It's been six years since the WindsorEssex Circle idea was created by yours truly and Joe Di Giorgio. We have been very pleased with all the support, suggestions and the way the group has evolved. Yes we did take a break last year and focused on how to make the Circle better. Here are five reasons why.
1. You
We all know WindsorEssex Rocks! There are number of people that support us just because they want to support us. Thanks to all of you for embracing the idea of making connections and having good discussions.
Many have given us feedback and suggestions showing how much you care about making the Circle better. There are friends and associates invited to events which results in meeting new people at all our events as well as the familiar faces.
2. The Winning Formula
This is our "secret ingredient". Well it's not much of a secret although it is what sets the Circle apart and keeps it getting better.
The Winning Formula: No fees. No hidden agenda. No drama. The WindsorEssex Circle does not technically exist as an entity or organization. It is simply an idea to bring people together and provide an informal, inviting atmosphere where everyone is welcomed.
We have never changed this formula and have stuck with it since day one. Lots of ideas and strong suggestions to change it and glad we are focused on our winning formula.
3. The Venues
Our Region has so many great restaurants, clubs and banquet halls. We would like to thank all our host venues for embracing our group. It is challenging since we do not know how many will show up and we prefer to stand instead of sit at tables. For restaurants it can be more of a challenge since most do not want dinner.
The good news for the venues is they have a crowd on a quieter night and many first time visitors who become regulars for their business.
Some venues provide complimentary appetizers which we are very thankful for. They provide an open room where we can network and talk without interrupting their regular business.
4. No RSVP
I look at no RSVP as an easy way to consider the event and if you decide not to attend there is no harm. Other times, you have other plans and decide you can stop in anyways since you did not have to RSVP, you do feel welcome to just pop in.
Bringing guests or telling others to attend makes it easy without having to go online and register with all the details. Yes RSVP are excellent when holding events and serve their purposes, however, we have found no RSVP's is a better approach for the Circle events.
5. The Circle Energy
One common observation of every Circle event is the energy in the room. The events officially run from 5-7, however, you can find some arrive at 4:30 and you can see the last ones leaving around 8:00.
Everyone is engaged in conversations with very little exceptions. Most of the time there are groups of 3 or 4 in a discussion. As the co-host of the Circle, it is easy to bring someone to the discussion, make introductions and continue to connect with others.
Sometimes I head to the back of the room, do a quick head count and observe. I really like what I see: A room full of people, smiling, talking and exerting positive energy. They are asking each other to share their story, learn more about who they are and how they can help each other and our community.
The WindsorEssex Circle is YOUR group and that's why it Rocks!
Connecting professionals to share stories of making new business relationships and creating opportunities.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Celebrating Excellence in Business
I am looking forward to tonight's 26th Chamber Business Excellence Awards gala as we celebrate excellence in business!
How often do you take the time to note the things your company and your team are doing well? Take some time out to reflect on those little things that set you apart.
This annual event recognizes businesses in our community doing some amazing things in their businesses, in their industries, in our community and in the world making a difference.
The thrilling part of the night is watching the videos of the three finalists per category. Building up to the announcement of who will receive the excellence award! It can be very emotional for all as the other two finalists watch as the recipient takes the stage.
Some recipients are all business, some are overcome with emotions and joy while others bring a bit of both business and emotions. Yes it is OK to get misty-eyed and even cry, you deserve it!
Having been on all sides of the fence over the years, I can feel all the emotions in the room. Years ago, we were known as the "Susan Lucci" company. We were a finalist a couple of times, we received three excellence awards and I was a judge in the past. I have seen and felt many emotions during this great event. It truly is an "academy awards" level gala and everyone is all dressed up.
I should note here, even as a judge, I still did not know who would be chosen. Some hunches were correct while others were not. It has also been exciting to nominate companies and professionals over the years and I encourage you to consider doing this. You can make a difference when you see some become finalists and some receive the excellence award in their category.
If you ever have that opportunity to be a judge, I personally recommend it. You get to read some truly incredible stories. Even if you think you may know someone and their business, once you hear their story you will be moved by what our local business community is doing. (WERocks!)
Being nominated and being a finalist can change your business in such a positive way. Receiving an excellence award adds to all this good stuff, however, this is not the focus because there are no "winners" or "losers". Remember only the few become finalists and it is a time to celebrate your excellence in business.
My advice to anyone who has had the honour to be nominated is to open up, be vulnerable and do that one thing we are taught not to do: share the good things about you, your team and your company. Remember, you are judged by your story, so tell it well and tell it truthfully without holding back.
It is always easy to focus on the negativity, the challenges and the things that frustrate us. This celebration of excellence reminds us to focus on the good stuff and all the great people who have a passion in building their companies and their dreams.
Tonight we look forward to cheering on all the finalists and award recipients representing excellence in our business community. Congratulations to all!
How often do you take the time to note the things your company and your team are doing well? Take some time out to reflect on those little things that set you apart.
This annual event recognizes businesses in our community doing some amazing things in their businesses, in their industries, in our community and in the world making a difference.
The thrilling part of the night is watching the videos of the three finalists per category. Building up to the announcement of who will receive the excellence award! It can be very emotional for all as the other two finalists watch as the recipient takes the stage.
Some recipients are all business, some are overcome with emotions and joy while others bring a bit of both business and emotions. Yes it is OK to get misty-eyed and even cry, you deserve it!
Having been on all sides of the fence over the years, I can feel all the emotions in the room. Years ago, we were known as the "Susan Lucci" company. We were a finalist a couple of times, we received three excellence awards and I was a judge in the past. I have seen and felt many emotions during this great event. It truly is an "academy awards" level gala and everyone is all dressed up.
I should note here, even as a judge, I still did not know who would be chosen. Some hunches were correct while others were not. It has also been exciting to nominate companies and professionals over the years and I encourage you to consider doing this. You can make a difference when you see some become finalists and some receive the excellence award in their category.
If you ever have that opportunity to be a judge, I personally recommend it. You get to read some truly incredible stories. Even if you think you may know someone and their business, once you hear their story you will be moved by what our local business community is doing. (WERocks!)
Being nominated and being a finalist can change your business in such a positive way. Receiving an excellence award adds to all this good stuff, however, this is not the focus because there are no "winners" or "losers". Remember only the few become finalists and it is a time to celebrate your excellence in business.
My advice to anyone who has had the honour to be nominated is to open up, be vulnerable and do that one thing we are taught not to do: share the good things about you, your team and your company. Remember, you are judged by your story, so tell it well and tell it truthfully without holding back.
It is always easy to focus on the negativity, the challenges and the things that frustrate us. This celebration of excellence reminds us to focus on the good stuff and all the great people who have a passion in building their companies and their dreams.
Tonight we look forward to cheering on all the finalists and award recipients representing excellence in our business community. Congratulations to all!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Leading by Coaching
When do you actually hang up the skates and become the Coach? How do you let go of your daily tasks and be the Leader?
Letting go is one of the biggest challenge I face on a daily basis. It's been a work in progress for a few years and the good news it is getting better!
What successful changes have you implemented to move to full-time Coaching?
I have made my "Do Not Do List" and removed tasks which I longer take care of. It is easy to revert back and do them yourself, however, you and your Team will not grow if you keep jumping in.
The focus becomes investing most of your time working on the business while empowering the Team to take care of the business. The goal is to achieve this 100% of the time.
Keeping the communication open, supporting and taking care of the clients is still a priority, however, the shift is to delegate instead of taking care of it yourself.
Our Team handles this very well by taking good care of the business and clients. There has been a good transition over the years as we continue to reach new milestones, add new core competencies and new markets along our journey.
Letting go is one of the biggest challenge I face on a daily basis. It's been a work in progress for a few years and the good news it is getting better!
What successful changes have you implemented to move to full-time Coaching?
I have made my "Do Not Do List" and removed tasks which I longer take care of. It is easy to revert back and do them yourself, however, you and your Team will not grow if you keep jumping in.
The focus becomes investing most of your time working on the business while empowering the Team to take care of the business. The goal is to achieve this 100% of the time.
Keeping the communication open, supporting and taking care of the clients is still a priority, however, the shift is to delegate instead of taking care of it yourself.
Our Team handles this very well by taking good care of the business and clients. There has been a good transition over the years as we continue to reach new milestones, add new core competencies and new markets along our journey.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
We Always Did It This Way
Why do some Teams move forward together while other Teams seem stagnant? I just cringe when someone answers a question about trying something different with "No, that won't work, because we've always done it this way".
Why are so many resistant to change? Why do so many want to keep doing the same thing without even considering how to do it better?
Thankfully we are in an industry where we have "hourly" changes in technology - that's about how fast business moves when it comes to the Technology and Innovation sector!
Embrace change. Accept change. Yes, there are processes and methods that work well and are proven over time. The foundation can remain the same. Your principles and core values can remain the same. It's how you adapt to the ever-changing environment around you that makes the difference in your business.
Remember when there was no Internet? Yes you do remember. Remember when we asked you to think about a webpage and a domain name for your business way back in 1996. Many were not ready to embrace this new digital world. We even compared it to getting a fax number. In 1996, if you did not have a fax number you virtually did not exist as a business.
It is OK to be afraid of the unknown. Seek knowledge, test the waters a bit and see how it affects you, your team, your business, your suppliers and your clients. How does embracing change make you a better competitor and make you the "pioneer" leading your industry?
I know what you Building Circles followers are thinking. Yes the phrase "We Always Do It This Way" is banned by the AlphaKORians along with those five words you know all about.
One of the constants we have accepted is change. Did I mention it changes virtually ever hour in our sector?
Why are so many resistant to change? Why do so many want to keep doing the same thing without even considering how to do it better?
Thankfully we are in an industry where we have "hourly" changes in technology - that's about how fast business moves when it comes to the Technology and Innovation sector!
Embrace change. Accept change. Yes, there are processes and methods that work well and are proven over time. The foundation can remain the same. Your principles and core values can remain the same. It's how you adapt to the ever-changing environment around you that makes the difference in your business.
Remember when there was no Internet? Yes you do remember. Remember when we asked you to think about a webpage and a domain name for your business way back in 1996. Many were not ready to embrace this new digital world. We even compared it to getting a fax number. In 1996, if you did not have a fax number you virtually did not exist as a business.
It is OK to be afraid of the unknown. Seek knowledge, test the waters a bit and see how it affects you, your team, your business, your suppliers and your clients. How does embracing change make you a better competitor and make you the "pioneer" leading your industry?
I know what you Building Circles followers are thinking. Yes the phrase "We Always Do It This Way" is banned by the AlphaKORians along with those five words you know all about.
One of the constants we have accepted is change. Did I mention it changes virtually ever hour in our sector?
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