Blog 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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. ... 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... 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.... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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;... 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... #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... #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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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’... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... '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.... 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... 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... 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... 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...
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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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. ... 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... 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.... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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;... 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... #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... #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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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.... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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’... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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... 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,... 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... 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... 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... '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.... 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... 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... 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... 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...
