Let’s talk about member retention—because renewing a member isn’t just about sending out an invoice and hoping they pay it. It’s about building a relationship that lasts longer than their annual renewal cycle.

If we want our members to stay, we have to show them they matter all year long—not just when it's time to renew.

Retention starts the moment they join—

Let’s talk about member engagement—because it’s one of the most misunderstood and mismanaged areas in the Chamber world.

Not every member wants to be engaged. And that’s okay.

Some members join simply to support the mission of the Chamber. Others want visibility. Some are there for advocacy. And yes, some just want to be listed on your website or hang the plaque on their wall. You know what? That’s still membership—and it still matters.

Most of us have a to-do list or lists…..somewhere. On paper. In a planner. In our email. Scribbled on sticky notes. Or floating around in our heads like a chaotic mental playlist on repeat.

But here’s the question—does your to-do list actually help you manage your time better? Or is it just a long list of things that leaves you overwhelmed, distracted, and constantly behind?

In the whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, staffing changes, customer needs, and growing to-do lists, it’s easy for staff teams to fall into “just get through it” mode.

But here’s the thing: high-functioning teams don’t happen by accident. They happen when people take time—*on purpose*—to step back, reconnect, and reset.

Whether you lead a team of 3 or 30, carving out time for intentional team building, strengths-based development, and goal alignment isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

If I had a dollar for every time I heard a Chamber staffer say, “I told them everything we offer and they still didn’t join,” I’d probably have my own beach house by now. And I’d invite you to visit—after we fix your recruitment approach!

Let’s talk about what I like to call “splatter recruiting.” You know what I mean… when someone walks into a business, barely says hello, and immediately launches into a 10-minute monologue about all the events, ribbon cuttings, networking opportunities, sponsorships, advocacy efforts, and community initiatives the Chamber offers. It’s a firehose. A flood. A splatter.

Membership recruitment doesn’t happen by accident. If you want your Chamber of Commerce to grow and thrive, you’ve got to be intentional about finding new member prospects and following up with purpose. But let’s also be honest—sometimes we overcomplicate it.

There are simple, effective ways to find great member prospects—you just have to know where to look. And I’m going to give you three tried-and-true strategies that I’ve seen work in Chambers across the Southeast. Plus, if you’re reading this and thinking, “Well shoot, we’re way behind for the year,” I’ve got a bonus solution for that too.

Have you had those days where you look up at 5:00 p.m. and wonder, “What did I even do today?” The meetings, emails, phone calls, unexpected tasks—they pile up. But somehow, it feels like we didn’t actually accomplish anything.

Meanwhile, some people seem to operate in a different universe. They manage a packed calendar, lead teams, juggle family responsibilities, and still find time for exercise, hobbies, and rest. So, what gives?

The other day, my husband Kenny and I were out of town for a little getaway, and something funny happened that sparked a great business analogy. Now, I’m someone who is always freezing in hotel rooms—seriously, I think some AC systems are designed by polar bears. But this trip was different. It was HOT outside—mid to high 90s kind of hot—and the room was somehow alternating between freezing cold and melting hot. I kept saying, “It’s so cold. No, wait, it’s so hot!” on repeat like a confused thermostat.

Laundry, Leadership, and the Loop We Live In

Why Success Isn’t a Checklist, It’s a Cycle

I was recently listening to Mel Robbins recap her top podcast episodes, and one really stuck with me—not because it was about leadership or time management or productivity—but because it was about laundry.

Yes, laundry.

Recently, I listened to the book Juggling Elephants by Jones Loflin and Todd Musig on Audible—and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The authors use a powerful and relatable metaphor: life is like a three-ring circus. In those three rings? Yourself, your relationships, and your work.

And the big takeaway? You can’t perform in all three rings at the same time.

What Toilet Paper Taught Me About Teams, Trust, and Alignment

Not long ago, I had one of those moments that only someone who facilitates leadership and team retreats would turn into a metaphor.

I was in a public restroom (glamorous, I know), and as I glanced over, I noticed something odd: the toilet paper holder was branded Scott, but the toilet paper inside was clearly Cottonelle. A little branding mismatch in the bathroom isn’t exactly headline news, but it made me curious — why would one company’s product be sitting inside another’s dispenser?

Naturally, I had to investigate.

A couple of months ago, at a church meeting to launch a new capital campaign, we were invited to reflect on one of my favorite scriptures:
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

We had a prayer walk and one of the stops, we took a small, flat pebble stone and was encouraged to write that verse on it as a physical reminder. I did just that, and I slipped mine into my purse.

There’s an African proverb that’s been around for ages, but it still hits home every time I hear it:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

And whew, isn’t that the truth?

Speed is tempting—especially for high-achievers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. We want quick wins, immediate results, and a neat little box checked off by the end of the day.

I just finished reading One Word by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page—and I have to say, I’m hooked. It’s a quick read (seriously, you can finish it in a single sitting), but the impact it leaves is anything but small.

It’s one of those books that makes you pause and go, “Why haven’t we all been doing this?”

A few days ago, I stood under a perfect sky at Perfect Day at CocoCay—the kind of place where time slows down, the air is full of ease, and every detail is designed for enjoyment. No deadlines. No back-to-back meetings. Just space to breathe.

And while I loved the experience, I found myself wondering—What would a “perfect day” look like for the partners I serve?

If you’re a chamber leader, nonprofit director, business owner, or board chair, you already know how much time and energy it takes to bring your team together for important conversations.
Strategic planning.
Board retreats.
Leadership workshops.
Team alignment sessions.

A Chamber Life Reflection

If you're reading this, chances are you're a Chamber President, Executive Director, or team member who knows exactly what it means to juggle a hundred things at once — and somehow still smile through it.

Unlocking the Power of Leadership: Exploring Strengths-Based Leadership and the 4 Basic Needs of Followers

As leaders, we often focus on strategies, goals, and team performance. But what about the deeper, often overlooked needs of those we lead? Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie, a groundbreaking book based on extensive Gallup research, offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can succeed by understanding and meeting the needs of their followers.

Time. It’s the one resource we all have in equal measure, yet how we use it defines the course of our lives. In Jordan Raynor's book, Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive, he offers a faith-based approach to productivity that resonates with anyone seeking to live a life of greater intention and alignment with their values.

Leadership is a journey of highs and lows. One day, you’re soaring, admired for your successes, and at the top of your game—the peacock. The next, you’re cleaning up the mess, feeling overlooked or knocked down—the feather duster.