Independence

The weather has been so gorgeous this month, I have taken to doing some research from the front yard. With my iPad, iPhone and red notebook, I think this makes for a great office! …

At various stages in our lives, I do believe we all imagine going into business for ourselves.  We either don’t like our job or we don’t get enough “me” time, the commute is too much or the finances limiting.  Perhaps the vision is to open up a little shop or to start a service, open a restaurant – simply do something you really love and get paid for it.

Two years before I left Japan, I outlined a business that I wanted to start.  I wrote down names for it, designed the studio and even determined that I would take the months of May and September off to travel.  I can’t tell you what that idea is, in case I do decide to open it, but the dream that I would own and operate such a business was exhilarating.

Before I left Vietnam, I knew I wanted to come home and spend time in San Diego to “re-group.”  I knew I needed time to collect myself, regain my energy and positivity and get prepared to charge forward in the New Year.  And the idea to start my own business started swirling in my head again.

What I am good at (or at least I think I am) is marketing and creative writing.  I also have spent any number of Sundays in Vietnam researching and learning about social media.  And you all know how much I love keeping up On The Bright Side.  Through thick and thin, this website and my blog and newsletters have been a mainstay in my life for nearly six years.

I’m developing my concept for a marketing consulting firm and want to focus on not only the things which I love, but the things which I know I will do well.  I want to help clients who need social media management, website blog/content, and company newsletters.  I am also well equipped to train employees to develop their skills in social media.  It’s a powerful platform and most companies do not engage their customers well enough.

I feel really good about my decision to branch out on my own, have been given tons of support by other entrepreneurs and am continually inspired by my friends who already have their own business.  I grew up with some amazingly talented people who now own retail stores, marketing/pr firms, restaurants, hand-crafted stationery supplies, brokerage firms and even published authors…the impressive list goes on!

Enthusiasm is high and I will keep you posted on the progress. Woo hoo!