Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1518149
Business Leader of the Year (Small business) Ulysses Youngblood President, Major Bloom 10. Presence Over Presence: Embrace the moment— disconnect to connect. In meetings, shelve digital distractions to engage with your team genuinely. This applies even more so during video calls; focus on minimizing interruptions to foster a collaborative environment. 9. Seek Diverse Feedback: Cultivate openness by actively soliciting feedback through varied channels—one-on-one, group discussions, anonymous contributions, or online surveys. Your leadership position shouldn't be a barrier to honest insights. 8. Celebrate Success: Foster a culture of appreciation and constructive feedback. Lead with positivity, acknowledging the efforts of your team and customers alike. This approach not only builds morale but also encourages continuous excellence. 7. Transparency in Storytelling: In our information-rich era, people crave the backstory of what they consume. Share the journey of your products or services—highlighting the unseen depth beneath the surface—to connect on a deeper level with your audience. 6. Competitive Insight: Dedicate time to understand the ecosystem your business operates within. This means analyzing what your customers need and how your offerings stand out from the competition. 5. Blue Ocean Strategy: Remember, the market is vast. Focus on discovering your unique niche by continuously refining what keeps your customers returning. Innovation and improvement are essential. 4. Empathy as a Leadership Tool: Empathy drives connection. You inspire dedication by genuinely understanding and responding to the needs of those around you. This starts with self-awareness and extends to acknowledging the emotions of others. 3. Champion Community Impact: Make a positive mark on the world, starting with simple acts of kindness and respect within your community. The ripple effect of positive actions can inspire widespread change. 2. Authenticity in Purpose: Stand firm in your convictions and transparently navigate challenges. Authenticity in your mission transforms work from a duty to a passionate pursuit, establishing you as a genuine leader in your field. 1. Prioritize Self-care: Success demands resilience. Like the essential advice given during flight safety demonstrations, securing your well-being first enables you to assist others effectively. Balance in self-care ensures you can sustain your journey toward achieving your goals. SPECIAL THANKS TO Pre-reception Beverage Sponsor: Corporate Table Sponsors: Bank of America M&T Bank S&G Business Consultants and Certified Public Accountants UniBank Event Partners: & FINANCIAL SERVICES Curry Printing would like to thank our clients and great employees for this prestigious award.