For young professionals, by young professionals. This monthly newsletter is published by Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX), the young professionals group of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce.
Click here or the image below for a PDF of the FYI.
Find articles from the FLEX FYI on the Chamber’s blog.
Another great FLEX Annual Meeting was held in November—an event we host annually to celebrate successes and look towards the next year. While the event was full of networking, free headshots, food and drink, and trivia, it was also a reminder of ways FLEX extends opportunities for young professionals to get involved, no matter how big or small the involvement.
We often refer to FLEX participation as “bite-sized pieces.” As young professionals, we are all busy growing in our careers, volunteering with other organizations, and/or raising families, and we know it is often hard to add another commitment. Our goal is to offer ways for you to grow, without overextending yourself.
FLEX allows you to practice things in a low stakes environment, no matter your skills or interests. This can include networking, event planning, fundraising, getting sponsorships, running a meeting, writing an article, using technology, public speaking, and much more.
At the Annual Meeting, FLEX President Kat Thompson shared opportunities that have come her way after getting involved with FLEX.
“I’m not showing you this because I think I did anything special or great. None of these opportunities would have come my way if it wasn’t for FLEX, which gave me credibility and a platform, and it all happened because I showed up. I want that for you, too.”
Showing up could be anything from being an officer and leading a committee, to assisting with just one event. It could be attending each social, or coming to your one favorite social each year.
We want to meet you where you are and help you find the right fit for you. As we enter into 2022, we encourage you to consider how FLEX can help you grow, both personally and professionally.
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) December 2021 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
When’s the last time someone greeted you by your name? Or when someone you met only once remembered your name? This probably felt good, and this is something that can be translated to those in your workplace. Knowing names can make people feel like they matter and are respected, but it’s often an uncommon practice in the work world.
While it may seem small, it should be seen as an essential skill of effective leadership. Learning names also gives you an opportunity to be a good example.
“When we screw up and forget someone’s name, we can simply apologize, and ask again. You’re modeling what it looks like to be a lifelong learner, a flexible, confident person who is not afraid to admit a mistake,” said Ari Weinzweig of Zingerman’s. “Name retention is a muscle you can exercise and, if you’re serious about it, strengthen and improve.”
Here are some practical tips for remembering names:
• Pay attention: Often our minds have already moved on while learning someone’s name. Pay attention when they introduce themself.
• Repeat it back: Embed it in your brain by saying: “Nice to meet you, Susan!”
• Make sure you have it right: They may prefer a shortened version, nickname, or different name altogether. Also, check your pronunciation.
• Use it at each contact: The more you say their name, the more it gets embedded in your head. Add their name when saying “hi!” in person, on the phone, or the beginning of an email.
• Ask how it’s spelled: Hearing the spelling can help you visualize and remember it better.
• Write it down: Sometimes writing names down can better engrain them in your head, especially if you have a lot to remember. Keep a list, on paper or in your phone.
Find more from this topic at zingtrain.com/blog/theseemingly-small-act-of-knowing-peoples-names-canmake-a-big-difference
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s December 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.
The nights are getting longer, the air is getting colder, and the need for a cozy escape can be found in a book, but how do you pick the right one? Luckily, whether you’re a bookworm or a casual reader, there are plenty of resources available to you.
Library Resources
One of the best resources is local libraries. If you choose to visit your library, there are often new books displayed prominently on shelves which can help narrow down your choices and keep you up to speed with the latest reading trends. If nothing catches your eye, ask a librarian for recommendations based on your interests.
If you prefer ebooks and audiobooks, the Oil Region Library Association has a great collection of free online resources including Overdrive and Libby, all you need is a library card. The Overdrive homepage provides rotating recommendations. As a Pennsylvania resident, you can maximize your Overdrive potential by getting a Philadelphia Free Library card online and accessing their catalogue as well. Overdrive and Libby are both available in the app store so you can always have a book with you.
Online Resources
Keeping with online book browsing and recommendations, some of my favorite places to seek out recommendations are on social media. There are entire YouTube and Instagram accounts run by book lovers who share books they’ve read. If you’re looking for more of a social network all about books, try Goodreads, where you can track and rate books and see what books friends and family are picking up. You can curate your own reading lists and search for those created by others. It’s by far one of the best resources online for finding your next great read.
Bookstores
Bookstores are still my favorite way to find a book. Aside from browsing stacks, booksellers curate shelves of best sellers and new releases which is a great place to start. Often there are tables throughout the store featuring books by genre or books on sale. There’s something for everyone and it helps narrow down options.
I can’t write this article without a some recommendations of my own. See below and happy reading!
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
• Beartown by Fredrik Backman
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
• The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
• The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
• Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
• Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong
• 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
WEBSITES:
• ORLA Overdrive – oilcreek.overdrive.com/
• Philadelphia Overdrive – freelibrary.overdrive.com
• Philadelphia Free Library Card – catalog.freelibrary.org/MyResearch/register
• Goodreads – www.goodreads.com
This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) December 2021 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
Benefits include all advantages of Business, Connector, Promoter, and Builder levels as well as:
• Annual on-site staff visit with article or video
• Recognition at all major Chamber events and newsletters
• Leadership Venango sponsorship and full scholarship
• Be Here Event & Trainings sponsorship
• Visionary Marketing Package (see separate page)
• Permanent logo on venangochamber.org homepage
• Four FLEX memberships
• Two tickets to annual Steak Fry
• Dinner Sponsorship of Annual Dinner
• Additional business listings (up to 3), multiple locations or categories
Marketing Package Benefits:
• Logo on homepage at venangochamber.org and in every VenangoWorks! Newsletter
• Business Spotlight posted on blog and social media
• Enhanced online business directory listing
• Banner ad on business directory page at venangochamber.org – 6 months
• Logo in emails to Chamber members – 6 months
• Full page ad in Annual Membership Directory
Benefits include all advantages of Business, Promoter, and Connector levels as well as :
• Leadership Venango sponsorship and one half scholarship
• 2 Reserved seats at Be Here Event & Trainings
• Builder Marketing Package (see separate page)
• Two FLEX memberships
• Reception Sponsorship for Annual Dinner
• One ticket to annual Steak Fry
• Additional business listing
Marketing Package Benefits:
• Enhanced online business directory listing
• Business Spotlight posted on blog and social media
• Banner ad on business directory page at venangochamber.org – 4 months
• Logo in emails to Chamber members – 4 months
• Half page ad in Annual Membership Directory
Benefits include all advantages of Business and Promoter levels as well as:
• Leadership Venango sponsorship and one half scholarship
• 2 Reserved seats at Be Here Event & Trainings
• Builder Marketing Package
• Two FLEX memberships
• Three additional location or category listings
Marketing Package Benefits:
• Enhanced online business directory listing
• Business Spotlight posted on blog and social media
• Banner ad on business directory page at venangochamber.org – 3 months
• Logo in emails to Chamber members – 3 months
• Quarter page ad in Annual Membership Directory
Benefits include all advantages of the Business level as well as:
• Promotor Marketing Package
• Enhanced online directory listing
• Second location or category listing
• Spreadsheet of membership database upon request
Marketing Package Benefits:
• Enhanced online business directory listing
• Business Spotlight posted on blog and social media
• Banner ad on business directory page at venangochamber.org – 1 month
• Logo in emails to Chamber members – 1 month
• Patron listing in Annual Membership Directory
Our base level membership. Benefits include:
CONNECTING TO OUR REGION:
• Listing on online Business Directory at venangochamber.org
• Two listings in the annual printed Membership Directory
• Printed copy of Membership Directory
• Subscription to VenangoWorks! monthly newsletter
• Opportunity to submit news in VenangoWorks! monthly newsletter
ACCESS & SERVICES:
• Use of our bulk mailing permit
• Access to the “Members Only” section of the Chamber’s website
• Business referrals & connections
• Opportunity to host a ribbon cutting ceremony/grand opening event
• Opportunity to host a Chamber Mixer
• Proud member window decal
• Access to ChamberChoice Insurance and energy savings programs
MARKETING & VISIBILITY:
• New member announcement, one free insert, and spotlight in newsletter
• Opportunity to advertise in monthly newsletter, Membership Directory, festival publications, and county map
• Invitation to attend networking events such as mixers and Annual Member Steak Fry
• Opportunity to serve on a Chamber committee, such as Advocacy, Education, and Leadership
• All employees invited to be active within the Chamber
• Sponsorship opportunities of Chamber events such as the Golf Outing, festivals, Be Here, and FLEX Presents
• Eligibility for Business or Partner in Business of the Year
ADVOCACY:
• Benefit from a unified voice for advocating legislation at local, state and federal levels
• Meet and network with elected officials during legislative receptions and visits
• Access to FLEX, Venango County’s young professionals, for you and your employees
View our Membership Brochure by clicking here.
View our Marketing Package Benefits by clicking here.
Contact us for more information:
Susan Williams, President/CEO
swilliams@venangochamber.org
(814) 676-8521