Author Christine Cribb talks about her new book 'Attract Don't Recruit'

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Cribb's debut book, 'Attract Don't Recruit' is filled with valuable information for chambers and nonprofits alike.

For anyone that doesn’t know Christine Cribb, they’re missing out. Social networker, public speaker, consultant, Chamber of Commerce extraordinaire, book author, Cribb is anything but dull. In fact, The Shelby Independent just met her Friday and is already a fan of Christine Cribb.

“Adrenaline on overload” as she describes herself, Cribb is a consultant, public speaker, and now a published author helping Chambers, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs elevate their impact. Cribb launched Christine Cribb & Company, a public relations consulting firm, earlier this year.

On Friday, Cribb hosted a book launch at The Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, to much fanfare and friends that turned out to support her and wish her well.

Friends, neighbors, business owners, chamber employees and local elected officials gathered at the chamber of commerce to speak with Cribb, have a piece of cake, and get a signed copy of her book to toast the celebration of Cribb's book launch.

Chairman of the Cleveland County Commissioners Kevin Gordon spoke at the event, telling those in attendance, “I look forward to reading this book, I know there’s a lot of good information in Chirstine’s book and with people like Christine around to help the community and provide resources in a whole lot of ways.”  Gordon went on to praise the chamber and nonprofits for their work, how they play an intricate part in helping local communities, stating, “The nonprofits can extend what the local government can do in so many ways.”

“There’s a legacy here that’s going to continue for a long time, and you should be very proud of that. I look forward to reading this book and taking some nuggets from it.”

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Commissioner Tony Berry also said a few words, adding, “She brings a tremendous amount of energy and vitality to Cleveland County as a whole and you’re making things happen and we appreciate you and all that you’ve done for our county.”

Her book, titled, ‘Attract Don’t Recruit’ is a 29-chapter book for chambers and nonprofits full of advice and tips on how to run a better, more efficient chamber or nonprofit. She said the book has a gold nugget in every chapter and also is a workbook in parts to help chambers and nonprofits attract new life to their respective organizations.

Cribb is no stranger – to anyone; she speaks to everyone and treats a stranger like they matter – which is what is needed in the nonprofit world. Her wealth of knowledge in the book should inspire anyone to streamline efficiency, work hard and be more personable in their handling of chamber and nonprofit business.

 The stories and lessons are memorable, relatable, and several are humorous. She noted that the book will give the reader a renewed sense of purpose about why their work matters.

Cribb stepped down from the Cleveland County Chamber in November 2024 and took a couple of months to travel, breathe, and visit family.

“When I returned home to Shelby, I wrote the first draft of my book and enrolled in Cornell, where I earned a certification in Executive Presence,” she told The Shelby Independent.  

Christine Cribb

When asked Cribb’s favorite chapter in ‘Attract Don’t Recruit,’ She said “Risky Business” is her favorite chapter because taking smart, strategic risks is the only way Chambers and nonprofits stay relevant, adding, “Chambers and nonprofits must continuously evolve in programming, messaging, and engagement or they risk becoming background noise instead of a vital community catalyst.”

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From the book, she quoted, "Safe doesn't shift anything. Playing it small, weak, quiet never inspired a room. The leaders who create lasting impact are the ones who go first, fall occasionally, and rise with wisdom, and have story worth telling. Give yourself permission to lead with guts, grace, energy, and a sense of humor. Go be a room shifter."

For aspiring authors, Cribb said her best advice is to just do it.

“If you keep thinking about it, do it, just do it. I’m not a literary genius. I’m a fast-talking Midwest lady who speaks in run-on sentences and the more excited I get the higher my octave goes,” Cribb said. “But I am storyteller with a handful of gold nuggets and lessons I believed were worth sharing.”

“You don’t need to be a literary virtuoso to write a meaningful book. You need honesty, courage, and a willingness to put your experiences on the page. Someone out there needs your story, your perspective, and your hard-won wisdom.”

Christine Cribb's book, 'Attract Don't Recruit' is available now on amazon. You can also visit her website ChristineCribb.com for more information.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.