Who’s in the Cartable Corner: It’s Mark!
Over the past decade, I've built a successful career in sales and business development. I've grown customer bases, exceeded targets, and earned the trust of my clients. While I wouldn't claim to be the best, I'm proud of how far I've come. My success is a result of my determination and resilience, which have become the pillars of my work ethic.
However, this relentless drive has also been a double-edged sword, holding me back in some ways. I've always thrown myself into my work, willingly putting in early mornings, late nights, and even working on weekends. I believed that my commitment and loyalty would be recognised and rewarded by my employers. I thought that more work would automatically translate to more productivity and more money.
So, how has this approach worked out for me? Well, it was good for a while, until it wasn't.
You see, along the way, I started a family, and spending quality time with my loved ones has become increasingly important to me. I realised that brute-forcing my way through work is not sustainable, and it can negatively impact my relationships and even my health.
Now, I'll always have that "work hard" ethic ingrained in me, and I'll never shy away from getting my hands dirty, especially when it comes to startups where hard work is essential. I hope these attributes are ones that my son, nephews, and nieces will inherit as they navigate their own lives and careers.
But how can I achieve more without sacrificing everything?
The answer lies in asking for help, something that I admittedly struggled with in the past. Building and training teams, leveraging their knowledge and skills, and delegating tasks are crucial steps in freeing up my time to focus on business growth rather than being consumed by day-to-day operations. Implementing efficient systems that can run the business smoothly is also key.
What do I stand to gain from this shift in mindset?
Personally, I aim to gain more flexibility in managing my time between family, friends, and business. While I'll never stop working hard in my business, I also want to work hard on building and nurturing my relationships. I want to be intentional and fully present when I'm with my loved ones.
So, watch this space, as I embark on this new chapter. I'm confident that by embracing a more balanced approach, I can achieve greater success in my business while enjoying a fulfilling personal life.
Stay tuned for the exciting things to come!
— Mark