Making Waves at C-Level: Business Tips for Executives, Leaders, and Entrepreneurs

Lead by Example

C-Suite Should Be Engaged in Community

What if every company chose 3 leaders to get engaged in one community, business, or civic industry group each?

Imagine the visibility boost for your company. Leaders giving back would elevate your brand, showcasing a commitment to more than just profits.

Employees would feel pride and inspiration, seeing their leaders make a real impact. This engagement would be a powerful tool for recruitment, attracting talent who value community involvement.

The community would thrive. And real leaders who were there to serve something besides themselves would cultivate a positive culture that trended the company.

A stronger, more connected community where businesses and people interact together is a region that will keep growing and offering new opportunities.

Does the leadership of your company volunteer, serve on committees and boards, and mentor up and coming civic-minded leaders?

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#leadership #executive #community

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I am well aware that Kamala Harris and her team will not listen to my little podcast….but I use her current situation as an example for businesses who have to lead in chaotic times. Situations often happen that allow for leaders to rise to the occasion. I recorded this 24 hours after Joe Biden stepped out of the run for president….so we do not know who will fill the top of the ticket for the 2024 election –but at this time it looks like the VP will need to step into the spotlight and lead her party and this nation. But business people have to reinvent and lead all the time.

In this episode of “Making Waves at C-Level,” we dive into the essential strategies for leading through times of change and transition. Using the potential shift in the Democratic Party from President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris as a case study, we explore how leaders can guide their teams with transparency, vision, and empathy. Drawing from personal experiences, I share insights on changing the direction of my speaking business and managing a professional association. This episode is packed with practical advice on how to communicate effectively, involve your team, and maintain a positive outlook during times of uncertainty—all while staying non-political and focused on leadership principles. Tune in to learn how to navigate change and inspire your organization to thrive.

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Epiisode 675- You can train ChatGPT to work as a business advisor, consultant, or coach to help you identify areas to grow your business. I was part of a group of entrepreneurs who sat an played with ChatGPT as a business coach for an hour, and got some good information. And I see that it will keep giving me good advice.

A few years ago I spent nearly $10,000 on a business growth coach and got almost zero value. The person always was rushed, not really prepared for our calls, and the advice was nothing I had not heard before. It was a giant flushing sound of money going away.

I got more value in an hour from a deep back and forth conversation with ChatGPT. I asked it to interview me and ask key questions about how I had grown my business, and asked it to go deeper on the advice it provided.

While just an experiement…it was a good one. And I encourage business leaders to try to set their ChatGPT up as an ongoing business adivsor.

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Community Building matters. Get involved in your community. Join a local business group / non-profit. If in Austin, TX – think about supporting the Austin Technology Council. But even if it’s not my organization even if you don’t live anywhere near Central Texas make sure that you’re supporting somebody some group that is fighting for the common good of building community in your area.

Same thing is true in your industry. I’m super active in the National Speakers Association because in addition to running ATC I’m a working professional speaker who will give about 25 keynotes this year around the country and I will tell you That I never could have found success in that very weird lonely business if it hadn’t been for me getting involved and supporting and volunteering with the National Speakers Association.

So if you’re a plumber get involved with the National Plumbers Association. If you’re a locksmith get involved with the National Locksmiths Association. Whatever industry you’re in make sure that you’re uplifting your industry in addition to some things that are local in your community.

I have 5 reasons why I think it’s super important that you make community building important starting right now-

5 reasons:

1. Innovation and Collaboration: A strong community fosters collaboration and the sharing of ideas, which can lead to innovative solutions and advancements in technology. Networking events, meetups, and collaborative spaces encourage professionals to work together, sparking creativity and new ventures.

2. Talent Attraction and Retention: Building a supportive and vibrant tech community makes Austin an attractive destination for top talent. Professionals are more likely to relocate and stay in an area where they feel a sense of belonging and have access to a network of peers and mentors.

3. Resource Sharing and Support: A well-connected community provides a platform for sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise. Startups and small businesses can benefit from the collective experience and resources of the community, helping them overcome challenges and grow more efficiently.

4. Economic Growth and Stability: A thriving tech community contributes to the local economy by creating jobs, attracting investment, and fostering entrepreneurship. The synergy within the community can lead to the establishment of successful companies, which in turn drives economic development and stability.

5. Personal and Professional Development: Community building offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. Access to workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events helps individuals stay updated with industry trends, develop new skills, and advance their careers, while also building meaningful relationships.

#community #keynotespeaker #communitybuilding

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This week’s episode of Making Waves at C-Level talks about building community. Sometimes it is the right thing to join your local or national trade associations, and other times it is the time to start your own informal community. Get with some like minded friends and spend time together. Relationships are build via shared experiences….so get with people.

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Welcome to another insightful episode of “Making Waves at C-Level.” I’m Thom Singer, CSP, and in this episode we’re exploring why it’s essential for CEOs to encourage their employees to participate in industry trade groups and events. With over eight years of podcasting and a wealth of experience in the business world, I’m excited to share three compelling reasons why this strategy can lead to significant benefits for both your company and your employees.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Boosting Brand Visibility: Discover how your company’s active participation in the industry can enhance its reputation and visibility. I’ll explain why being seen as a committed industry player can positively impact your relationships with vendors, customers, and competitors.
2. Investing in Professional Development: Learn about the importance of fostering professional growth and development among your employees. I’ll share insights on why providing opportunities for learning and career advancement can lead to higher job satisfaction and employee retention.
3. Attracting Top Talent: Understand how promoting a culture of industry engagement can make your company a magnet for top talent. I’ll discuss how happy and engaged employees can become ambassadors for your brand, helping you attract and retain the best candidates.

We’ll also delve into the evolving landscape of industry events in the post-pandemic era and why trade associations are more important now than ever before. This episode is packed with actionable advice and practical tips to help you lead by example and create a vibrant, engaged, and successful team.

Whether you’re a CEO, a business leader, or an aspiring professional, this episode offers valuable insights that can help you leverage the power of industry involvement to drive your company’s success. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to make waves in your industry.

Thank you for listening to “Making Waves at C-Level.” Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and share this podcast with your network. Together, we can create a culture of engagement and growth that benefits everyone involved.

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H.I. (Human Interaction)– The Secret to Career Success

Welcome to another episode of Making Waves at C-Level, hosted by Thom Singer. In this episode, Thom explores the vital role of Human Interaction (HI) in our increasingly AI-driven world. With over 10 years of experience hosting the show and speaking at conferences, Thom emphasizes that meaningful human engagement is the key to achieving lasting success.

The episode delves into the true essence of HI—beyond just human intelligence, it’s about forming genuine, impactful connections. Thom, a seasoned keynote speaker and author, shares his insights on why real human engagement is the ultimate secret weapon for outshining the competition and excelling in your career.

This episode is a must-watch for young professionals aiming to get ahead and for anyone seeking to understand the power of building authentic relationships. Thom highlights the importance of going beyond superficial digital connections and emphasizes that true career magic happens through meaningful, face-to-face interactions.

Listeners will learn why meeting someone once doesn’t equate to them being part of your network and the significance of cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Thom challenges the common misconceptions about networking and stresses that showing up and engaging with your community is what truly sets successful people apart.

The discussion also covers the difference between mentors and coaches, and the unique value of mentorship in building genuine relationships. Thom passionately advocates for the importance of HI in today’s world, where people often seek shortcuts through digital means but miss out on the profound impact of real human connections.

Thom encourages viewers to embrace HI and reflect on who they will connect with meaningfully today. He emphasizes that the success of your career and organization hinges on understanding and prioritizing human interaction.

Don’t miss this engaging episode that challenges the superficiality of digital connections and underscores the transformative power of HI in a world dominated by AI. Watch now to gain actionable advice on networking, build stronger relationships, and unlock new opportunities.

Keywords:

Human Interaction, AI World, Networking, Career Success, Relationship Building, Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker, Business Growth, Professional Development, Genuine Connections, Mentorship, Community Engagement, Young Professionals

Call to Action:

🌟 Watch Now and redefine how you connect in the modern world! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on making waves in your career.

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In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer dives into the power of connections and their crucial role in career success. Reflecting on the pandemic, Thom notes the significant disruption to networking and community engagement, which left many professionals isolated. While the world has reopened, enthusiasm for in-person networking hasn’t fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, and membership organizations and business nonprofits have struggled to regain their momentum.

Thom emphasizes that real career opportunities come from meaningful connections, not just from social media interactions like tweets, TikTok videos, or getting likes and shares. While digital engagement has its place, it cannot replace the value of personal relationships. He stresses that those who fail to re-engage in their industry and community may miss out on career advancements, inadvertently allowing these opportunities to go to others.

To maximize networking potential, Thom provides insights for both event planners and attendees. He advises event planners to actively create environments that foster networking:

1. Create Networking Opportunities: Design events to encourage networking during happy hours, breaks, meals, and other activities, making them exciting and conducive to meeting new people.
2. Engage Speakers: Encourage speakers to participate in the event beyond their presentations. Speakers should mingle with attendees, facilitating networking and contributing to a sense of community.
3. Interactive Sessions: Design breakout sessions where speakers ask questions and engage the audience, promoting discussions and connections among attendees.
4. Icebreaker Activities: Implement icebreaker activities to help attendees meet each other, especially at the beginning of the event and during key moments like breakfast.
5. Facilitated Learning Conversations: Set up areas for attendees to discuss what they have learned from keynotes and breakouts, sharing best practices and experiences.
6. Leverage Technology: Use technology before, during, and after the event to enable attendees to comment, share insights, and connect with each other.

For event attendees, Thom offers practical advice on making the most of networking opportunities:

1. Be Open and Approachable: Stand around, smile, and start conversations. Avoid isolating yourself by being engrossed in your phone.
2. Ask Questions: Engage with speakers and fellow attendees by asking questions about their experiences and what they hope to gain from the event. This sparks meaningful conversations.
3. Follow Up: After meeting someone, follow up with them. Adding them on LinkedIn or to your email list is not enough. Schedule one-on-one conversations to build a genuine relationship.

Thom underscores that building connections requires intentional effort and engagement. Meeting someone once does not equate to forming a network. Instead, it’s about cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. He concludes by calling for a movement towards more deliberate and meaningful connections, highlighting that those who actively facilitate networking and community-building will see significant benefits in their careers.

This episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact that connections can have on professional success and the importance of re-engaging with our communities as we move forward from the disruptions of the pandemic.

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There is often advice given to leaders that they need to “protect their time” and that they should only attend “curated events” as to not have to be bombarded by people wanting advice, etc…

Sometimes people ask if they can “pick your brain” and many people get mad as they see it as someone just wanting “free consulting”. But instead of being up off when someone wants your advice… how about reframing their request into a giant compliment. Think about it, if you find someone mediocre (or worse)….do you ask them for advice? We only ask to “pick the brain” of someone we admire.

Plus, if you are a leader, you have to be active in your community. A community can be geographic or an industry… but if you see yourself as a leader, and yet you hide from the people you claim to lead, then you are not really a leader. A true leader cannot lead from behind an office door or while sipping bourbon from their pool. Real leaders are in the arena.

Ask yourself….”when is the last time I really attended an industry or community event where I was not the speaker or it was sponsored by my company?”. If you are not sure, then start getting engaged. Either locally or with your industry trade group. Be the one who shows up and is willing to mentor and guide others.

It is probably true that many people were there for you to share advice, be a mentor, or have their “brain picked” when you were up and coming in your career. The time has come to make sure you are returning that favor to the next generation.

This does NOT mean you have to attend everything (you are too busy), but make sure one of your weekly / monthly activities is an open event and show up just to be supportive of the greater community. Leaders must lead by example and people are hungry for community these days!

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Thom Singer is a keynote speaker who shares a message of community, collaboration, and conversations. The more we engage now, the more opportunities come our way in the future.

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In this episode we look at the power of community and how the people you meet are the only way to learn and find new opportunities over you lifetime.

When speaking at a conference of young professionals, Thom Singer offered up the secret weapon to their future of career options. It is networking now, building real connections and friendships, and helping others.

In a world or remote work and digital networking, those who engage will win in the long run.

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