A Brand with a Purpose

Four years ago, I found myself at a career crossroads.

I had left my second job in less than a year, both eerily similar: A well-funded digital marketing startup that did a fantastic job serving as their own best client.

They both also did an extremely subpar job consistently delivering for their clients, with an eccentric owner who often tasked the sales teams (which I managed) to fudge numbers or “stretch the truth” in order to close more leads.

Being a man of integrity, this wore on me. Although I loved the concept of growing a business and leading others, it grew tiresome working for companies that weren’t aligned with my values.

It was then that I realized I no longer wanted to be a supporting character in someone else’s script. I wanted to finally control the narrative. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of those I served.

In hindsight, I also realized that you can’t just make that declaration, wave a magic wand, and instantly become a successful entrepreneur.

WHAT DO I STAND FOR?

A brand without a mission and purpose is a forgotten brand. For me, I had to explore my why. It required asking – and answering – and ton of purpose-driven questions. Such as:

• What is the common denominator in my professional life that provided the most impact?
• What am I most passionate about?
• What are my biggest convictions?
• Who do I want to be an advocate for?
• What scratches of my own do I want to itch?
• What do I want to be remembered for?

Some of the results that came from that included:

• Storytelling. Purpose. Confidence. Clarity. Focus. Community. Teaching. Coaching.

Once I gained clarity on the “what,” “what,” and “who,” it was on to the “how.” As in, how am I going to deliver for my audience? And how am I uniquely qualified to do so? It was important to be results-oriented. Tangibly, such as:

Be featured in the media Get published Monetize your content

Or intangibly, like: Increase confidence and defeat Imposter Syndrome Leave a legacy with your story Find your tribe and build your community

Three years after that turning point, I finally launched my business. Nearly one year and a helluva roller coaster later, I’m glad I did. Because there are few things worse than living a life that is not in line with your passions or purpose.

If you’ve found yourself at a similar crossroads and see a daunting road ahead to change your own story, make sure you’re asking yourself the right questions. And you’re doing it for the right reasons.

Top 4 Football Movies:

In honor of this weekend’s Super Bowl (GO EAGLES!), here are my favorite gridiron flicks:

• Jerry McGuire. One of the most quotable movies of all time, and perhaps Tom Cruise at his best.
• Any Given Sunday. Like the game itself (and in typical Oliver Stone fashion), fast paced, sensory overload, and a ton of large personalities.The Blind Side.
• Sandra Bullock at her best. A nice, feel-good movie based on a true story.
• Invincible. Like The Blind Side, an underdog tale based on real events. And yes, as a die-hard Eagles fan, maybe a bit of a homer pick!