Leadership is for Everyone

This week the Clovis Chamber celebrated the Second Annual Clovis Leadership Day by hosting a luncheon to honor volunteers whose leadership and hard work make our community a better place to work and live.

This event reminded me that being a leader is not a function of your title rather it is part of who you are. Certainly you’ll agree that not all managers are leaders and not all leaders are managers. In order to be successful at leading others one must practice and master self-leadership. The leadership hat is one everyone wears at least on occasion but more likely you’re wearing it more often than you think. As a parent, a manager, a little league coach, a senior employee, an older sibling, a volunteer, a teacher or trainer and in countless other roles you are in the position to lead others. Your leadership can make or break a project or opportunity to learn so it’s important to be aware of what you can do to be a more effective leader and build loyalty and cooperation from those who you support.

Here are 5 personal characteristics that are often seen in those who lead well. You’re probably doing some if not all of them and this is just a reminder.

1. Lead by example
2. Seek out and learn from diversity
3. Set worry aside and focus on things that are in their control
4. Collaborate with others and share their resources and knowledge
5. Practice getting things done and have work habits that sustain productivity

But if you’re wondering how to step up your game and go from being a good leader to being a great one then look forward to future blog posts discussing these areas and things you can put into practice that will take your leadership to the next level.

How Many Hats Do You Wear?

Metaphorically I bet you can count a dozen or more different hats in your closet. There is the employee or manager hat, the parent hat, the spouse hat, the volunteer hat, the friend hat, the tax payer hat, Sometimes you probably wear a jugglers hat or is that the joker’s hat? If you run a business I’ll bet you also wear a banker’s and or a marketer’s hat. Needless to say in any given day you will wear many hats and often more than one at once. Since we are coming up on Big Hat Days, brought to you by the hard working folks at the Clovis Chamber of Commerce and the sponsorship of Table Mountain Casino, I’d like to share some thoughts on the Chamber Member Hat that we all wear.

Wearing the Chamber member hat is symbolic of many things. Top of that list is civic pride and followed closely by community involvement. Even if you don’t have time to take advantage of all the great benefits membership provides your dues and financial support of the organization speaks loudly to your commitment to being a business leader in Clovis. When you’re wearing your Chamber member hat you are sending a message to your customers, that you care about the citizens of our community and promoting economic development which brings jobs and growth to our town.

Here are SIX roles you can play when you wear a Chamber member hat which can make a difference in your success. I hope you wear it proudly.

1. Networker – Your membership instantly enables you to grow your network by connecting with other members at mixers, workshops, luncheons and events.
2. Ambassador – Sharing is caring and in this role you can share the benefits of membership with other business leaders who should be members.
3. Philanthropist – By donating time, goods and services and money to the many non-profit causes the chamber supports you give directly back to the community and can see your generosity at work locally.
4. Marketer – The Chamber has many opportunities for you to promote your business success, some are even free, like the “Good News” section or the Chamber Insider or here in the Chamber Connections blog. Many others are available at discounted rates in the Chamber publications or for sponsoring Chamber events.
5. Civic Leader – Show your support and participate in political and legislative activities that protect and promote local small business.
6. Successful Business Person – This role is naturally occurring for those who take on one, some or all of the above.

The Learning Key to Success

These days not only do you have to be at the right place at the right time you better be prepared because you may not be the only person with their sites set on that opportunity. My business experience has taught me that success is found at the intersection of opportunity and preparedness. One of the many benefits of being a Clovis Chamber of Commerce member is that the Chamber puts a lot of emphasis and effort into preparing you for success. Aside from the networking and being connected with the business community there are many learning opportunities available to members to help you master new skills, develop your business and be prepared when opportunity comes knocking.

Last week the Women Business Owners Roundtable held at Andiamo Ristorante Italiano in Clovis had over a dozen women gathered to hear Melissa Tosetti share some of her secrets to Savvy Living. Melissa is the author of Living the Savvy Life, The Savvy Woman’s Guide to SmartSpending and Rich Living. Melissa told some great stories about her own experiences and how she has developed a balanced outlook on personal financial planning. She laid some seeds of thought about how prioritizing your needs and wants then applying smart spending techniques can free up funds to spend enjoying a meal at your favorite restaurant or splurging at the day spa without guilt. She also shared some thoughtful ideas about leveraging the investment you make in your wardrobe and accessories and how to avoid buying "orphans" that just don't fit in. By bringing her perspective on getting the most out of your money after your convert into a possession was profound. She says don’t buy it unless you love and you will use it. Of coarse we all admitted that we too buy things then set the bag down in a closet and just forget about it. If you don’t go home and put your purchase to work right away, or into your closet to be worn in the near future did your really need to spend that money?  Right about now you are probably adding up how much money is sitting in your garage or hall closet right now? So here I’ve past along a little insight into last week’s learning and should mention that the learning continued when I received Melissa’s “What’s Important to You?” questionnaire via email and links to her Savvy Living Money Saving newsletters. For the cost of a delicious meal I really came out ahead. I learned some new tactics for making the most of the money I spend. I met some great ladies who are in it to win it like myself and squeezed a bit more value out of my Chamber membership.

Learning really is fundamental and it is fun! So mark your calendars and make time to take advantage of your membership and attend the next Chamber hosted Free Business Information Seminar this Thursday, April 5th, at ITT. The topic is timely and if your business is on Facebook you should attend. Travis Huff of Real-Time OutSource is going to tell you all about the new changes on Facebook. In a discussion titled, "FaceBook is ALL Different - AGAIN!. NowWhat?", he'll tell you about what is going on with the popular social media website and how you can use it and other social media sites to promote your business. Please note: This is a 2 hour seminar starting at 11 a.m. Please RSVP to Beth Bridges at 299-7363 or beth@clovischamber.com. 

Mixing it up with the "Big Hats"

Whoa Clovis! Last night’s “Big Hat Day’s” mixer was awesome! If you missed it here is the low down. But first in keeping with the theme of membership benefits I’d like to point out that another great take away from your membership is the opportunity to take part in the great traditions that are the foundation for the Clovis Way of Life and even better you can make your own traditions to run side by side with the community. For example, among last night’s many super cool “Big Hats” was a sparkling and top heavy display from the Educational Employees Credit Union worn proudly by Amber Crowder the Assistant Manager for the Old Town Clovis branch.  It was a crowd favorite and tied for grand champion with the high tech creative production from Ted Ruiz at Ad-Venture Video Productions. What is special about Ms. Crowder’s entry is the tradition her business family has built around this event. Each year the employees at EECU design a “Big Hat” entry and keep it hidden from the manager who will be proudly representing the EECU. On the night of the event it is unveiled and  I’m guessing this year Amber was all smiles when her sparkling rainbow and mile high headress was revealed. Now you tell me is that a cool tradition or what? (that is your invitation to comment). In total, there were 11 official entries and everyone went home a winner. Not only did Beth Bridges have great prizes for everyone, all the attention from fellow guests was great “free” promotion of their businesses. So here is a bit more “free” promo for the creative and brave souls who made this traditional event memorable.

•  Snowflake Designs – World Famous (thanks to CNN) leotards
•    Ad-Venture Video Productions
•   Facelogic Spa
• Crumb Snatcher Goodies – with and without nuts
•  Educational Employees Credit Union
•  Mary Kay Cosmetics 
• Institute of Technology – New grads available for recruitment if your hiring
• Wine Shop at Home 
• Hungry Bear Cookies
• Terra Biotech 
• Neighbors Financial Corporation

      Adding to the evenings success was live entertainment from “The Morgan Canyon Band”  and the awesome selection food was graciously provided by Sierra Vista Mall residents: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Charlie’s Grilled Sandwiches, Sweet River Bar & Grill, The Pretzel Place, Panera Bread, Hot dog on a Stick, Slices California Pizza and Hungry Bear Cookies. Thank you so much, the food was delicious! Also want to give a special mention the event’s hostess Geanie Silva, Marketing Director for Sierra Vista Mall. She says to all of you “Thank you to everyone for their support of Sierra Vista Mall, once again the event had a great turnout and they are happy to sponsor it every year”. 

Ted Ruiz - Ad-Venture Video Production

Te

Amber Crowder & EECU Family 

A Not So Surprising Benefit

Traditionally, when we think of benefits we assume that we are going to receive something. Today I would like to re-focus your attention on a benefit that Chamber membership affords that isn’t “something” you receive rather it is something you give, your time. By sharing your attention and effort as a volunteer you will forge new relationships and reap that feel good warmth that comes with participating in any of  the Chamber volunteer opportunities that give back to the community and other members. A few years back I was fortunate to meet with management expert Ken Blanchard and when I asked for his sage advice he simply said “Always serve”. Those two words rang in my mind when I joined the Chamber and I’m writing today to spread that simple message. As you know, Big Hat Days is on the horizon and it is not only a wonderful fun-filled family event, it is an opportunity for you and your colleagues to give some of your time to the community at large. I’m sure many of you agree that it is better to give than receive. As cliché as that may sound, it is true. So I invite and encourage you to seek out a new volunteer opportunity that will support the community, the Chamber and your success!

Welcome to Clovis Chamber Connections

The Clovis Chamber of Commerce is all about connections;  to you, your business, the community and the world around us. Chamber Connection is our official blog and we invite you to follow us here. You can look forward to posts covering events and Chamber happenings, summaries of relevant articles and publications, reviews of products and services offered by Chamber members and lots of fun and interesting business news you can use. We hope you find it useful and look forward to your comments and participation in the discussions here.