Association for Enterprise Growth

03/27/2025

Here's another virtual networking tip for those of you who are planning to attend our Virtual Speed Networking event this afternoon:

Since you’re in front of your computer rather than standing and talking to someone, a virtual event is the perfect opportunity to take notes on event attendees. Listen carefully to what attendees have to say, write down who you’d like to connect with further, and take notes on why you want to connect with them, to help yourself remember.

If you haven't registered for tonight's event, there's still time!

Join us for a fast-paced networking event - exclusive for business leaders - advisors, entrepreneurs, and centers of influence.

03/24/2025

This month, the Inner Circle indulged in an unforgettable dining experience at the renowned Ristorante i Ricchi on 19th Street NW. This top-tier evening was elevated by the presence of Chef and Owner Chris Ricchi, who shared captivating stories—including how President H.W. Bush dined there soon after its opening and how the restaurant has become a favorite among celebrities and politicians.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming two new members, Amy Bielski and Brian Mehnert, each receiving the prestigious AEG hourglass—a symbol of our deep respect for our members' time.

Exceptional food, fascinating conversation, and great company—this was truly one of our most memorable gatherings yet!

03/21/2025

Are you ready for some high-impact networking? Our popular virtual speed networking is on March 27th from 4pm-5pm, with bonus networking time until 5:30pm to chat, ask, and connect.

Mark your calendar and secure your spot now!

03/18/2025

One of our core values is "Have Fun!" While we may find it easy to have fun during our free time, is it also possible to have fun while working? Research shows that creating a fun workplace culture can have numerous benefits for both the employees and the company’s bottom line. From increased employee engagement to improved innovation, fun at work can lead to a more productive work environment.

Defining “fun at work” can be subjective, as different people may have different ideas of what is fun. In general, however, fun at work translates as an enjoyable and engaging work environment where employees feel motivated, energized and enthusiastic about their work. It fosters a workplace culture that encourages creativity, collaboration, innovation and belonging while allowing for some degree of playfulness and humor.

A few of the ways bosses can create more fun in the workplace:

Encourage creativity by allowing your employees to come up with new ideas and approaches to problem solving.
Recognize, reward and celebrate successes, both big and small.
Foster a sense of community through collaboration and teamwork. Encourage employees to socialize outside of work.
Promote work-life balance through flexible work hours, remote work options and vacation time. Encourage employees to take breaks throughout the day to recharge and relax.
Create opportunities for fun at work, like themed or dress-up days, friendly games and competitions, or celebrations of holidays and events.

What are other ways that you encourage fun within your company?

To learn more about having fun at work, check out our blog post: https://enterprisegrowth.com/resources/blog/fun-work-essential-ingredient-great-business

03/14/2025

Two of the key components of active listening are to listen more than you speak, and to embrace silence instead of filling it.

Many of us find silence in a conversation uncomfortable. Our instinct is to fill the void with words, even if those words add little value. However, silence can be a powerful tool in leadership. A pause in the conversation allows people the time to process their thoughts. It also gives leaders time to absorb what’s being said before reacting. Instead of rushing to fill gaps, embrace that moment of silence.

How do you practice active listening?

To learn more about active listening, check out our latest blog post: https://enterprisegrowth.com/resources/blog/strengthening-leadership-through-active-listening

03/12/2025

At our March Business Leader Summit, we gathered at Patsy's for highly engaging networking, with lots of new faces and productive connections. We started the evening's program by welcoming our newest elite advisor member, Lucia Manic, VP of Commercial Banking at Atlantic Union Bank.

Our fireside chat guest was Larysa Kautz, CEO of Melwood, a $120M/1600 employee suite of DMV companies that empowers individuals with disabilities through education, training and advocacy. Larysa shared where Melwood is headed over the next five years; the challenges of running a large organization with extensive federal contracts (now being disrupted); how Melwood is a leader among 400 disability organizations nationwide; and the professional resources and opportunities used to help it thrive.

On March 27, we'll be networking online at our virtual speed networking event! You can learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/AEG20250327

03/11/2025

Did you catch the guest speaker at our February Business Leader Summit Fireside Chat? Anne Khademian, Executive Director of the Universities of Shady Grove, spoke about the opportunities for businesses and professionals with USG.

We're excited to announce that Anne is our guest for the next LinkedIn Live, on March 19 at 11:30am! Be sure to tune in, as we chat with Anne about current trends she is seeing and what USG is doing to stay innovative and at the forefront of the trends.

03/10/2025

Our March Business Leader Summit is tomorrow in Tysons! It features an evening filled with dynamic and purpose-driven networking, as well as a fireside chat with Larysa Kautz, CEO of Melwood. Our events draw over 70 attendees including executives, entrepreneurs, leading business advisors, investors, and regional centers of influence.

Learn more and register:

03/07/2025

Strong listening skills set great business leaders apart. Yet in a business environment, where decisions must be made quickly, the ability to truly hear and understand others is often overlooked, and many business owners can unknowingly hinder their own success by speaking more than they listen.

Our latest blog post shares ways to develop better active listening habits, giving you a strategic advantage that can strengthen leadership and lead to clearer communication: https://enterprisegrowth.com/resources/blog/strengthening-leadership-through-active-listening

03/05/2025

We have two great opportunities for our members to network with each other and other business leaders in the community! On March 11, our Business Leaders Summit is an in-person exclusive event connecting business leaders: entrepreneurs, executives, investors, business advisors, and centers of influence. Then on March 27, join us for a fast-paced virtual networking event.

Visit our website for more info and to register. https://enterprisegrowth.com/