It hit me today, as I was working through the to-do list to create my new business, I’ve done all of this before. Eleven years ago, I left a six figure executive marketer income after launching the first eGaming platform in Canada to create my own marketing business.
I did NOT know how to start and run a business, I just knew I wanted to and would figure out how to do it as the business evolved. I look back today in amazement at my accomplishments. My business which originated in my bedroom (I’m careful of how I say that) grew to be one of BC’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies; complete with a passionate team, creating and designing in a trendy industrial loft with giant wood beams and green walls.
I’m still surprised with the experiences and achievements my business granted me those seven years.
I grew up. I learned responsibility and I was creatively free.
I still remember sitting down to work on a marketing strategy for a client and hours would fly by. I would forget to eat lunch and find it strange that my belly was rumbling at 4pm sitting in front of the computer. A typical day in my business began at dawn and was filled with client meetings, creative sessions, business and team administration and often ended in the late evening having completed a client project, presented at an event or attended an industry function. Those days were long and I loved them.
My entrepreneurial passion lived strong for 6.5 years and then I started to see a hole in my life that was growing in size now that my children didn’t think hanging with mom was cool anymore. For over six years, I had dedicated my free time as a single mom to my business, especially the days the children were with their father, and now years later I was ready for a life partner and a large shift in my career.
It was around that time of reflection and goal setting that a large new client commissioned us to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for their large North American equipment businesses. I fell in love with the challenge of revitalizing a 100 year old business and branding a new year old business for them. Not only was the work rewarding , the client and his team were fantastic. There was such a respectful and fun synergy between us that a few months into the project, the client asked me to breakfast to discuss the possibility of me becoming their Vice President of Marketing.
Now, you have to understand something about me. I have always had the ability to manifest my true intentions, so when this opportunity arose, I evaluated my current situation and I took the offer. After seven passionate years growing my business, I closed my business, transitioned my team and office with ease and blazed forward to my next adventure.
The next four years I led marketing teams for two powerhouse brands in Canada – Wesgroup (BC’s Preferred Equipment Dealer) and St. John Ambulance. It was a great experience evolving those iconic brands and I so enjoyed mentoring and developing my teams.
Today I find myself yearning to experience the entrepreneur cycle again and this time with a sensibility I didn’t have or know before. I want the rush of energy I feel waking every morning to work on growing my business and impacting others. I sense the feeling of satisfaction and pride when I am working through and completing the administrative and creative tasks to get my business running.
And so it begins, I hope you join me for the ride.