I love what I do. It’s incredible. The work I do with clients is rewarding in so many ways and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
But it wasn’t always this way. In fact, “social media” wasn’t even a term until very recently. I certainly didn’t talk about owning a social business agency as a kid.
- When I was 13, I was committed to be the starting point guard for the NY Knicks.
- When I was 18, I was committed to becoming an award winning, world-renowned filmmaker.
- When I was 22, I wanted to travel the globe and take pictures of half-naked women for Maxim and Sports Illustrated. (Typical 22 year old male dream job)
- When I was 23, I started a personal chef service.
- At 27, I decided to go back to school to learn about business. I wanted to do something in Marketing, Advertising, and Communications.
After grad school, I saw a huge opportunity in social media. I had seen the early glimmers of social in Friendster and the rise of MySpace. During my MBA in 2007-2008, Facebook and Twitter were growing in popularity. I felt that I could see where it was all going.
So let me tell you how it all ties together.
- Point Guards call the shots on the floor, they assist others…they are essentially an on-the-field coach.
- Filmmakers tell stories. They communicate through a visual medium. As a director, few people can control your creative vision, and few can tell you what to do…especially when you reach the top.
- Photographers tell stories and must do so, with limited resources…all you have is one frame at a time.
- As a personal chef, I got to express myself through food and make people happy. I was, again, my own boss.
I now use all of these skills that I learned along the way. I’ve always followed passion.
Have I failed? Oh most definitely, and I continue to do so on a regular basis. But I have followed my heart every step of the way since I was a teenager…and I would wholeheartedly recommend that everyone do the same.
Now watch this video: