Six Years And Going Strong!
When I decided to quit my job and start my own business six years ago, I was scared. I can admit that. For over 25 years I worked for various media companies knowing that I would get a paycheque every two weeks. I had benefits. I had paid vacation. I knew I was financially secure (despite two layoffs for short periods). Now I was taking a leap of faith and betting on myself. Would this business idea work? Would people buy my services? Did they even need them? How was I going to make sure that my mortgage was paid, my children had food and I could continue to care for my household. It was not going to be easy, but I was up for the challenge.
As I reflect on the rollercoaster ride of being an entrepreneur, I can’t believe I went from a solopreneur to an employer. I have worked on major projects, advised on social issues, uplifted many entrepeneurs and helped them find their voice as well as carved a place for myself among longstanding PR professionals in the industry. I’ve also received numerous rewards for my work, and it has not been lost on me that this public recognition came after I left working for others.
What has been most rewarding is being my own boss. I love the creativity it allows me. The ability it gives me to decide what projects I want to work on and how I can create a plan for success. However, it hasn’t always been about wins. I’ve had some missteps. I’ve had some failures. And that’s okay, because every experience is a learning one. I take my losses, with my wins.
I also believe in the importance of growth and change. Whenever there is discomfort happening, there is change happening. Since I started six years ago, I have also launched another company, FKB Media Production Inc. and have recently opened a speaker’s bureau. Am I scared once again - hell yeah! But I know that if I don’t challenge myself and shoot for new heights, there will have been no point to this entrepreneurial journey. This was the best decision I have ever made. No regrets.