8-8-19 What makes a meeting productive?

How many meetings do you go to each month?  On Whidbey there are so many organizations, that most of us go to at least a couple of meetings a month; some of us go to lots more than that.  Meetings are very important for group members to learn what’s going on and to decide what needs to be accomplished before the next meeting.

I admit to being very frustrated when I am in a meeting that seems unfocused; where there is a lot of talking, but not much seems to be accomplished.

As a professional facilitator, here are some of the elements that I believe lead to a productive and satisfying meeting:

• Clear goals are established and stated for the meeting;
• Ground rules are established that encourage everyone to be courteous and respectful;
• A simple agenda is prepared and followed as closely as possible; some deviations may occur as long as these contribute to the goals of the meeting;
• The meeting is set for no more than an hour and a half;
• The leader of the meeting keeps everyone focused on the agenda and assures that no single voice dominates;
•  Succinct notes are prepared for distribution after the meeting.      

My overall goal is to have everyone leave a meeting smiling and feeling confident and comfortable that they were able to share their responses and hear what others had to say.

7-27-19 So much happening on Whidbey!

Last week, I wrote about how Whidbey has been discovered.  Our iconic towns - Langley and Coupeville - are now busy with lots of tourists as well as locals. And, of course, word about the beauty of Whidbey has definitely gotten out - the beaches and trails are much busier than I remember them from years past.

Another difference I have noticed is that music is everywhere now. When Ott & Murphy (now Ott & Hunter) first opened, it seemed like a unique cabaret to enjoy music (as well as wine). Now, I am noticing that there is music everywhere.  Most of the wineries and many of the restaurants are now venues for entertainment. And, music festivals seem to be happening nearly every week in the summer.

What is still noticeable on Whidbey is that most people who live here are friendly and welcoming. As I pass by people, it's common to see smiles.

I hope as the popularity of Whidbey grows, we can maintain that friendly attitude.

7-8-19 Whidbey has been discovered!!

I have been on the island for 15 years, and I am noticing (what all of us locals are noticing) that each year there are more visitors discovering Whidbey.

Over this past holiday weekend, I noticed how hard it was to find a parking space in Langley. I noticed how many more people were shopping at Payess (and I am sure at the Star Store and the Red Apples). I noticed how busy it was at The Clyde. The increased people energy was definitely noticeable.

It really is a mixed bag.  We all want the business on Whidbey to thrive, and visitors certainly make a difference to the success of the many retail stores.

I have only been here 15 years, but I am guessing that for those who have been here much longer, the impact of all the people coming to visit the island must be difficult, even though we do understand it really helps our local businesses thrive.

Change is always a challenge, and our challenge here is to find ways to preserve what makes Whidbey a unique world, while accepting the new faces coming to visit and live here.

6-27-19 The Satisfaction of Seeing a Local Business Expand

I enjoy writing about our local businesses.  It's especially satisfying to not only see a business succeed, but to see a business expand.  I recently did a story about the Braeburn Restaurant in Langley for the Business Spotlight (https://www.whidbeylocal.com/article/view/2251). 

The Braeburn Retaurant has been a local favorite all the years I have been on Whidbey.  Lisa Carvey took over the Braeburn in 2010 and has continued to provide popular comfort food for the local residents.  This past year, Lisa  decided to expand the physical restaurant and the restaurant services.  In addition to breakfast and lunches throughout the week, dinner is now being served Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Writing my business stories has given me a great appreciation for the courage it takes to become a business owner. Congratulations to Lisa Carvey for having the courage and creativity to expand the restaurant and its services.

6-20-19 Hugging is part of marketing….at least on Whidbey

Each time I travel off the island I have to watch myself: hugging family and close friends is OK, but may not be the norm in many places I visit.

A typical day on Whidbey usually includes numerous hugs. And, not just with people I know well. Usually, I meet someone I know in the grocery store (whichever one I visit), when I walk around Freeland or Langley, or simply taking a walk. I am always surprised at how often I meet someone who gives me a hug, wherever I go on the island.

The reason I mention hugs in a marketing blog is that when I visit the merchants on South Whidbey, I know many of them, and a visit to their stores usually includes hugs. I am sure other small towns create this same experience, but, it’s not the norm in most big cities and suburbs.

Part of what makes Whidbey such a sweet, lovely place to shop for me (and I would guess for most of us) is to walk into a store and not only get greeted warmly, but to have the business owner walk out and give me a welcoming hug.

This type of shopping experience is one of the major reasons I would rather shop on the island, even if prices are not as low as the big box stores. It’s such a great feeling to be truly appreciated as a potential customer…..or maybe just as a neighbor.