10 Things I've Learned During My 10 Years at the Greater Lowell Chamber

June 20, 2021 marked my 10 year anniversary as President of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce . As I look back over the past decade it seems like forever ago and in the blink of an eye that I first walked in the office door, not as a member, but as head of the organization I had grown to love . I was an eager twenty-eight-year-old determined to plant roots in the community that I grew up in, who vowed several years before that to say yes to every board, committee, and opportunity that came my way (until I had I kids!).

As I think about my personal and professional growth (and life), I realized early on that there is not much of a separation. I'll often joke that the Chamber was my first baby, followed by Zoe (7), Landry (5), and Milo (3). When you work for such a small, tight-knit organization, everyone that you love becomes invested in its success. I am grateful to my family, board, and members, (and my phone and laptop!) for allowing me the space to work outside of the typical 9 to 5 and the flexibility to sneak out for a school function or cup of coffee with a member turned friend.

Here are 10 things I've learned over the past ten years as President of the Greater Lowell Chamber:

1. Gratitude and appreciation are essential and impact not only your mood and decisions but other people too. A smile, thank you or handwritten letter may seem like a small gesture, but it's impact can trickle down throughout a community. What may seem like a small gesture to you, may mean the world to the person on the receiving end.
2. It's okay to say no. No is a complete sentence. (I repeat: No is a complete sentence.) This is a work in progress for me. I often feel like I owe a reason or explanation when I can't say yes to a request, but I am getting better at it (and KUDOS to the people out there who have mastered this skill because it is a skill).
3. The decisions you make aren't always going to please 100% of the people you are serving. The important thing is to do what you feel is best for your organization, the majority of its members/clients, and the community at large. And even if you can't please everyone, you can certainly execute your decisions in a respectful way to get the majority of people on board.
4. Collaboration is the key to the success of any organization, business and/or community. It's not about receiving credit or accolades, but working collaboratively to achieve a goal for the common good. Accolades often follow, but receiving them shouldn't be a motivating factor.
5. Never take for granted waking up every day to go to a job that you love. People often talk about the "Sunday Scaries" and dreading the end of the weekend. I will always count my blessings that I don't ever experience that.
6. You may not love every project, initiative, or task, but make sure you do something every day that makes you laugh or lights a fire in your belly. Oftentimes these are simple things like catching up with a friend, going for a walk, or squeezing in the time for a passion project either at work or at home.
7. Creativity over complacency, always. Give yourself the space to brainstorm and try new things (and dare I say get a little silly every once in a while), and you'll never be complacent. It makes everyday fun and keeps people guessing and excited to see what's next!
8. It's extremely fulfilling when you give back to causes that you are passionate about (Giver's Gain). Determine a cause (or two!) that is near and dear to your heart (food insecurity, youth education, athletics, the arts, etc.) and contribute your time, talent, and/or treasure to a local nonprofit championing that cause.
9. Personal branding is a powerful tool when teamed up with Social Media. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook and provide insight into what you do on a daily basis. With your phone in hand (I don't need to tell you that!), you can snap photos, take videos, tag businesses, promote clients and showcase your expertise and commitment to your community.
10. The pandemic made us all realize what's important, after all, we had 15 months to think long and hard about what's working and what's not in our lives. There's no time like the present to figure out what we want out of life personally and professionally and to seize the moment. And... if you can help someone go after what they want, do it (Giver's Gain... again!).

It’s is truly an honor to be President of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. My love for the organization, our members and the community deepened over the past 15 months and I am so excited to see what the next several years have in store for me and the Chamber!

Related Articles:

• Letter from the President in the GLCC's 2021 Annual Community Guide
• Lessons, Gratitude and the Future: A Reflection of My First Seven Years as President of the Greater Lowell
• My 5 Year Anniversary at the Chamber
• My Advice for Millennials