Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Osterman.
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my journey in the Chamber Industry as a high school intern in 2013. What should have been a year-long position turned into a career that I am incredibly passionate about. I worked in Workforce Development, then Membership Retention, Executive Assistance, Director of Operations, Programs, and Events, and recently (a year ago) accepted the position of CEO. The first Chamber I worked at was in my hometown (Hopkinsville, KY), the Christian County Chamber of Commerce. After relocating to Murray, KY, to finish my undergraduate degree, I worked at the Murray – Calloway County Chamber of Commerce. It was there where I began the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organizational Management (non-profit leadership studies for Chambers and Associations) 4-year program. The connections led me to Anderson, SC, where I spent three years before relocating to Bluffton. Ultimately, I made it in my career because of the invaluable connections I have made throughout my journey. Connections have this power!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
Ha! Smooth road? Who possibly has a smooth road? It has certainly not been a smooth journey, but I learned (a lot!) from it and am now stronger and more successful because of it. The leader of the Chamber I began at was incredibly confident in me and my abilities. Many times she would tell me (as a 17-year-old), “You have what it takes to lead a Chamber.” Still, to this day, that is something I hold near and dear to my heart; I am incredibly grateful for the support, encouragement, and opportunities that she gave me. From the start, she invested in me by sending me to Chamber training and seminars.
I wish I could say that all leaders were like her, but they were not. I have worked with individuals who have felt threatened or intimidated by my knowledge and experience, have not been transparent, and even lied to get their way. In life, no matter your experience, if it doesn’t align with the leaders’ personal goals, they may resort to doing the unimaginable.
The one leader that I learned the most from was one of the most trying positions I have ever had. This individual was a micromanager, or, as Stephen Covey would say, a “Command and Control” leader. They created an environment of belittlement, toxicity, and manipulation and would even pit team members against one another. This individual did things not because it was genuine but because they could hold it over your head. I was often told, “This isn’t for people like you,” when I was presented with leadership opportunities. It was a place where I didn’t realize just how bad it was until I left, and still, to this day, my heart drops when I see their name.
Others told me I wouldn’t promote because I was a young female, new to the area, didn’t have as many local connections, and should support their wishes because it would be “better for me in the long run.” These hurdles still exist even as far as we have come as a society. Through each one of these negative experiences, I learned a lot: what leader not to be, to give the same grace that I enjoy and appreciate, to give credit where credit is due, always to do the right thing, and treat individuals with respect and as people, not just a person or number in society.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that exists to promote, support, and connect businesses and individuals so that they can thrive and succeed in an ever-changing economy. Depending on the location of a Chamber, the focus could be different – it could be the support of the military, tourism, economic development, or many other things. For us, we are the “Chamber of Connections” and work to provide opportunities and resources for businesses doing or looking to do business in our area to be successful. We genuinely care about each one of our businesses and their success. Everything we do must benefit our members, or we do not do it.
Of course, our members are listed in an online and tangible directory and can share news releases, job openings, events, deals, etc. In addition, we offer monthly networking socials, Lunch & Learn seminars, Ribbon Cuttings, Member Spotlights, and annual events like our Golden Oyster Awards business gala, Taste of Bluffton, Bluffton Business Expo, Women in Business Luncheon, among many other things. The most valuable of all are the connections – which you can’t put a price tag on. These connections turn into friends, customers, and referrals for your business. Think of how much it costs to hire a marketing firm to share your brand – our members quickly have a group of individuals who help promote them all for the small investment of Chamber membership (as low as $30/month!). As you can imagine, the more you invest in your business and take advantage of benefits through your membership, the more return on investment you will have.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
The Chamber of Commerce Professionals Facebook page is an invaluable resource for me professionally as it is for individuals who “get it.” My peers who have also been through Institute for Organizational Management are a group I rely on for feedback and support as well.
Favorite books: Horseshoes vs. Chess by Dave Adkisson, CCE (another Chamber read), Trust & Inspire by Stephen Covey, The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon, Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek, Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Pricing:
- Non-Profit Level – $225/Annually
- Memberships Range from – $355 – $1255/Annually
Contact Info:
- Website: https://
blufftonchamberofcommerce.org/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/blufftonchamber/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ blufftonchamberofcommerce/ - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/company/greater- bluffton-chamber-of-commerce - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
BlufftonChamber
Image Credits
Gustavo Rattia – Oceano Blue Media, Ian Santiago – IVS Photography (cover of our directory)
