I recently came across an image on social media that sparked some thought-provoking ideas—a sturdy gate with a sign that read, "Keep Gate Closed." It seemed like a perfectly normal message, except there was one obvious problem: there was no fence attached to the gate. This visual is a powerful metaphor for many of the situations we encounter in our personal and professional lives.

Leadership is one of life’s most profound teachers, and often, the greatest lessons come not from formal training but from the leaders we encounter along the way. Every leader, whether great or terrible, is placed in our lives for a reason. John Maxwell says it best - “Leaderships is influence”. The influence from leaders in our life—whether they realize it or not—helps shape our own path as leaders.

When it comes to growing your chamber’s membership, few strategies are as dynamic and engaging as a volunteer membership drive. Not only do these drives bring in new members, but they also create a vibrant, team-oriented atmosphere that strengthens relationships between your chamber and the community.

I saw this quote the other day and it really made me think about the strength in this for effective teams: “We all have two eyes, but no one has the same view”.

As summer winds down, two major events come to mind: the back-to-school season and the revamp of the last half of the year, after a little bit slower July, for local chambers of commerce. Though they serve different customers and purposes, both are instrumental in fostering growth, connection, and development. Let's explore the similarities a bit further.

The Olympics start in July and will captivate the world again, showcasing athletes who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their specific skill(s). Their discipline, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence inspire us all.

As we reach the midpoint of the year, I'm reminded of a grand fireworks display lighting up the night sky, like many of us watched just this past week for the July 4th Holiday. Each burst of color and light symbolizes the moments, achievements, and milestones we've celebrated so far. The first half of the year was hopefully filled with brilliant sparks of progress and success, as well as memorable moments.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, establishing a strong foundation is crucial for long-term success. This foundation consists of your business' core values, mission statement, vision statement, strategic plan and annual plan.

The 3 Rs - Recruitment, Relationships, and Retention

As the heartbeat of any organization, membership plays a pivotal role in its growth, sustainability, and impact.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of your board and ensure they are working in tandem with the chamber's goals, it is crucial to be upfront about expectations and provide adequate training. This approach can help prevent misunderstandings and foster a more collaborative relationship between the board, staff, and members.

In the boardrooms, where decisions shape the future of organizations, mastering the art of boardroom etiquette is important for success. Drawing from my experience leading the Walton Chamber and serving on nonprofit boards, I've have a few key insights to help you navigate board meetings and contribute meaningfully to your organization's success.

Are you singing the song? Oh-oh-oh, what's love got to do, got to do with it? What's love, but a second-hand emotion? What's love got to do, got to do with it? Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?

In success, the threads of vision, goals, and step-by-step action weave a story of purpose and accomplishment. As someone who has worked with both businesses and individuals over the past 29 years, I've witnessed the transformative power of this trinity.

For over 28 years, I've had the privilege of serving as the President of our local Chamber of Commerce. This role exposed me to the world of networking like no other, allowing me to witness firsthand the incredible impact it can have on people's lives.

In a world where differences often divide us, there is a timeless principle that has the power to bridge gaps, mend wounds and foster harmony: the Golden Rule. “So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12. This is simple, yet profound guideline. It is the essence of kindness, empathy and compassion. The Golden Rule is a practical philosophy that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

A quote that really stood out to me in my recent training to be a certified trainer of the John Maxwell Leadership Curriculum was “People will rise to the value you place on them.”

In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, understanding one's unique strengths is so important. Often, we are encouraged to focus on improving our weaknesses, but what if we could tap into our natural talents and harness them to their fullest potential?

As the recent graduates of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce’s community leadership program presented me with a beautifully crafted coffee mug, I couldn't help but reflect on the significance behind this seemingly ordinary gift.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to settle comfortably within the boundaries of our routines. However, true growth and self-discovery lie beyond the realm of familiarity.