Greater Raleigh Chamber Blog

When Will Barfield networks, it is with a strategy.

Barfield, president and CEO of Barfield Revenue Consulting, spoke at our first virtual Networking 101. He focused on how to network more effectively in our new normal, where networking takes place digitally.

“Make no mistake folks,” he said. “The world has changed and it’s changed permanently. It doesn’t mean we won’t go back to the in-person meetings. But, we can now take those things and hypercharge them with the virtual meetups.”

Barfield told our online audience members how they could leverage technology to their advantage while networking.

“This new virtual world allows us to access new connections that we would have never made previously,” he said.
He gave an example.

“I was recently on a panel on how to prospect during challenging times,” said Barfield. “This was an incredible networking opportunity and created a whole slew of new connections across the country. We had more than 250 registrants. We had four time zones represented and three different countries.”

He also discussed how online networking groups provide an opportunity to share stories.

“Talk with others about the challenges within your businesses,” said Barfield. “Inevitably, someone will say, ‘Oh yes, you would be a great referral for that.’”

Barfield said that networking in larger groups also will lead to one-on-one conversations.

“We are increasing our networking and communication as a result of something that you would think would limit our networking opportunities,” he said.

This is the second time this year that Barfield has spoken as a part of our Networking 101 seminars and we want to thank him for his tremendous insight into how you can maximize your networking opportunities.

Please check our event calendar to learn about all of the different events that we have coming up where you can practice what you learned in Networking 101!

As the founder and chair of TradeMark Properties, Billie Redmond knows the importance of leadership.

“In times of crisis, people crave leadership,” she said. “They want to follow people they believe in.”

Redmond spoke with us virtually at our June C-Suite Perspectives.

“What do good leaders do when faced with this type of challenge,” she asked. “Our leadership perspectives come from our individual perspectives.”

Redmond said that, during these challenging times, it is more reason for leaders to think about their purpose and mission.

“It begins with courage,” she added. “It takes great courage to stay the course, in particular when you can’t see what lies ahead. It takes courage to change course. It takes courage to make changes. It takes courage to admit that you don’t have all the answers.”

Optimism also is key, Redmond said.

“I am the eternal optimist,” she said. “People need encouragement. I’m not sure if we’ve ever needed encouragement more than we need today.”

But, even during the pandemic, Redmond said there is opportunity.

“This pandemic has given us the opportunity to learn a lot about ourselves and each other,” she said.

“What I’ve learned the most is that we need each other,” said Redmond. “People need the opportunity to be connected. I’m excited about the things that we’ve learned.”

She said the current situation also brings an opportunity for introspection.

“We are in a social, cultural, and spiritual pandemic,” said Redmond. “I want to ask each person to consider a time of real reflection about your individual perspectives. Go back and think about where you started, how your life experiences have brought you here.”

We want to thank Redmond for her perspectives and insights into leadership. We also want to thank our C-Suite Perspectives sponsors for their continued support and engagement. Their partnership with us makes this series possible.
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Our next C-Suite Perspectives will take place on Aug. 14. Please check back later on our website for more information about the speaker for our August C-Suite Perspectives.

There is no place in our community or society for systemic racism. In Raleigh, and many other cities across the country, there were peaceful demonstrations organized yesterday to honor George Floyd and protest his death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. These demonstrators were leading the call for action and change. Unfortunately, as day turned into night, a number of individuals began to incite violence in our city. It was upsetting to see what started as a peaceful call for reform turn to violence. Businesses throughout downtown Raleigh had their windows shattered. Thefts occurred. The damage to downtown was extensive.

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Minnesota and disturbed by what happened in Raleigh last night. At the same time, we are proud to see the strength and resilience of our community today. This morning, our neighbors gathered downtown, helping one another pick up the pieces. The short-term repair is just the beginning. We have to be dedicated to identifying systemic racism and building bridges toward equity.
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Violence is not the answer. We do not want to see what happened last night. We also must have honest conversations and actions to address and heal the deep divisions facing our city and nation. 
 
Adrienne Cole
President and CEO
Raleigh Chamber
 
DeLisa Alexander
Chair, Raleigh Chamber Board of Directors
Red Hat, Inc.

It isn’t easy for Lindsey Boggs to talk about some of what she has experienced in life. But, she will be the first to tell you that it’s very important for her to talk about it.

Boggs shared her inspirational story at our virtual Young Professionals Network program.

“There is hope,” she said. “If I can get through it, anyone can get through it.”

Boggs educates on the stigma of mental health. In 2018, she discussed it during a TEDxRaleigh talk.

“I’m talking today about something very personal,” she said during her talk with YPN.

Boggs was on top of her game in her professional life. Her successful sales career garnered national recognition.
“I knew sales was for me because I am very driven by numbers and by a leaderboard,” she said.

Boggs even presented on the topic of social selling with Shaquille O’Neal. She had everything she could want.

But, an unexpected death in her family set off a chain of events that led to her having a mental breakdown. Her sister had died of a brain aneurysm.

“It was incredibly hard and the only thing I knew to do was work,” said Boggs.

She said she worked more hours than ever.

“I became a social selling pioneer to the outside world, but, in reality, I was really falling apart,” said Boggs. “My family life was non-existent. I had an addiction to social media and a desire to always outperform yesterday’s posts.”

She got help.

Now, she sees work and life in a completely different way.

“At the end of the day, remember, it’s just a job,” said Boggs. “Set boundaries at work. That’s the first thing.”

Boggs now is the digital sales and development manager at Citrix.

“I’ve created very healthy boundaries for myself,” she said. “I don’t have the Sunday scaries anymore. I work at a great organization.”

Boggs spoke about why self care is so important.

“Take email off your phone if possible,” she said. “Block off your lunch every day. Identify your limits and practice saying no. Delegate, delegate, delegate. Also, I recommend meditation. I meditate every day. It’s been very grounding for me.”

We want to thank Boggs for sharing her personal story with us. Especially during these challenging times, it is very important to hear a message of hope.

We also would like to thank our series sponsors, Greene Resources and UNC Kenan-Flagler Executive MBA Programs, for their continued support of YPN.
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Our next YPN program will be on July 9 where we will take a closer look at education in the Triangle, including K-12 education and the workforce pipeline.