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SMB Media Consulting turned 5 this February (2023). WOW! It has been such a journey. I never would have thought one of the worst days of my career, when I was let go of my job, would lead me to where I am today. While it wasn’t always easy, it was definitely worth it. 

Working for myself and being an entrepreneur was never a goal of mine. I come from a working class, single parent home. At the time, my biggest accomplishment was being the first in my family to graduate college. And looking back, my drive and determination to work hard and do something different led me to this path. 

I find it fascinating how people respond to different life experiences. It seems the older I get, the more I realize “perfect” exists differently for each person. What my perfect looks like is going to be very different from what your perfect looks like.

I am absolutely appreciative and grateful for what I have been able to accomplish thus far. But, don’t get me wrong, I worked long and hard to get here. There were years when I was solo, doing everything with limited services because I didn’t have enough business to pay anyone. Times when I wasn’t able to take a paycheck. Days when I worked so long and so hard looking for clients to justify making the decision to be on my own. So, I won’t downplay what it took to get me to an amazing 5 years. But I also have so many ideas for what the next 5 will bring.

Prior to SMB Media Consulting, I worked at many other companies. I did so many different things and learned as much as I could. My mindset was to do as much as I could and learn as much as I could with each experience. Then if nothing else, at least I would take away a lesson and deepen my skills. This idea brought me drive, motivation and, in my mind, would make me “invaluable” to my employer and clients. It seemed my employers (from what I know) enjoyed working and managing me. Many times, my reviews and feedback were positive. My clients also loved working with me and my team. Years later, people from my team told me I was a great boss. But I learned to never be naive. EVERYONE is expendable. 

I tell you this because it seems everyone wants to be an entrepreneur. Everyone has an idea. And some might make a quick buck and find some success. But the goal is to create a business plan, adapt, grow, learn, and do more. Don’t settle. Many don’t have what it takes to put in the sweat equity to make it work or feel the success should come to them immediately. You may get some quick wins, but without a long-term plan, it won’t work. 

Oftentimes, when I am feeling stuck, down, depressed, blah, I will watch Shark Tank or listen to How I Built This. Listening to the journeys of other successful business owners inspires me. It fuels me with creativity, positive thinking, and it gets my mind wondering. This helps me envision what I want my future to look like and helps me see what my future could look like. That vision is what I work toward and adjust along the way as I go.

Enjoy your success and every step of building your company or brand. But don’t ever become complacent. In my mind complacency is where dreams go and die. Always keep looking to do your best, be your best, and evolve with how the market is naturally going without just following the fads. Being strategic is key and moving toward the opportunities that help to bring you closer to the overall goal for your company.  

As we celebrate our 5 year anniversary with clients, prospects and friends, I am in awe of how far we have come. And I am so excited for what’s to come. I will share more as it develops, but my next vision outline for SMB Media Consulting is currently being developed. I’m taking what I’ve learned so far, as a business owner, along with our accomplishments and mistakes, and I am bringing it into our next stage of growth. 

In the last 5 years we have done so much! Check out our post here that recaps all of our success. One area of growth was in resources. I have been very lucky to partner with smart, hardworking, amazing people who see my visions. They stick with me when business is booming, as well as when it is slow. We work as a team and collaborate often. Each person is a vital part of my success. We make it work together, so it is important to me that we build a trusting relationship. Same with our clients; I enjoy each client we work with. I work hard to build trust and ensure we take feedback and apply it to improve and make ourselves as pleasurable as we are valuable. These were all lessons I’ve learned along the way, things I am grateful for. 

I honestly cannot wait to see what we are able to accomplish in the next 5 years. Thank you to everyone who has had their part in SMB’s journey so far. Welcome to those who will be a part of our journey to come. Hope you all enjoy the ride!