It Takes a Team

I love working for myself.  I make my own hours, call my own shots, and do what I love.  However, I miss the brainstorming and encouragement that comes with being part of a team.

This weekend, my Kiwanis Club had its annual apple sale.  Because my schedule is flexible, I took on extra responsibility planning and publicizing.  I wanted to grow our sale and ensure our Club raised as much money as possible.

Things were going well, and presales were high.  Then, I learned our apple order was cut.  The unapproved decision was a devastating blow.  We had worked so hard.  Personally, I had taken on way too much, only to find those efforts wouldn’t pay off as I had planned.  I knew the answer was to persevere anyway, but I couldn’t.  I was burnt out and let the setback deflate me.  I felt frustrated, angry, and powerless to make a difference.

The day of the sale, I talked with my friends, and learned they shared my disappointment.  I was reminded of the children we fundraise for, and inspired by those who came out to support our efforts.  My spirits were lifted by a team of friends who were anxious to remind me of all the progress we had made and the ways we could do better next year.

We didn’t achieve the lofty goals I had hoped for, but we sold out and our team raised the money needed to continue funding Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s Camp for All.

As for the increased volume?  I am confident we’ll achieve that next year.

 

 

Good Things are Happening Here!

Sure, my blog is meant to discuss marketing and business.  But sometimes, I will shamelessly use it to plug things I’m involved with.  Today is such a day.

Corpus Christi Under 40 recognizes local young professionals who exemplify professional and civic achievement.  Each year, nominations are solicited throughout the community and a selection committee picks Corpus Christi’s best.  These recipients are recognized at a breakfast with the Mayor and a party where recipients can hang out with old friends and meet new ones.

In 2009, I was recognized by CCU40.  Despite considering myself relatively well connected, the Mayor’s Breakfast blew my mind.  I was surrounded by young people who are accomplishing amazing things.  Most of them were people I’d never seen.  I wanted to continue supporting the organization that brought these people to surface.  I have nominated professionals and been in involved with CCU40 ever since.  Currently, I’m serving as program co-chair with my new friend, Julie Bedsole.

Since 2006, CCU40 has been supported by our local Chamber of Commerce.  In 2012, we teamed with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, which has been an amazing partnership already.

In addition to recognizing young people in our community, CCU40 gives back annually to our community.  This year, we are proud to share proceeds with Corpus Christi Metro Ministries.

Many good things are being done in our community, but lack publicity.  Corpus Christi is filled with opportunities to make and impact.  It is my hope that, if we continue to recognize and promote the positive, others will come to appreciate our community more, and become inspired enough to get involved as well.

I hope you will consider supporting CCU40.  Nomination applications are available at www.ccu40.org and will be taken until midnight November 2^nd.  Help us promote the good things that are happening here!