Being an entrepreneur didn't sit comfortably with me at first : Mellissah Smith
A few years back I embarked on global expansion. I say the word 'global' loosely, as I am a realist and know that global is such a big, ambiguous word used so freely in today's business environment. We have an ambitious vision for the company that hopefully will see the company expand into a global footprint capable of providing thousands of companies worldwide with a 'marketing eye'. All possible, but yet to be fully realised.
I've been challenged for my entire business life by whether or not business is more important than personal life. We all know the answer to that one and as much as we continually tell ourselves that this is the case, it is so easy to be lured into a false sense of security that only business can provide.
I love working. I really do. I wake up in the morning and cannot wait to get to the office. I've matured a little, and don't tend to work on weekends or in the evenings, although I do put in a solid 12 hour day, 5 days a week.
I've been challenged for my entire business life by whether or not business is more important than personal life. We all know the answer to that one and as much as we continually tell ourselves that this is the case, it is so easy to be lured into a false sense of security that only business can provide.
I love working. I really do. I wake up in the morning and cannot wait to get to the office. I've matured a little, and don't tend to work on weekends or in the evenings, although I do put in a solid 12 hour day, 5 days a week.
Business has been an incredible journey.
It has been full of ups and downs, and side-way manouevers - all providing excitement beyond anything I could have imagined.
Being an entrepreneur didn't sit comfortably with me at first, and then in my thirties, I started to wear the tag with pride. I don't describe myself as an entrepreneur when meeting people like some of my colleagues do, but I do understand that this is my chosen career path.
I've been more fortunate than most.
By working hard and playing it safe, I have not had any monetary issues (touch wood) with building a business and have easily been able to fund growth.
I have also lived a lifestyle that I didn't even know was possible, although I still enjoy simple pleasures. From super yachts to flying first class, and holidaying in some of the world's most exclusive resorts and destinations - I've done it all. In fact, my bucket list only has destinations on it now that don't really require too much money, yet without doubt will ensure that I have the most rewarding experiences.
As a person who has never been excited about meeting celebrities or those that are famous, I am fairly comfortable with my 'lot' in life. I have met some of the most interesting people in the world and have had the privilege of getting to know them past their facade. I notably tend to build relationships with people, and I keep my inner circle small, preferring quality over quantity.
Business is what keeps me interested, long after the marketing side of things fades away. I am passionate about my craft and think nothing of spending a weekend reading about the latest in marketing technologies or applications. I don't see this as work, just reading what I enjoy.
Much of the insecurities that go with being young and not finding your place in the world, never really applied to me. I was always happy for friends to succeed, and never wanted what anyone else may have achieved. I genuinely believe that no marketing company is a competitor, as there is enough work out there for everyone. The biggest issue that my industry faces is the quality of work and industry standards (there are none). I often send inquiries to competitors simply because our website is an over-achiever and at times we cannot handle how much inquiry we have.
Right now I am at my happiest.
I have had 2 years of travelling, 18 months of those living in hotels. That has not quite changed, but will. I am in the process of buying a home in one location, that I can finally unpack those suitcases, and hang my hat. That in itself gives me a sense of warmth, something that comforts me to know.
And most importantly, I know that the most important thing in life is to show love and to be kind, and as long as I live every day remembering that, everything will be a-ok.
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Jenn
02 Feb 2015A very inspiring post. "I don't see this as work" and "I love working" are phrases I see many true, passionate entrepreneurs using, and are phrases I couldn't identify with more. There is nothing more fulfilling in life than striving for a goal and seeing your visions and dreams actualised.
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