By Hannah Dannenfelser, Interim Community Engagement Ambassador, Leadership Center for Excellence

Growing in leadership is a key part of growing your career, your impact, and your community. While leadership skills and experience are a key part of growth, promotions, and more, early phases of your career often have limited opportunities to take on leadership roles. Even though there are limited opportunities, senior leaders are watching to see if you’re working to gain and hone your skills. Small and medium-sized businesses especially may have limited formal leadership roles, making it even more important for you to be a self-advocate in building your portfolio of leadership experience.

Aaron Moore, Operations Intern, Arlington Chamber of Commerce

​I first became interested in the Chamber when I was looking into their operations and the community they served. Reading through what the Chamber does, I realized that this would be a place that interested me -- the crossroads of private enterprise and public policy. 

When I first came to intern at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, I was frankly incredibly nervous. Applying for internships, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a rather stressful endeavor. It would be my first time in a professional setting and I didn’t know what to expect. Would this be an environment I enjoyed? Would it be friendly?

Alexandra Suchman, Founder and CEO, AIS Collaborations
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“I need help managing my time.”

“No matter how hard I work, there’s always so much more to do than there is time to do it.”
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 “I waste so much time just trying to decide what to work on next.”

I hear these sentiments from my clients all the time, and, as a small business owner, have certainly felt them myself.

DeAnna Way, Marketing & Customer Service Associate, Caffi Services

​​Any machine with moving parts needs preventive maintenance, and your HVAC system is no different. Regular, preventative HVAC maintenance should be a priority for any home or business looking to extend the life of their unit. While breakdowns cannot be entirely prevented, HVAC maintenance is an excellent safeguard that can give you peace of mind and help your wallet.

Larysa Kautz, President & CEO, Melwood

​With more than 55 years of disability employment experience, one of the most common questions we at Melwood get asked is, “Is there really a business case for embracing neurodiversity and hiring people with disabilities?” and the answer is an unequivocal YES! 

Jennifer Mulchandani, Founder & CEO, Arlington Strategy

​Google My Business is a free digital billboard that allows users to find you via Google search. Google My Business allows people searching for a particular product or service to find you and connect with you. They can learn your location, your business hours, your services, and access your online reviews. GMB also allows you to connect with your customers and learn what they are looking for. 

Jess Owens, Founder & CEO, GreenList

​How many times a week do you shop online? Do you still go grocery shopping? You can buy groceries, wine, and even sporting goods online. No need to leave the house ever again! These conveniences have been amplified during COVID-19 as people try to minimize their exposure to others. As the vaccine is rolled out, will people keep these habits or go back to shopping in person? When you shop in person, you tend to buy more but you ALSO don’t typically make returns. 

Dan Reilly, Events Manager, Arlington Chamber of Commerce

​Having lived in Northern Virginia since I was in kindergarten, I knew Arlington was where I wanted to live after college. After graduating high school in Burke, I attended Northern Virginia Community College for a year to save some money before transferring to James Madison University.

Frances Dattilo, Vice President, Invario Network Engineers

January 28 is Data Privacy Day, a global effort that generates awareness about the importance of data privacy. Data privacy protection can inspire consumer trust, meet legal and compliance requirements, and avoid costly breaches – all of which are good for business.