles and creating a void where knowledge is not... Dealing with Irresponsible People In the workplace, we get to work with a variety of people. We all have different traits and personalities. We have all been there where... Loyalty in the Workplace Loyalty in the workplace is creating and maintaining a strong culture. Last year while mentoring 7th Grade Students at the Jerome Middles School I had a... National Support Your Local Chamber Day October 16, is national Support your Local Chamber Day. If you do not know what a chamber of commerce is or what it does you... #ShopLocal There are 79 days until Christmas, that is 11 weeks! If your budget is like mine, I need to start thinking about Christmas and budget... #givingback Denzel Washington said: At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished…it’s about who you’ve lifted up,... Influencing People Not everyone is a leader, nor does everyone want to be a leader, and that is okay. Leadership does not always come from your position.... Managing Employee Entitlement This week I have had numerous conversations with a variety of businesses. They are all reporting the same concerns. The first has to do with... Basic Budgeting When you were in High school or even college did you know and understand how to use a personal budget? Do you know how to... The Fred Factor Passion in your Work Life We hear a lot about relationship building and how to be successful in today’s workforce we need to foster and build... Dynamic Resumes In today’s digital world with most job applications online the first challenge is to get your resumes past the robots where human eyes will then... Remembering Names One of the best ways to make a favorable impression is to remember people’s names. Relationship building and connecting with people is essential in all... Is Everyone a Leader? When geese fly south for the winter, they fly in the V formation. The geese set the course and when the lead goose tires, it... How to Find Qualified Employees How do businesses find qualified employees in today’s tight job market? In previous segments, we have discussed tips for employers on how to attract employees... The Importance of Training in the Workplace Do you remember your first job? Were you trained or just thrown into the task(s) at hand? I remember my first job was at a... Positive Attitude in the Workplace Our attitude affects our relationships, happiness, lifestyle and, success. A positive attitude is what your co-workers and customers will pick up on, whether it is... Revenue vs Growth Starting and owning a business can be exciting and terrifying for anyone. Profit, Revenue, Growth. Do these terms all mean the same thing? If not,... Conflict Resolution Conflict happens in all areas of our lives. Conflict occurs whenever there are people with different expectations. Just about every workplace conflict stems from two... Increasing Confidence in the Workplace Can you think of a time when you lacked confidence in the workplace? We have all had them. It might be a lack of confidence when... Job Search Tips We are blessed to have a thriving economy and with the current market of a 2.5% unemployment rate, there are more jobs that work. How... Creating a Dynamic Customer Experience Marketing trends come and go quickly, marketers are constantly seeking new creative ways to get their name and brand out in the community to engage,... Successful Teams A strong team is the foundation of a high-performing business. If team members do not work well together, problems can arise and cause conflict within... What is your Leadership Style? Who was your favorite leader or boss? What traits did they have? Why were they your favorite? Did you connect with them on a personal... Hiring the Right Team Members Hiring and training team members can be a costly mistake if you hire the wrong person. It is essential to be sure that you make... Creating Awesome Social Media Images We are visual people. Since 1873 when the first American newspaper began using daily illustrations we tend to connect and remember more with a good... ROI vs VOI Small Business is the cornerstone for our economy. All businesses want to see growth. Growth in a business is more than just Return on Investment... Acceptance in the Workplace No two people think or act the same way. Thank heavens for that, I joke that you wouldn’t want two of me, I don’t want... Building Online Visibility A couple of weeks ago we discussed the importance of and ways to increase your business visibility. As a quick refresher, businesses need to look... Embracing Fear and Failure in the Workplace Did you know that Oprah was fired from her first news reporter position? Or that Jerry Seinfeld was booed off stage the first time he... Increase your Business Visibility A brand’s visibility is key to growing your business. Customers need to know about your business and interact with you. Growing your visibility should be... Elements of Starting a Business Starting your own business can be exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Many people dream of being their own boss and not having to... Why is Creativity Important in the Workplace? Creativity in the workplace has become a “must have”. Today we operate in a highly competitive, global environment, making creativity crucial. You might be wondering... Qualities of a Good Mentor Today’s Leaders are Mentors. At its core, being a mentor is a trusted advisor. It is leading another person through a one-to-one relationship, supporting and... Ways to Boost Your Reputation Your reputation is perhaps your greatest asset. Looking after your business reputation is paramount. Your business reputation is the most powerful leverage you have and... Embrace your Expertise Not that long ago one of the traits listed on every job application was the skill to multi-task. Multi-tasking is proving to be less efficient... Integrity in the workplace Recently I had a conversation with a Chamber member about integrity in the workplace. We discussed that integrity is one of the top traits’ employers... Active Listening Listening is one of the most important skills we can have. How well we listen has a major impact on our effectiveness on the job... Advocacy Myth Buster! Is a Chamber of Commerce apart of the local city government? No, we are not a division of the city of state government. The Chamber... Word of Mouth Marketing The Best Marketing Tool You Have!! Can you think of the last time you saw something and you just had to tell your friends about it?... Where to get business help before calling it quits. Starting and owning a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of work. Too often business owners close their doors... Art of Good Conversation I have been reading a few professional development books. One book by Daniel H. Pink, titled “To Sell is Human” discusses how we are all... Stop Saying I'm Busy When People Ask You How You Are, Stop Saying "Busy" I am constantly on the lookout for tips and good topics to research to bring to... Creating a Dynamic Work Culture A company’s culture is its identity. Creating workplace cultures that can withstand the uncertainty of changing business models, increase workforce diversity and a flood of... Business of the Week - New Program There are many benefits to supporting your local Chamber of Commerce. Membership provides you with networking, advocacy, growth, opportunity, and credibility. One of the most... Surviving the Business Holiday Slump The Holiday season is here. Life is busy with family, work and community parties galore. This busy season can have a major impact on your... 5 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Know Wow, it is December already. If you are like me you wonder how and when the year slipped by. This is a time to reflect... Building your Business Brand There is a strange idea that by joining the local Chamber of Commerce that it is the magic solution to making money and will bring... How to Distinguish your Business from the Competition As consumers, we all strive to make our dollars stretch as far as we can. As businesses, the goal is to beat out the competition... 7 ways to Promote your Business without being Obnoxious. Another Holiday season is upon us. Saturday, November 24 is Small Business Saturday. Promoting your businss is essential to your success. In today's technological world... Reduce Employee Turnover Employee turnover is a continual challenge all businesses experience. It is costly for businesses in both time and training. When it comes to dealing with... 8 Ways to Super-serve Consumers eBay and Amazon first launched online shopping in 1995. For the past 23 years, retailers have been struggling against a retail Apocalypse. They have been... How to Increase Revenue Last week we discussed the importance of having charitable contributions built into your business plan and how sponsoring events through the Chamber of Commerce or... Promoting Your Business Through Donating to Local Nonprofits We are entering in the busiest time of the year. Businesses a receiving request daily to donate to one cause or another. Focusing on charitable... Operating Costs All businesses big and small. For-profit and nonprofit need to ensure that they have enough cash flow to cover operating expenses. There is often a... The Importance of Having Good Mentors What does the word community mean to you? We live, work and play in communities. The definition of a community is a feeling of fellowship... Marketing using Social Media When it comes to marketing any business there are many things to consider. The business owner and marketing team need to decide who their target... Naming a business When it comes to starting and owning your own business there are no limits to age, you don’t need a lot of money or even... Multi-generational workforce communication Our segments of multi-generational work place have been about understanding the different generations for better communication and creating a better work environment for all generations.... Millennial's in the Work Force - Segment 2 In our previous segment about multi-generational work places we discussed millennial's and bridging the communication barrier. We covered the value and learning opportunities that comes... Millennial's in the work force - Segment 1 We humans tend to put labels on everything. We identify ourselves by the labels we are given or give ourselves. The same with millennial's, not... The Importance of making and keeping Eye Contact How often have you talked with another person who never looked you in the eye during the entire conversation? Or they have looked at your... Chamber Membership ROI In the past 5 years I have worked for a chamber of commerce in two different states. The communities are different but the one thing... Make your Contacts Count Anyone can learn how to make small talk into smart talk. Networking is the deliberate process of exchanging information, resources, and support to create mutually... 'Soft' Chamber Benefits We have spent a lot of time over the past weeks discussing networking skills. There are many ‘soft’ benefits that the Chamber offers businesses. These... Increasing your Visibility Last week's message was about not being a shadow on the wall, how to break into networking experiences successfully. It doesn't matter how long you... Shadows on the Wall Let’s face it too many people entering a networking situation alone or for the first few times can be intimidating. Most people’s natural tendency is... Building Successful Business Relationships If you have not had the opportunity to tune into the weekly Chamber Chats on both the BUCK FM and la perrona we visit about various... What is a Chamber of Commerce? I want to thank the community for the warm welcome to Jerome. As I have been out meeting people in the community I have meet...
