We all know them. Some people seem to have the ability to persuade others effortlessly- whether it’s to buy a product, hire a team member or negotiate a deal. The rest of us need a little help. Now, think about the most persuasive person you know. I think you’ll agree that he or she likely […]

As I get older, I wish to struggle less.  This doesn’t mean I’m retiring to my easy chair, which in my weak moments sounds really, really good.  It means I am hitting reset and keeping my cool when facing setbacks. Although we have limited control over what hardships and setbacks we endure, we have considerable […]

The great resignation and shortage of talent is not limited to the companies and individuals we serve. Chambers and Associations are experiencing our own shortage of qualified employees. I’ve heard a lot of industry leaders say “you don’t work for a chamber or association for the money.” So my question is, “why don’t we?” When […]

Business, financial and operational professionals love concepts related to financial forecasts. It is our way to view an abstract complicated plan in terms of dollars and the impact on resources both positive (surpluses – add to resources) and negative (deficits – use of resources). But outside our inner-circle, forecasts are often viewed with misunderstanding, trepidation […]

When chambers of commerce celebrate the opening of a new business, not only are we celebrating the dream, but we are celebrating the creation of jobs in our community, and a job is the greatest force for change.  For those chambers of commerce grappling with whether you have a role in economic development, the answer […]