Time to Change it Up

Image by Pete Linforth

​This time 20 years ago marks a point in my career when I was on a train to Destination Misery. I was 15 years into my career practicing business development as a major revenue contributor for a thriving tech company. Leadership praised me. Colleagues and clients appreciated me. I was making good money, and I was miserable. I was in an industry I didn’t like, selling products I could care less about. I kept telling myself to find something else, but I wouldn’t listen because the money kept sucking me back in. I thought that the definition of success was making a lot of money. I couldn’t be further away from the truth. Sure, making a comfortable income, especially living in California, is important, however there is no reason why I couldn’t have my cake an eat it. I just needed to take a step back and reevaluate.

This time 20 years ago marks a point in my career when I was on a train to Destination Misery. I was 15 years into my career practicing business development as a major revenue contributor for a thriving tech company. Leadership praised me. Colleagues and clients appreciated me. I was making good money, and I was miserable. I was in an industry I didn’t like, selling products I could care less about. I kept telling myself to find something else, but I wouldn’t listen because the money kept sucking me back in. I thought that the definition of success was making a lot of money. I couldn’t be further away from the truth. Sure, making a comfortable income, especially living in California, is important, however there is no reason why I couldn’t have my cake an eat it. I just needed to take a step back and reevaluate.

I followed the principles of the successful business triangle. The first apex of the triangle highlighted my core strengths. The second apex outlined my main interests, and the third covered what market needed from me. When I evaluated what I was truly good at, what I enjoyed doing, and what the market needed from me, the fog lifted, and I was able to focus on what led me to do what I am doing today - coaching and training professionals in the professional services market.

I am now coaching several talented professionals who might be making good money but are on that same misery train. Getting these folks to focus on the three important elements of a successful practice has given them the tools to not only be successful but also happy - professionally and personally. It took them away from operating as generalists and connected them with clients who benefit most from their core talents and interests.

This positive change typically does not happen overnight, however with the right discipline and focus, there is no reason why you cannot get on the right track to a successful and enjoyable practice.

A coach with whom I worked with more than 10 years ago reminded me that I might not get from misery to success in on step, however if I keep taking steps in the right direction, I will eventually get there. I can confidently say that I am off that nasty train and am doing what I do best, and what I enjoy doing most for a market that needs me.

If you are at a stage of stalemate with your practice, take the time to reevaluate what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how you can change it. I recommend listing out what you are good at, what you enjoy, and the type of companies/industries who need your help. The act of writing these bullet points down is much more effective than simply thinking about it. It will help program these points into your mind and, more imortantly, into action. It will also influence your targeting, your elevator pitch, and your overall confidence.

The question you now need to ask yourself is when you will do it. Try your best to avoid the “I’ll get to it tomorrow.” Start now. We are wrapping up the end of the year which makes getting a fresh start in 2024 the perfect time.