Episode 84: Doing a big thing in a small town

Apr 5, 2022

My friends, it’s just me today in this week’s episode, talking all about YOU. YOU can do big things in a small town.

 

I’m so excited for the upcoming series we’re sharing in April. The round about way I found this story is typical of how things get done in small towns! So, my brother Will is a construction manager in Waterloo, Iowa, and connected me with TLC (aka The Learning Center) an AMAZING childcare center in Charles City, Iowa. 

 

Pam Ost (who you’ll meet in future episodes) saw a need in her community, had a vision for how to complete, found her people who could help, and connected her goals to the entire community.

 

No, I didn’t set her up for this, but she happened to follow my blueprint for getting things DONE in a small town. Now Charles City has an amazing childcare center in the works in a renovated historic building.

 

Maybe you’ve been there. You’ve seen the cool old building in your downtown and thought “someone should really do something about that.”

 

YOU are that SOMEONE!

 

I’ll share key takeaways from the episode below, but if you want to narrow it to one thing…

“If we want really cool things in our small towns we have to be willing to do them.” - Melissa Nelson, Hungry Canyon

Key Takeaways

• I share my blueprint for getting something to the finish line: Cast your vision, find your people, and connect our community.
• First, cast your vision! Thing globally and don’t limit yourself! I mention an earlier episode with Callie Fitzgerald (one of our most downloaded to date!) where she was feeling conflicted imagining what is now Centrally Rooted. She sat down with a journal to sort out her thoughts and LITERALLY the NEXT DAY found the perfect building. DON’T limit yourself here! You can sort out budget and all that later. Dream BIG!
• THEN it’s time to get serious. Seek out those people who can bring this vision to life. Me, I’m a good beginner. I’m not a details person. I’ll make all the videos, do all the marketing, but cold calls for fundraising? No. Thank. You. Luckily there are folks who love behind the scenes work! 
• Every project needs leaders, doers, finish liners, and key partners. It’s those finish liners who keep dreamers like me on track!
• Put a PLAN together and market, market, MARKET! Obviously marketing is my jam, but it is seriously so important in small towns. That old building is someone’s precious memory! You need a community to support your big idea! Get them on board.

 

This episode is pretty short and sweet but it’s leading up to a great series. Come on back next week!

 

There’s not a guest this week but I mention Pam Ost and The Learning Center in Charles City, Iowa and the parallels to our childcare center here in Cascade, Aquin Little Angels.

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