Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Do you want a successful career in economic development?  If so, then this series is for you: The Indisputable Rules for a Successful Career in Economic Development.

Yes- it is a bold claim, but listen before you judge.

Rule #5: Invite Critique.  If want to hone your skills and improve your performance, you must be open to accepting critique.  When others offer feedback, do you get defensive or marginalize their thoughts?

The most successful individuals in this line of work surround themselves with those willing to offer constructive feedback.  Be sure to reinforce an environment where honest feedback is encouraged and offered with the best intentions.

Could your organization use some fresh ideas?  Sometimes we can get in a rut doing the same things year after year.

In this episode, Dennis shares five random ideas that could have a big impact.  Perhaps one of these ideas could get your team, board, or community energied.  Tune in to get your creative juices flowing.

Co-host Andy Sokolovich recently attended the Professional Developers of Iowa Conference in Sioux City.  During the reception, he caught up with 6 veterans of the business to get tips for those brand new to the economic development business.

If your career is just getting started, this episode is for you.

Drew Conrad, Institute for Decision Making

Chris Myres, City of Sioux City

Brian Buethe, Grimes Chamber and Economic Development

Karla Organist, Institute for Decision Making

Kiley Miller, Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation

Clark Smith, Smart Solutions Group

More About the Professional Developers of Iowa

As is customary, the month of September concludes with your favorite podcast co-hosts sharing their updates from the month and providing some teasers for the month of October.

This business of economic and community development is not for the faint of heart.  From politics and funding to public relations and deadlines, the stress of the job is real.

Don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

In this short episode, Dennis and Jason offer encouragement for those on the edge.

Creating effective workforce partnerships is tough.  Anyone can pull together a meeting, create some bullet point action plans, and then publish a report full of fancy pictures.  But does your plan of work actually move the needle?

In this episode, Dennis concludes this series with step five of five on  successful workforce partnerships.

Building programs and strategies that last is hard work.  There is often momentum in the beginning, but how can you keep investors and partners at the table for the long haul?

Dennis gives three suggestions for sustaining your efforts: -Measure and report your results -Celebrate your successes and give the group credit -Capitalize on your success to grow and evolve

This episode brought to you by Accrisoft Corporation - leaders in the economic development web design business.

Do you want a successful career in economic development?  If so, then this series is for you: The Indisputable Rules for a Successful Career in Economic Development.

Yes- it is a bold claim, but listen before you judge.

Rule #4: Be a Control Freak.  When it is your project, your meeting, or your event, you must be in control.  Although it is okay to delegate and empower others, you must set boundaries along with expectations.  After all, it is your tail on the line.  Don't leave your opportunity to shine up to chance.

Creating effective workforce partnerships is tough.  Anyone can pull together a meeting, create some bullet point action plans, and then publish a report full of fancy pictures.  But does your plan of work actually move the needle?

In this episode, Dennis continues with step four in the five part series on successful workforce partnerships.

At some point, a great idea is going to fail.  You will hold a workshop that nobody attends or launch an initiative that few sponsors will support.  Not every great idea will be a winner.

But do you have the courage to pivot when things don't go as planned?  It's okay to say to acknowledge defeat and move on to something else.  In fact, it will gain you respect.

The registration deadline is quickly approaching for the IEDC annual conference in Indy October 13-16.  In this episode, Dennis brings conference co-chair Maureen Donohue Krauss on the show to share insight into the upcoming sessions.

With 70 educational sessions, 20 tours, and multiple special events, this conference is definitely worth your time.

Tune in to learn more about the ED Talks, get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the special events, and catch a preview of the six conference topical tracks.

Track 1: Livability

Track 2: Future Business, Future Worker

Track 3: Housing

Track 4: Talent Partnerships

Track 5: Business Clusters

Track 6: Infrastructure

Be sure to register by September 20th for the best pricing.

Register for the IEDC Conference

Maureen Donohue Krauss- CEO, Donohue Krauss

More About Maureen

Creating effective workforce partnerships is tough.  Anyone can pull together a meeting, create some bullet point action plans, and then publish a report full of fancy pictures.  But does your plan of work actually move the needle?

In this episode, Dennis continues with step three in the five part series on successful workforce partnerships.

Nothing stalls a project or demoralizes volunteers more than inaction.  Once a set of workforce initiatives and strategies is determined, take action.  Get some early wins.  Build momentum.

Building momentum early increases the strength of partnerships.  Tune in for tips and strategies to front-load momentum in your workforce program.