About
I'm Anna-Vija, and I am passionate about helping small business owners succeed…
Articles by Anna-Vija
-
Leading Virtually: Communication & Technology Best Practices
Leading Virtually: Communication & Technology Best Practices
By Anna-Vija McClain
Activity
-
I am thrilled to share that on January 26th, my partners and I acquired a piece of Nashville history; 129-year-old family business Ted R. Sanders…
I am thrilled to share that on January 26th, my partners and I acquired a piece of Nashville history; 129-year-old family business Ted R. Sanders…
Liked by Anna-Vija McClain
-
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Study Mission to Phoenix last week was made rich because of all of the local experts who served as…
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Study Mission to Phoenix last week was made rich because of all of the local experts who served as…
Liked by Anna-Vija McClain
-
Being able to think and communicate in multiple languages can help you approach challenges from different angles and come up with innovative…
Being able to think and communicate in multiple languages can help you approach challenges from different angles and come up with innovative…
Liked by Anna-Vija McClain
Experience
Education
-
Leadership Connect (Nashville Chamber of Commerce)
-
The Leadership Connect program is designed for small business professionals to engage the next generation of community and business leaders. During the six-month program, participants will receive access to topic experts and opportunities to dialogue amongst peers and CEOs well-versed in community leadership.
The cohort consists of business professionals chosen through a competitive application process based on their civic and professional accomplishments and commitment to community…The Leadership Connect program is designed for small business professionals to engage the next generation of community and business leaders. During the six-month program, participants will receive access to topic experts and opportunities to dialogue amongst peers and CEOs well-versed in community leadership.
The cohort consists of business professionals chosen through a competitive application process based on their civic and professional accomplishments and commitment to community engagement. -
-
https://www.nashvilleemergingleaders.com/
For nearly 20 years, Nashville Emerging Leaders has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the next generation of Nashville's leaders. This 11-week leadership training program is designed to support young professionals by connecting them with other leaders in the community, deep self-exploration, and intentional team-building. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are chosen through a rigorous selection process to participate in a series…https://www.nashvilleemergingleaders.com/
For nearly 20 years, Nashville Emerging Leaders has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the next generation of Nashville's leaders. This 11-week leadership training program is designed to support young professionals by connecting them with other leaders in the community, deep self-exploration, and intentional team-building. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are chosen through a rigorous selection process to participate in a series of weekly sessions led and moderated by the team at Strategy and Leadership. -
-
Class 8, Bridge Program
-
-
Activities and Societies: Honors Program Showcase
3.9 GPA while working a full time job
Took semester off after being chosen for internship with the Department of Human Services, State of Tennessee -
-
Workshop training and extended study:
- Sales Sucess
- Creating a Successful Selling Zone
- Six Secrets to Market Dominance
- Creating a Productive Selling Zone
- Using LinkedIn for Business Development
- Successful Selling through Social Media -
-
Completed 8-week continuing education class for management.
Volunteer Experience
-
Small Business Committee
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Present 5 months
We help strategize programming for the chamber, both for membership, and the community at large.
-
Co-Chair, Mentor, Host of SCORE Connect Podcast and TV Show
SCORE Mentors Nashville
- Present 7 years 8 months
Education
Co-Chair of the Nashville Chapter of SCORE, helping the organization grow with mentor development, workshops/classes, and community connections.
Host of the SCORE Connect Podcast and NewsChannel 5+ show.
https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/score-connect
https://open.spotify.com/show/3q3SFZyd1chEdtoxYJ62kL?si=6018e2b8a2d04d88
Provide mentorship to entrepreneurs and small business owners in association with the Small Business Administration. Member of the Workshop…Co-Chair of the Nashville Chapter of SCORE, helping the organization grow with mentor development, workshops/classes, and community connections.
Host of the SCORE Connect Podcast and NewsChannel 5+ show.
https://www.newschannel5.com/plus/score-connect
https://open.spotify.com/show/3q3SFZyd1chEdtoxYJ62kL?si=6018e2b8a2d04d88
Provide mentorship to entrepreneurs and small business owners in association with the Small Business Administration. Member of the Workshop Committee and frequent guest speaker. -
Chair of the Board of Directors
Nashville Emerging Leaders
- Present 3 years 7 months
Education
https://www.nashvilleemergingleaders.com/
For 15 years, Nashville Emerging Leaders has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the next generation of Nashville's leaders. This 11-week leadership training program is designed to support young professionals by connecting them other leaders in the community, deep self-exploration, and intentional team-building. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are chosen through a rigorous selection process to participate in a series of weekly…https://www.nashvilleemergingleaders.com/
For 15 years, Nashville Emerging Leaders has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the next generation of Nashville's leaders. This 11-week leadership training program is designed to support young professionals by connecting them other leaders in the community, deep self-exploration, and intentional team-building. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are chosen through a rigorous selection process to participate in a series of weekly sessions led and moderated by the team at Strategy and Leadership. -
Advisor
Nashville Entrepreneur Center
- Present 1 year 11 months
Economic Empowerment
https://www.ec.co/
I share experiences, resources, and connections to grow the business community in Nashville leading select workshops and conferences. -
Workshop / Conference Speaker
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Present 2 years
Economic Empowerment
https://www.nashvillechamber.com/
I share experiences, resources, and connections to grow the business community in Nashville leading workshops and conferences. -
Board Member, Executive Committee Member
Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee
- 4 years 10 months
Health
Offer marketing and media consultation and content marketing services to increase exposure of the organization (benefit those seeking assistance with mental health).
-
Sponsor Stewardship Chair - The Discovery Ball, Benefitting the Hope Lodge
American Cancer Society
- 1 year 4 months
Health
Publications
-
Five Ways To Optimize Your Digital Marketing During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Forbes
If you don’t know where to start, it can be especially difficult to create a digital marketing strategy to meet your business’s needs during the pandemic. Here are some ways to help your business communicate effectively online.
-
Three Essential Steps To Brand Messaging And Marketing During A Crisis
Forbes
A lot of businesses have questions right now. Leaders need to pivot their messaging. But how should a business leader adjust their company’s message during a crisis?
-
Three Tactical Approaches To Working From Home
Forbes
There are a lot of "basic rules" for working at home, but let's dig a little more deeply than the standard advice to dress nicely (up top at least!) or develop a set desk space.
-
Three Clear Steps to Creating A Successful Mentoring Relationship
Forbes
Statistics prove the benefits that professionals gain from having a mentor. How about you? Do you have a mentor?
-
Overcoming Three Hidden Training Challenges To Scale Your Business
Forbes
Companies need well-rounded teams to grow. To do that effectively, leadership needs a mindset for training.
-
The Key Ingredient to Unstoppable Entrepreneurship? It May Not Be What You Think
The Connect Magazine
Want to be a successful entrepreneur? Then stop "grinding" it out, and start building the right team.
-
Who Should You Have Coffee With?
Executive Nashville
When I am asked this question, the answer is simple – EVERYONE.
-
Blogger
ANNA-VIJA Online
Weekly tips, tricks, and insights into the world of networking and marketing for business!
Honors & Awards
-
Most Admired CEO Finalist | Nashville Business Journal
Nashville Business Journal
Annually, the Nashville Business Journal recognizes the Most Admired CEOs in the city through independent nomination and peer voting.
-
Best in Business | Nashville Business Journal
Nashville Business Journal
Link to Feature - https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2023/03/29/nbjs-2023-biba-finalists.html
-
Positive Leadership Award
Positive Leadership Awards
Link to Feature - https://positiveleadershipawards.com/
-
Most Admired CEO Finalist | Nashville Business Journal
Nashville Business Journal
Annually, the Nashville Business Journal recognizes the Most Admired CEOs in the city through independent nomination and peer voting.
-
40 Under 40 | Nashville Business Journal
Nashville Business Journal
Link to Feature - https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2022/09/16/40-under-40-anna-vija-mcclain-piccolo-solutions.html?ana=lnk
-
Nashville Emerging Leader Award | Nashville Chamber of Commerce
Nashville Chamber of Commerce
Link to Feature - https://www.ypnashville.org/nelas2
-
Best in Business | Nashville Business Journal
Nashville Business Journal
Link to Feature - https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2022/05/26/the-winners-of-the-2022-best-in-business-awards.html
-
Next 1000 | Forbes
Forbes
Link to Feature - https://www.forbes.com/profile/anna-vija-mcclain/?sh=41e07ab42414
-
True North Award | Piccolo Solutions
The Piccolo Team :)
The Piccolo team presented me with the Tue North Award, an honor they established themselves to recognize my impact on the team, specifically around setting clear vision and focusing on Leadership Development. They noted my accomplishment in assembling a group a newer professionals, teaching them to work together in addition to professional marketing skills, and encouraging them to take ownership and responsibility for their growth. Let's be real... I cried a LOT over this one. ;)
-
Most Admired CEO Finalist | Nashville Business Journal
Nashville Business Journal
Annually, the Nashville Business Journal recognizes the Most Admired CEOs in the city through independent nomination and peer voting.
-
Nashville Emerging Leader Award Finalist | Nashville Chamber of Commerce
YP Nashville (Young Professionals, Nashville Chamber of Commerce - PR & Marketing Category
The Nashville Area Chamber and YP Nashville annually present the Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELA). The NELA recognize Nashville's young professionals for significant accomplishments in their chosen career fields, as well as their commitment and contribution to the community.
-
Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards Finalist - Direct Volunteer | Hands on Nashville
Hands on Nashville
Nominated for volunteer work with Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.
The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards recognize Middle Tennessee volunteers who give their time and talents to improve the community. Now in its 34th year, the event celebrates nominees at a luncheon attended by 600-plus guests.
The event is held in partnership with the family of Mary Catherine Strobel, a community volunteer best remembered and honored for her tireless, joyful commitment to those…Nominated for volunteer work with Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.
The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards recognize Middle Tennessee volunteers who give their time and talents to improve the community. Now in its 34th year, the event celebrates nominees at a luncheon attended by 600-plus guests.
The event is held in partnership with the family of Mary Catherine Strobel, a community volunteer best remembered and honored for her tireless, joyful commitment to those in need.
-
Media Partner of the Year | Mental Health America of the Mid South
Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee
-
Nashville Emerging Leader Award Finalist | Nashville Chamber of Commerce
YP Nashville (Young Professionals, Nashville Chamber of Commerce - PR & Marketing Category
The Nashville Area Chamber and YP Nashville annually present the Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELA). The NELA recognize Nashville's young professionals for significant accomplishments in their chosen career fields, as well as their commitment and contribution to the community.
Organizations
-
Network in Action - Music City
Member - Brentwood Group
- PresentIn NIA Brentwood, we're glad to see the continued growth of our membership and the success of all of our group members. We have established strong friendships, meaningful connections, and business relationships. When you join the Network In Action’s Brentwood group, you are going to meet some of Nashville and Brentwood's finest businesspeople and entrepreneurs. https://www.networkinaction.com/index.php/find-a-group/united-states/tn/nashville/nia-brentwood
-
BrainTrust
Champion / Insider
- PresentBrainTrust is a membership organization for women business owners dedicated to ensuring they have an equal opportunity to build financial independence, wealth, and influence. I serve as a Champion, visiting Vaults to share resources, education, and connections to help their businesses grow!
-
C-Suite (Unstuck Business)
Member
- PresentUnlike your typical pitch-fest, this unique networking event helps you develop relationships with other strong leaders who can help you move your business forward. Each attendee is personally invited to ensure that you are surrounded with like-minded business owners, executives and leaders who are driven to grow their business, share their insights and are open to new ideas
-
Volunteer State Community College
Teacher/Guest Speaker
- PresentRecurring guest speaker for various courses, including Personal Branding, Communications, Economics, and Marketing.
-
American Marketing Association - Nashville Chapter
Event MC, Sponsor
- -
Nashville Emerging Leader
Class of 2020
-For 15 years, Nashville Emerging Leaders has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the next generation of Nashville's leaders. This 11-week leadership training program is designed to support young professionals by connecting them other leaders in the community, deep self-exploration, and intentional team-building. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are chosen through a rigorous selection process to participate in a series of weekly sessions led and moderated by the team at Strategy…
For 15 years, Nashville Emerging Leaders has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the next generation of Nashville's leaders. This 11-week leadership training program is designed to support young professionals by connecting them other leaders in the community, deep self-exploration, and intentional team-building. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are chosen through a rigorous selection process to participate in a series of weekly sessions led and moderated by the team at Strategy and Leadership.
-
Catalyst, Class 8 (in association with the Entrepreneur Organization)
Graduate
- -
Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee
Board of Directors, Marketing Committee Chair
-Offer marketing and media consultation and content marketing services to increase exposure of the organization (benefit those seeking assistance with mental health).
-
Nashville Locals
Founder
-Nashville Locals is a networking organization designed to help you meet people in your neighborhood, not just your industry! Membership offers various style events around Nashville, promoting relationship building and allowing you to make quality connections in social environments.
-
Women in Digital
City Champion (President)
-- Women in Digital is a national organization serving women in creative digital advertising, marketing, or communication professions. - We proudly welcome women at all stages of their career, from fresh college grads to mid-level, senior and C-suite executives. We strive to create a community where women can both bring their skills to the table and get advice on issues they may be facing. - In fact, our Nashville chapter is strategically focused on connecting all generations of Women in…
- Women in Digital is a national organization serving women in creative digital advertising, marketing, or communication professions. - We proudly welcome women at all stages of their career, from fresh college grads to mid-level, senior and C-suite executives. We strive to create a community where women can both bring their skills to the table and get advice on issues they may be facing. - In fact, our Nashville chapter is strategically focused on connecting all generations of Women in Digital to foster mutually beneficial mentor-ships and internships.
-
Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Marketing Committee
-Work with other committee and Board members to bring valuable, relevant services and information to the Hispanic business community in Nashville, including branding, communications, and events.
-
Women Own Business
Co-Founder
-Women Own Business is a Nashville-based group of women entrepreneurs and business owners, co-founded by Chris Robinette and Rene Inman. We gather regularly to build our referral networks, support Nashville small businesses, and celebrate our achievements.
-
Nashville City Club Young Executives
Assistant Club Manager
-Helped launch and develop the City Club's Young Executive group. Lead the direction of the group, assisted in transitioning the group to be member-run, and oversaw event logistics. Coordinated with other members to host large fundraising event annually (golf tournaments, fashion show, etc., $10k - $15K)
Recommendations received
49 people have recommended Anna-Vija
Join now to viewMore activity by Anna-Vija
-
Ready to level up your social media game? 📈 Here are 3 essential tips for mastering social media marketing: Know your audience inside and out! 🎯…
Ready to level up your social media game? 📈 Here are 3 essential tips for mastering social media marketing: Know your audience inside and out! 🎯…
Liked by Anna-Vija McClain
-
Big news!!! 🎉 After one amazing year on the Board for the MPI Tennessee Chapter as the Director of Education, I’m moving into a new role as the…
Big news!!! 🎉 After one amazing year on the Board for the MPI Tennessee Chapter as the Director of Education, I’m moving into a new role as the…
Liked by Anna-Vija McClain
People also viewed
Explore collaborative articles
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
Explore More