Success Stories

"My Vistage group helped me see things I couldn't see on my own."

Kell Williams
President (now retired)
Wheeler Consolidated Inc.
Tampa Bay
Chip Webster-Chair

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This is one of my longer blogs but I think it’s one of the most important.  So get a snack if need be now and then read on.  Okay, it’s not that long but there is a lot to be covered….

It was less than I year ago that some of the people at Vistage approached me about writing a blog about life as a new member.  They gave me no limitations or directives.  They didn’t even ask me to touch on certain topics.  Their only request was that I genuinely and candidly convey my experiences as a new member.

At the time, I thought, “Wow, these folks must really have a lot of confidence in their organization.  They’re going to post whatever I write on their website, good or bad? Are they nuts?  They have no idea what my reaction will be.”

Well, it turns out they actually did have a pretty good idea of what my reaction would be.  It was the same reaction they’d seen hundreds of times before from virtually every new member lucky enough to have received an invitation to join.  Let’s face it.  This is an organization that delivers and delivers right from the starting line.  I’m sure Wolfgang Puck wouldn’t worry about what a new food critic might say after eating at one of his restaurants.  Likewise, the folks at Vistage didn’t lose any sleep worrying about what yours truly might write.  They knew.

As my admiration for Vistage quickly grew into a passionate advocacy, I started talking to their team about keeping the blog going even after my “new” member status no longer applied.  We agreed there was plenty more to talk about. So even though I have less than no free time (as I’m sure you can relate to) I’m proud to announce this blog is not only going to continue but posts are now going to happen on a more regular basis.

It’s been so rewarding to have had people stop me at Vistage events and tell me that it was my blog that convinced them to join.  I’m thrilled (and frankly in disbelief) that hundreds of prospective members each month take the time to read what I have to say.  (My wife barely listens to what I have to say so she’s in more shock than me!) Anyway, what I originally did partly as a lark, I now consider a duty.  For any CEOs who are striving to be better leaders or struggling all alone with challenge after challenge, it’s my privilege to let them know about Vistage.  I’m not a salesperson.  I get no commission on new members.  I just want to help spread the word.

Blog I shall.  And like any writer, I need to make sure there’s a twist thrown in from time to time.  Well, here comes one your way now…

While I will soon no longer be a “new” member, I actually have a new business I’m launching in addition to my marketing firm.  The new business is completely different than the existing business in almost every way.  (Coincidently, I decided to move forward with the new business only after carefully discussing it with my Vistage group.)

Unlike my first business, I’ll have the benefit of Vistage from the ground up.  So over the next several months, I’ll be bringing you a behind the scenes look at how things unfold.  It’s going to be exciting.  Once again, the folks at Vistage have given me carte blanche to say whatever’s on my mind.  To balance two business and a young family, I’m going to rely on this organization more heavily than even.  Will Vistage come through?  While I don’t know the answer, something tells me the people at Vistage do.  They’re confident in the service they provide.  They know they can come through.  Truth be told, that’s why I wouldn’t dare put my professional life in anyone else’s hands.  You shouldn’t either.

Until next time!
 

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