The Unknown Road Ahead
I took this photo on the road in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I literally stuck the camera out the window, pointed it down the road and shot off a few frames. It really captures where a lot of people are right now in their careers and mindsets.
I seem to talk to more and more people across multiple channels about the same topic. They want to know how to break into social media. How to find the perfect job for themselves. What is a hot industry that they should go into.
The answer is always the same and it is really a question.
What do YOU want to do? What are you passionate about? What would you love to get up and do every day?
If you can’t answer that, then what is the point of asking the other questions? At the end of the day even if the industry is the hottest thing since Violet Blue, your still going to hate it once the newness wears off unless you are passionate about it in the first place.
Social Media is and always was a buzz phrase. I don’t know who coined it first and I honestly don’t care, but those of us who are living in this fishbowl know that what once was taken for granted is now becoming the norm. That isn’t to say that everyone understands it and is using it. What I mean is the fact that communities, conversations and connectivity are here and are not going away. Yes, they are going to evolve and change, but they are everywhere now. The barriers for entry are lower then ever and anyone can begin playing and working in this space if they desire.
So, back to that road leading into the unknown.
If you are unhappy in your current job and want to do something in this space then you’ve got to work damn hard to make it happen. Having a Facebook page and a podcast on your resume is not going to get you a job. You’ve got to understand the business, you have to know the marketplace. You’ve got to know your stuff, plain and simple. If you can’t sell yourself to a potential employer or client, then no one can.
Everyone seems to think that there is a magic path ahead where if you understand this space the work will come to you. I can tell you that it doesn’t happen. You’ve got to work hard to find the clients. You’ve got to work even harder to make them happy and hire you back for more work. If you keep doing good work people will get to know you and want to hire you. It can all happen, but it is far from magic.
This post got sparked by several conversations I’ve had with people recently who are making a move, looking to make one or are out of work and looking. The reality of it all is starting to sink in for them and before more people think they can just make a leap I wanted to politely remind everyone of that age old saying of “there is no such thing as a free lunch.” While I’ve had a few in my time, I’m a firm believer that hard work will get you more rewards then anything else.
Don’t be afraid of the road. I’m a huge fan of hitting the gas pedal and seeing where it takes me. Adventure is a powerful motivator and one that I love. But, the best adventures are never the easiest ones either. Always remember that. It also reminds me of one of my favorite quotes.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao-tzu
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