Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 JA N UA R Y 2 7 , 2 0 2 5 location at 562 Main St. in Caribou, has three full-time employees. e firm will be known as United Insurance-Gallagher. Including a United Insurance office, there will be five people in Caribou. Terms of the deal, which was announced Jan. 14, were not disclosed. United Insurance has nearly 200 employees and 14 locations in Maine and New Hampshire. e firm offers per- sonal, business and employee ben- efits, as risk management services to over 35,000 clients. Gallagher Insurance was founded in 1985 by E. Gerald ( Jerry) Gallagher and since 1999 has been owned by Brian Sipe, who is Gallagher's son-in-law. Today, the firm has more than 1,400 commercial and personal insurance clients. N O T E W O R T H Y N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N The University of Maine at Presque Isle announced a Master of Science in Business degree program, which in- cludes 10 associated concentrations, beginning in the fall. The best choice for your business banking just got easier. Daryl Wentworth SVP, Director Middle Market Banking dwentworth@barharbor.bank 207-771-1216 We can make it happen. Together. Joe Delano SVP Relationship Manager jdelano@barharbor.bank 207-771-1217 Our Portland-based commercial team can help your business grow. • Loans up to $50 million with flexible terms • Competitive rates tailored to your business needs • Small business and corporate cash management • High-volume transaction tools with leading technology • Personalized service of local banking experts Christopher Rugullies SVP Relationship Manager crugullies@barharbor.bank 207-601-5718 Suzanne Moffatt, AFIM, CRSP SVP Senior Wealth Manager smoffatt@barharbor.bank 207-947-4880 Alicia Napolitano, AAP, NCP, CTP VP Senior Treasury Sales Officer anapolitano@barharbor.bank 207-756-2352 All loans subject to credit approval. Additional terms, fees, and conditions may apply for some products. Bar Harbor Wealth Management is a subsidiary of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Investment products are not deposits or obligations of the Bank, are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the Bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of value or principal amount invested. Member FDIC www.barharbor.bank • 888-853-7100 Over 50 locations across northern New England Proud to be named one of Forbes' World's Best Banks again A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y C r y s t a l C o l e , L e d g e w a t e r C o n s u l t i n g The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value "success through collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Q: I've developed significant expertise in my field, and feel I have perspectives and information to share. How do I expand my reputation as a thought leader? ACE advises: Joel Kur tzman, founding editor of Strategy+Business magazine, originated the concept of "thought leadership," a term which has now taken on buzzword status. A thought leader is a professional who is recognized as an expert in their chosen field, and who actively influences industry thinking by sharing their insights with others. Given their deep dive learning, expertise and innovative thinking, a thought leader should use mixed channels to communicate — through writing, speaking and social media platforms. Writing, in particular, provides key opportunities for thought leaders to establish genuine credibility and share knowledge. If you want to become a thought leader, you should: Write on and for multiple platforms — blogs, podcasts, webinars and social media. The goal is to reach a broader audience and gain fuller engagement. Take advantage of opportunities to write for other publications such as online and print media, newsletters and other blogs. Be consistent content creators while producing high-quality work that addresses current trends and challenges. Seek opportunities to partner with other experts for joint proj- ects — interviews, co-authored articles or panel discussions. And be open to sharing personal experiences with audi- ences for deeper, more meaningful connections. Share the content you have written with your clients and professional connections directly through email. They need to know where to find it. As a writer myself, I believe the power of the written world is timeless, perennial. If you are an expert in your field, write and speak to position yourself as a thought leader who can positively influence your industry, offer significant influence, and significant strategies. As a recognized source by both industry peers and the public, thought leaders can play a long-term crucial role in both moving and shaping the direc- tion of their field, for years to come. Crystal Cole, founder of Ledgewater Consulting LLC, is a business strategist and writer. She can be reached at: crystal@ledgewaterconsulting.com or 207-415-4461

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