Reminder - today is election day.
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EXTRAORDINARY (THOUGHT) LEADERSHIP
By LaShaun Collier, FSBDC at FGCU
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Entrepreneurs are leaders and extraordinary times like these call for extraordinary leadership. More than extraordinary leadership, these unusual times call for attention, opportunity, and the option to elevate yourself. A transition in thought leadership will allow us to make a significant (and positive) impact on society.
Success Comes from Significance
Ask yourself: What capability do you need to demonstrate or learn to add to and elevate your brand or business?
For one, the practice of being hopeful and optimistic can go a long way in business. Learn to build a "reward center" in your audience's brain – similar to a dose of dopamine – that helps them equate your business with silver linings, positive leadership, and humanity.
Let's Focus on the Facts
Simply put, there is no blueprint to follow when it comes to how thought leadership should work. Looking for answers can be like looking for a needle in a haystack: It can feel impossible and highly frustrating. So, it makes sense that demand for insight into how to respond to your audience can be high for a lot of small business owners, especially during tough times like these when everything feels up in the air.
So, What IS Thought Leadership?
Thought leadership is more than just a definition in a book – it's about sharing insight, ideas, and a unique point of view that provoke new ways of thinking, spark discussion and debates, and inspire action.
True thought leadership – the practices that make you an extraordinary individual and trailblazer – is achieved when an individual or business knows a topic inside and out, has formed a clear, unique, and defensible point of view about it, and freely shares that perspective with others.
Learn from the Pros
Looking to leaders, entrepreneurs, and personal heroes who have already excelled in thought leadership practices can help us pave our own way to success in business. So, how are some of the pros are doing it?
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: PUSHING THE ENVELOPE |
The team at Pushing the Envelope understands – it’s been a rough year. Your well-laid plans have been thrown out, and you might be feeling like you’re winging it now. But, you still have goals you want to accomplish. That’s where they can help.
In business since 2006 and led by PTE president and lead strategist Samantha Scott, Pushing the Envelope partners with businesses large and small to help them realize their goals through strategic marketing communication. The creative strategies developed together will reach the right people with the right message to generate the ROI you need. Whether you require a virtual marketing department or help with just one area (maybe public relations, social media, or otherwise), Pushing the Envelope can help.
Pushing the Envelope takes their work seriously, but doesn’t take themselves too seriously. They enjoy having fun, celebrating with clients and all the hard work that leads up to it. They’re a group of strategic thinkers, dogged solution finders and creative problem solvers. (Who also happen to be highly motivated by chocolate, cookies, puppies and wine – not necessarily in that order.)
Pushing the Envelope believes in being civically active, in giving back and in doing the right thing. Not trite sayings on the wall, these beliefs direct their interaction with clients and the community. They do it because they believe the world can be a better place if we all pitch in – business can be better, clients can grow, initiatives can have great impact.
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(NON-HUMAN) CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE WEEK: ANGUS SCOTT |
As the Ambassador of Fun, Bow Ties, and Naps, Angus plays a vital role in the culture of Pushing the Envelope. With more than three years of experience providing love, laughter, and undeniable good looks, he is an expert at lifting the mood of those around him.
In his spare time, Angus raises awareness for Gulf Coast Humane Society, the Second Chance Fund that saved his life, and all the other animals who need love and maybe a little extra help too.
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VIRTUAL BINGO TO BENEFIT WOMEN IN BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIPS |
Join us on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 from 4:00PM - 6:00PM for a fun mix of networking and playing virtual Bingo to raise funds for Women in Business scholarships! Scholarships are awarded annually to non-traditional students from FGCU, FSW and Hodges University. The Women in Business scholarship fund depends on fundraising at each event, primarily through raffle ticket sales. Without those events, fundraising has slowed.
Here's how it works - we'll play one round of Bingo then move to Zoom breakout rooms to spend some time networking. You'll have the chance to catch up with old friends and make some new! Then we'll reconvene to start Game 2 and follow that with another breakout with different people. Lastly, we'll play Game 3. These three games will be played during the approximately two-hour event. The third game will have multiple chances to win. BINGO cards are limited so guests are encouraged to register early.
Registration is $15 for members and future members and includes one card to play in each of three games. Additional cards are $5 per game.
Sponsorships are available for $150 each and will provide two 10-minute sessions to lead break-out networking rooms! To donate a prize or for more information, contact the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce at 239-332-2930 or email debra@fortmyers.org
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MAKE YOUR GOLF RESERVATION TODAY! |
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This year, the Golf Classic moves to Eastwood Golf Course! Eastwood Golf Course is owned and operated by the City of Fort Myers and was designed by Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin. Eastwood plays to a par 72 layout, possesses 87 strategically placed bunkers, and water comes into play on 10 of the 18 holes, with a recently renovated front 9.
Foursomes are now on sale for $799 and various sponsorship options are available. Call or email Linda for sponsorship information, 239.332.2930, linda@fortmyers.org.
This event always sells out - make your reservation today!
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THANK YOU TO OUR GOLF SPONSORS |
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