As a solo entrepreneur, it’s easy to question every line item in your calendar and budget. When I joined the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, I wasn’t just looking to grow my network—I was looking to grow my impact. What I’ve found is this: when you lead with relationship, not transaction, your investment pays dividends.

I’ve built my business, Cultivate for Good, on relational leadership: the ongoing practice of aligning mission with movement through authentic, accountable relationships. That same approach has shaped how I engage with the Alliance. I’m not just a member. I’m a builder. A contributor. A connector.

 

Here’s how I’ve made my membership work—for me and for others:

I Align My Calendar with Intention
I don’t attend everything—I attend strategically. From Business at Breakfast to ribbon cuttings for new businesses, I block my calendar in alignment with Alliance’s events that put me shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders who are shaping our region. These aren’t just meet-and-greets—they’re launchpads for real connection. The kind that leads to introductions, referrals, and collaborations that matter.

I Celebrate Others
Showing up for ribbon cuttings isn’t about photo ops—it’s about rooting for someone else's beginning. It’s an act of relational leadership: honoring the hustle behind every open sign, every new dream. And when you consistently celebrate others, they start showing up for you too.

I Volunteer with Purpose
Volunteering for SHE Week and serving on the Leadership Lynchburg faculty aren’t just resume lines. They’re how I live out my values. I get to invest in other leaders—especially women—and hold space for the kind of growth and dialogue that move missions forward. These roles have expanded my influence and deepened my local relationships far beyond transactional networking.

I Stay Consistent—and It’s Been Recognized
In 2024, I was honored to be named Alliance’s Ambassador of the Year. That recognition wasn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It was about being a consistent presence. I was someone others could count on to show up, serve well, and elevate the people around me.

 

The Takeaway?
If you're a small business owner or solo entrepreneur wondering whether Alliance membership is “worth it”—know this: the value isn’t just in what you get, it’s in how you show up. And if you lead with authenticity, accountability, and generosity, the ROI becomes clear.

 

I didn’t just find a seat at the table. I built one.
And there’s room here for you, too. This is how we Cultivate for Good.