Practice, Pursuit, and Purpose

As President Barak Obama addressed the small business owner in his 2011 State of the Union speech, my mind started to analyze today’s successful entrepreneurs and executives. One successful entrepreneur who came to mind was, Bill Gates. What made Bill Gates one of the richest men in the world? Was it merely innovation or better yet was it timing? Some individuals would say that it was both while others may say he was just plain “lucky.” Gates had a foresight that allowed him to see individual and business consumers’ needs in the next decade.  However, there is one attribute that also led to his success which at times goes unrecognized: Practice

Gates’ success can be attributed to his relentless passion and practice in his field of interest. Gates spent countless hours working on his craft in numerous departments and organizations.  His passion allowed him to learn through failures, successes, and advance to be the king of the computer world.

As a first year student and a career changer, I have developed the insatiable desire to learn as much as I can retain about the growing trends and strategies of digital marketing. Once a month, I challenge myself to learn new techniques and strategies in the marketing world to maintain my competitive edge and enhance my brand in the marketplace.  I must admit that in prior years I would stay rather stagnant and just wait for the information to come to me. However looking back, I realized that I “plateaued” and my positioning among peers declined. (So I guess one can say I am driven to regain my position).

Now I will say that my pursuit does not just include learning about the various business “hot” topics.  On my monthly library trips, yes I will admit I swear by the library, I do search for non business related biographies and nonfiction books as well. Recently, I read the Critical Care by Theresa Brown.  It is an account of a former Tufts University English professor’s first year as nurse in the oncology ward.  The book leaves its reader with a feeling of appreciation for life.  Brown’s account is a poignant reminder to individuals to appreciate life in sickness or health.

I mentioned Critical Care because I feel businesses and their respective executives need to be appreciated in sickness and in health. On that note, it is important that when I am reading periodicals, reviews, books, and other business documents that I pay close to attention to not only their achievements but also struggles.  I like to read about companies who are on "life support" hoping to recover just as much as those who are thriving in today's fast paced society. Even though, I may not face the same situations as what I may read I can learn and apply to similar scenarios

I find that through my readings, I am narrowing in on my purpose and my ultimate career goal in marketing. My readings continue to enhance my knowledge and push me to 'think outside of the box.' I must say it has also enhanced my analytical and strategic skills. I know find myself associated particular concepts and definitions with what I've learned from various books. Overall, I would encourage you all to challenge yourself to just one a book a month!

Have a great weekend.


On a side note, I would like suggest you read and add to your collection: Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers.