By Shana Clarke
When professional photographer Erin Silber joined the then-newly formed Park Slope chapter back in August, she knew she wanted to be involved in a bigger way. Erin specializes in business photography: corporate headshots are part of her style, but she also works with clients on creating branding and lifestyle content. This intersection of professional and playful made her a perfect fit for the Event Chair role.
As a leader, Erin plays a key role in enriching the Park Slope chapter and enhancing members’ experiences. “I help pinpoint who has expertise in a particular field and assign those experts to give speeches at the chapter meeting,” she says. “All these presentations are educational and supposed to help members see how to improve their business in different ways.”
She also aims to bring a social element to the group and build the community through different connecting opportunities. “After the Thanksgiving break we did holiday cocktails at a local bar. Last night we did bowling. I’m trying to find different ways that people can get together at different times during the month. Not everyone can go to a chapter meeting but hopefully they can go to something else and meet people in a social way.”
Community service is the third focus for Erin. She’s investigating programs with CHiPS, a local soup kitchen, and discovering ways Soloists can get involved. She’s envisioning the project will entail groups of four or six people working together; she sees the smaller group format as an opportunity for members to bond in a meaningful way.
For Soloists who are considering taking on a leadership role in their chapter, Erin advises, “It’s all a collaborative effort. I brainstorm with other people who are on the leadership team and we come up with ideas to present to the greater members at a chapter meeting to be voted on. It’s not like one person’s making all the decisions and doing all of the work; you can enlist other people to help you.” As chapters grow and programming evolves, she sees opportunities for members to form subcommittees under the Event Chair, such as a group that solely focuses on educational trainings.
As a leader, Erin frequently connects with other members, which leads to new contacts and business opportunities. At a recent meeting,
“One woman really resonated with me. Her business is in line with mine and [she felt she] could benefit from having a photographer at her future events. That relationship has just deepened.”
Erin credits her love of bringing people together, coupled with her organizational skills, as qualities that made the Events Chair role appealing to her. For other Soloists interested in getting more involved, a leadership position offers new ways to connect with others and make an impact on your, and other Soloists’ businesses.