Elise Leon Of Modern Horizon Chamber of Commerce On The Importance Of Professional Business Networks

An Interview with Vanessa Ogle

Be Consistent and proactive: Continue to engage in the network that you are building and stay connected. Attend other networking events together as a group and go out to dinner. Follow them on social media. You never when opportunities come up that can create a joint venture for you and someone in your network.

In today’s fast-paced business world, professional networks are more than just a pathway to opportunities; they are crucial for growth, learning, and innovation. Whether it’s finding mentors, navigating career changes, or driving business success, the right network can be a game changer. How significant are these networks, and how can professionals best leverage them? I had the pleasure of interviewing Elise Leon.

Elise Leon, currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Modern Horizon Chamber of Commerce, brings a wealth of leadership experience from her role as Director of Radiology, complemented by an MBA from Capella University. With a foundation in healthcare management and a strategic mindset honed through her education, she adeptly navigates the intersection of business and community development. Elise’s leadership is characterized by a proactive approach to organizational growth and innovation, positioning her as a pivotal figure in driving forward the chamber’s initiatives and fostering economic vitality.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

Over the past five years, I’ve been diving into digital business, soaking up knowledge through online courses and books on business strategies. Alongside this, I pursued certifications in health coaching from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and became a licensed realtor in New York State. These experiences have really shaped my business mindset and improved my critical thinking skills. When I met Jessica Smith, my business partner, she shared her dream of starting a chamber of commerce, something she’d been passionate about for eight years. Intrigued, I started researching what chambers of commerce are all about, their history, and how we could bring something fresh to the table. I created a business plan of all of the things that I felt would be of value and how we can make a bigger impact with the chamber that we are creating.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I think the most interesting thing that has happened is how we began and the momentum that followed. I didn’t know Jessica at all and she found me on Facebook. I had a Facebook group called Only In Orange County NY where I was sharing local businesses and events to help get exposure. This was a strategy that I learned being on a real estate team. When Jessica and I met for the second time with my business plan for the chamber of commerce, we shook hands and agreed to be business partners and the magic began to unfold. Jessica’s skills complement my skills. I specialize in systems and operations for business, and she specializes in networking, creating business connections, and event creation and had a knack for bringing the community together. We had our first chamber chat a month later where we put on a presentation to local businesses that wanted to come. A few weeks later we had our initial board members, and we were hearing that big players were hearing about the new chamber of commerce coming to town.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

In business there are constant mistakes and learning as you go. When you fail, there is lesson to be learned about what to do and what not to do going forward. I don’t think I have a particular incident that was funny but definitely things happen that are eye opening and learning how to move forward. Starting a chamber of commerce isn’t a common thing. Before Jessica, I have never heard anyone saying that they wanted to create a chamber.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Definitely, my business partner and the CEO of the Modern Horizon Chamber, Jessica Smith. We collaborate so well. We have created an environment where I can be authentically who I am and drive our company forward. Along this journey of developing and growing the chamber we keep attracting amazing likeminded people who are contributing to the amazing growth that we are experiencing. I feel like it’s difficult to only give one person credit because Jessica and I couldn’t have this alone. I have to give everyone involved credit for their efforts and contributions.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

I love to read. Since I have been so busy I have been listening to books. Reading or listening to books was the beginning of my interest in learning about entrepreneurship. Rich Dad, Poor Dad was the first book that I read about entrepreneurship and business, and it really opened my mind to a new way of living and making money. It difficult to pick a favorite but I would have to say Think or Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill or Traction by Gino Wickman.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

Making an impact and serving others is the whole purpose of why Jessica and I founded this chamber. We are creating jobs in our community as we expand the chamber. We are getting real results from businesses that become members with us. It’s really amazing to everything unfolds.

What strategies do you recommend for building and maintaining strong professional business networks?

Go out into the community and get involved. We teach how to network at the chamber because it is so valuable. But the real key is to follow through and show up for someone else in their business. This is really what makes an impact. It’s really amazing how so many people out there just want to help each other succeed.

Can you share a personal story about how a professional business network has significantly impacted your career or business?

There are so many stories because this is a huge reason why we have grown and continue to grow fast. When we first started the Modern Horizon Chamber, like most startups, you didn’t know who to turn to for help or assistance or even to talk about what you are doing. Jessica had a big network in White Plains NY where she moved from and where she had her consulting business. She already knew how to network. I was new to the networking scene and really didn’t understand the importance of networking for business. She began to reach out to people and make connections and build relationships. She would set up zoom meetings foster a business relationship, and I began to understand the magic because people were so excited with what we were creating they would offer to sponsor their time, services, products, and I was amazed. I was amazed about how many wanted to contribute.

In your experience, what are the common misconceptions about networking, and how can professionals overcome them?

Networking isn’t just about selling yourself or your services — it’s about building relationships that are meaningful and mutually beneficial. When you shift your focus from “how can this person help me?” to “how can I help this person?”, you create a foundation of trust and goodwill. When you genuinely support others in achieving their goals or solving their problems, they’re more likely to remember and reciprocate when you need assistance. This approach not only strengthens your professional network but also fosters a community where collaboration and shared success thrive naturally, leading to long-term business growth and personal fulfillment. Another common myth about networking is that you need to be outgoing or extroverted to do it well. Many people think you must be super chatty and comfortable in big social settings to make meaningful connections. But that’s not true at all! Introverts can be great networkers too. They are often very good listeners, and they have a more thoughtful approach to conversations. They prefer deeper, more personal interactions over superficial small talk, which can lead to more genuine and lasting connections.

Can you please share your “5 Ways to Make the Most of a Professional Business Network”?

1. Build Genuine Relationships: Get to know the person you are talking to beyond their business and titles. Listen to their story and show genuine interest in their work and journey. I met a baker at a networking event who shared similar challenges in scaling their business. Instead of immediately discussing business strategies, we started by sharing our personal journeys as single moms wanting to leave a legacy behind for our kids and the struggles of starting a business working a full-time job and doing all the mom things. This laid a foundation of trust and understanding that eventually led to a fruitful collaboration on a joint marketing campaign.
2. Offer Value and Support: This one is huge. When someone does something for you that makes an impact it creates the ultimate connection in any relationship. Look for opportunities to offer help, support, or resources to others in your network without expecting immediate returns. This can be in form of knowing someone else they can connect with to help them with an obstacle they are having in their business. A colleague in my network was struggling with their branding for their nutrition coaching company. Knowing my background in business consulting, I offered to review their website and their branding in its current stage and provided some actionable suggestions. This gesture not only strengthened our relationship but also led to them recommending my services to their network. They also got 3 high paying clients from their re-brand.
3. Be Consistent and proactive: Continue to engage in the network that you are building and stay connected. Attend other networking events together as a group and go out to dinner. Follow them on social media. You never when opportunities come up that can create a joint venture for you and someone in your network.
4. Diversify your Connections: Diversity in your network brings new perspectives and opportunities. This advice here is gold. If you only talk to people in your niche or community then you are going to keep getting the same ideas. Spread out and connect in different communities and areas. Attending networking events across the county or a different state. This is where you will really explore new creative ideas that you can apply to your business. I joined a professional networking group that included members from diverse industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance. Through these connections, I gained insights into emerging trends across different sectors and even found opportunities to collaborate on cross-industry projects.
5. Follow Up and Nurture Relationships: Just like any relationship it needs to be nurturing and attention. Schedule check-ins and schedule meetings to keep that connection alive and offer support. This also builds your reputation of being reliable and trustworthy. People will go out of their way to work with you. I have developed really great friendships by developing my network connections.

What role does digital networking play in today’s business environment, and how can individuals maximize its potential while maintaining meaningful connections?

Digital networking is crucial to any business because the easiest way to create a community is online these days. This is essential because it allows professionals to connect with others across the globe, share insights, and build relationships that might not be possible in person. To make the most of it while still keeping those connections meaningful, focus on engaging genuinely with people. Share valuable content, participate actively in discussions, and personalize your interactions. Instead of just collecting contacts, take the time to nurture relationships, respond thoughtfully, and stay active in online communities. This way, you build a network that’s not only broad but also deep and impactful.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

Thank you so much for the complement. I honestly think we are doing this right now. This is what Jessica and I talked about when we first sat down and discussed why we wanted to start this chamber. We asked each other the same question. The Modern Horizon Chamber is the movement to make the biggest impact to people, businesses, and communities by increasing economic development, increasing longevity in businesses, creating jobs, and business opportunities. The list goes on and on. We are planning to begin our Chamber Tour where we visit states and businesses nationally to assist them and bring them resources.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

I do have a few people that I would absolutely love to have a conversation with. But I think when you have the opportunity to meet Oprah, I think you can say that you made it lol. I have watched her shows and movies since I was a little girl. I would also absolutely love to meet Reese Whitherspoon and Mel Robbins. One day.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can find me on Facebook at Elise Leon and our Modern Horizon Chamber Facebook Group. I also have a Facebook group called Only in Orange County NY, where I show support by sharing local businesses and events. You can also find me on Instagram @eliseleon77 and @modernhorizonchamber. Also, check out our website to learn more about our membership and ways to get involved with the chamber at www.modernhorizonchamber.com

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.

Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.