She awards semi-fabulous prizes to winners of different “get acquainted” games at NFPW conferences. As the “director of Fun” she takes her responsibilities seriously and members attending their first NFPW conference have a fun time getting to know other attendees. This redhead is a bundle of energy and makes conferences even more fun. Meet Jill D. Miller, a unique and unbelievable member I am glad to call a friend.
Jill D. Miller
Name: Jill D. Miller
City and State: Wichita, Kansas
Affiliate and any leadership positions: Wichita Professional Communicators – Past President (2012)
Years a member of NFPW: 9 years (joined in 2006)
Tell us a little about you.
Jill D. Miller is a world champion plate spinner. With her independent business development consulting company, Creative Solutions, Jill has helped fledgling entrepreneurs launch out-of-the-ordinary and sometimes quirky new ventures, helped seasoned business owners see new possibilities and has kept freelancers motivated since 1998. As if that wasn’t enough, Jill started teaching entrepreneurship classes at Wichita State University in 2013, which she has found to be an exhilarating adventure of her plate-spinning prowess.
In her spare time, Jill likes to stay busy. She’s past president of Wichita Professional Communicators and is the Director of Fun on the board of the National Federation of Press Women. Deeply involved in the fundraising event, ArtAID, from 1993 to 2012, she helped raise nearly $2 million to help people in Wichita living with HIV and AIDS. Believing strongly in the importance of mom-and-pop businesses and how much they add to the community, Jill founded Cash Mob Wichita in 2012, gathering groups of shoppers to “mob” and spend money at local businesses. A bit of a social butterfly, Jill loves meeting new people and attending local art, music and theater events.
Any career advice you would give?
Jill D. Miller
I’ve grown my business through word of mouth. I think the reason I’ve been a successful consultant is because I work hard to do business with integrity, network constantly to meet new people and grow relationships and belong to great professional organizations, like NFPW and Wichita Professional Communicators that keep me current with what’s happening in the world.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’ve always wished I was better at drawing. I can picture what I’d like to draw, but the ideas just don’t come out on paper.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I really like living in Wichita. If I had to move somewhere else I’d pick a bigger city to live in, like Denver, Chicago or Minneapolis.
What book are you reading?
Just finished “Playing Big,” by Tara Mohr. It’s about how women hold themselves back in business. Fantastic book.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be a radio DJ on a college alternative radio show. That was a lot of fun!
Jill D. Miller
Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?
The biggest reason my affiliate and NFPW are important to me is the people. I have made many great friends in the organization and feel we are an organization that will do all we can to help each other. I love that I have so many peers that I can ask for advice and support when I need it.
Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.
Facebook: facebook.com/creativesolutions for business; facebook.com/jilldmiller for personal
Website: www.jilldmiller.com
Twitter: @jilldmiller
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jilldmiller
Talking with Teri 