This week Erie is all about opportunity. Leaders and potential investors from all over the country traveled to Erie to learn about the visions and plans for Erie’s transformation. As a micro business owner, entrepreneur or a person blazing a career in Erie, what does all this mean to you?
The Erie Homecoming Investment Prospectus sees Erie as being an inflection point. We are a city in “the throes of reinvention; characterized by renewed enthusiasm and optimism across broad segments of the community” because of “unprecedented collaboration, anchor investment, civic resurgence, and a convergence of stakeholders aimed at a community renewal.” The Erie Homecoming website states that Erie is in the midst of an unprecedented era of growth and investment — one that includes more than $750 million in capital investment from the private, philanthropic, and public sectors.
The future of Erie? As of today, no one can say for sure. But I can tell you this, a movement is underway and things are and will change. Communities will transform. Buildings will crumble and new structures will rise. Some will move away and a new friend will move in next door. A business will close and a new one will open across the street.
It is a time of uncertainty but also of great possibilities. Brené Brown would tell us this is a time of vulnerability but also the discovery of our greatest and bravest self. With the right approach, you will not only survive but thrive in Erie’s dynamic transformation.
Here are my tips to finding your own inflection point upwards on Erie’s opportunity curve.
Be knowledgeable about what’s taking place.
Most of the time, we look at news happening and think, “Ah. That doesn’t involve me.” There’s a sigh of relief because it’s one less thing to worry about. However, there is a rumble in the Erie streets and you need to pay attention. Read news articles such as these reporting on Erie’s Homecoming in the Erie Times. Follow the EDDC, the Erie Chamber and other change-makers on social media. Become a member of the Erie Regional Chamber. Join email lists that publish information that will keep you in the know.
Ask yourself questions.
Many of us take time to read about what’s going on, but never take time to reflect and think about what this information means to us, and to our business. Do a quick SWOT particularly where there are opportunities for or threats towards your business? Could there be a threat? How can your business get involved and be a part of Erie’s transformation? For example, if you are a business owner with a location in a neighboring township, you may think all of this has nothing to do with your business. However, if you map out a 5-10 year plan, could you expand to a downtown Erie location? What would that look like? What resources would you need? By taking time to reflect you will see areas for growth or perhaps areas of weakness that you need to improve upon in order to serve the change that’s coming.
Mingle among your peers or better known as networking.
Reach out to those who are coming to your neighborhood. Find time to meet with people who are working in areas of interest to you and your business. Attend meetups hosted by the EDDC that can help you learn more about the what and when. Go to networking events such as the Business After Hours and when engaging in conversation, ask others their ideas about Erie’s transformation. You may discover a new contact which could lead to a collaborative opportunity.
Find an interest and volunteer.
Don’t see volunteering as more work but as a positive investment of your time. Volunteering will help you develop your network, hone some skills and promote your business. Having served on many non-profit boards, make sure you select a cause you really care about and are willing to help out. Many organizations will need your ideas and professional perspectives but they also need you in the trenches, actually doing the work and helping to implement the ideas. Check out the Get Connected website for some local volunteer opportunities.
Be a cheerleader!
More than anything, feel the excitement and cheer each other on. Grab a pompom and be a cheerleader. Clap and dance when there’s a touchdown. If there’s a fumble, take note but keep that winning mentality. We all experience failures and if we experience them well, it’s the best opportunity for learning and improving ourselves and our companies. Believe in what is possible and cheer for yourself, your neighbors and our leaders.
Making sense of it all
This is an exciting time for Erie. Let’s be a part of this movement for positive change and build the type of community we all want. If you are a small business owner or you are an employee wanting to excel, here are tips to follow:
Be knowledgeable. Read about what’s going on with Erie’s transformation.
Ask your own questions. Don’t just read, think about it and ask questions. Ask yourself questions that reflect on the role your business can have in Erie’s transformation.
Mingle among your peers. Network and inquire about people’s view of things that are happening.
Find an interest and volunteer.
Be a cheerleader. Feel the excitement and cheer each other on.
Barb Weber Coaching is all about being a cheerleader for micro businesses and entrepreneurs. These businesses don’t lead the news and may occasionally put Erie on the map. But small businesses and the creativity of entrepreneurs are the soul and expression of Erie; they express our diversity, reflect our values and provide goods and services for a life well lived.