Twelve gifts of a new chapter

This December marked a year since I departed my long-time corporate communications role and struck out on my own. Yes, I had a plan. Yes, I had goals. Yes, I had a little financial cushion. 

Yes, I was lucky to be in the position to do this. But I was also terrified.

I’d been the fortunate beneficiary of a regular paycheck and benefits for nearly four decades, first as a journalist and then as the head spin doctor of the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative. I worked hard – really hard – and while not every day was paradise, it was a darned good run with opportunities to be part of a growing ag and energy company, meet hundreds of great farmers and co-op leaders, and tramp through farm fields from North Dakota to south Russia.

But when it’s time for a change, it’s time for a change. Time to turn the page on the predictable, put frustrations behind and write a new chapter. Time to take one more big chance. Even if, as I lamented to my husband, we might end up living in a cardboard box over a steam grate.

So here I am as 2017 winds down, surprised and feeling lucky to label this one of the best years of my life both professionally and personally. In the spirit of the holiday season, here are just 12 of the unexpected gifts this new chapter known as Lani’s Little Company (The LLC) has bestowed on me.

1.    Friends, colleagues, acquaintances and even strangers are eager to help you succeed. I’ve been humbled by how many have generously reached out with invaluable connections and the wisdom of experience.

2.    I’d envisioned a world of cutthroat competition for every little assignment. Instead, I discovered a warm, welcoming and helpful community of fellow independent public relations professionals who are generous with counsel and client referrals. I’ve done my best to return the favor. Thank you, Solo PR Twin Cities, for your support and connections.

3.    I’m excited about my profession again! Crafting communication strategy, developing crisis responses and writing engaging news releases are fun again. My problem wasn’t WHAT I was doing, it was WHERE and HOW I’d been doing it.

4.    I’m learning again! Years of a relentless to-do list and pressing deadlines had consumed any opportunity for professional development. Buy a book? Never had time to read it. Sign up for a workshop or webinar? I was sure to miss it. With newfound breathing room, I’ve made time for reading and learning. I’ve been at this PR game a long time, but new ideas gained over the last year have made me better at what I do for my clients.

5.    I’m invigorated by my diverse client base. I know agriculture and energy, and I’m glad I’m still working in those sectors, but I’ve loved the chance to apply my professional experience to new areas like bio-testing and safety issues. At the same time, I’m delighted to be doing some work for my former employer.

6.    I’m present for the people who need me. I’ve always prided myself on never dropping a ball where family and friends were concerned, but I’ll concede it was more of a drive-by/check the box reality. I was there, but I wasn’t really there – my mind always two appointments or two tasks down the road. I now have the time to structure my days and weeks to fully be where I need to be, whether it’s doing client work or spending time with my father-in-law and our long-time tenant, both in their late 90s.

7.    I have time to use my professional skills to make a difference close to home and around the world. I’ve led much-needed communication strategy development for my church and serve on the Red Cross Minnesota region board where I’m now heading the outreach committee. In August, I spent two weeks in Malawi helping a small farmer-owned cooperative develop a marketing and communication strategy for Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA). In November, I worked as a Financial Services Volunteer Corps specialist with the National Bank of Moldova (their central bank) on media and social media strategy; next month I’ll head back to Moldova to work with their team on internal communication.

8.    I’ve got my voice back. I was born to tell stories, but in recent years my words became the voices and perspectives of others. With an encouraging coach and writing group, I’ve rediscovered the joy of creative writing.

9.    Wow, I’m entrepreneurial! Who knew? Not only have I loved networking and growing my client base, I’ve enjoyed every minute of building my business from finding the right record keeping system (FreshBooks rocks!), to connecting with a great “geek”’ who keeps my technology running smoothly, to maximizing the value of LinkedIn, to getting the right headshot, to building a website. Thanks, Anne Pryor, Jen Kelly and Hilary LeBon for helping me do it right.

10. This has been a tumultuous year for our country and our world. As a journalist, and then as the primary spokesperson for a major company, I was judicious as to how I spoke, wrote or acted on my personal convictions. In 2017, I’ve demonstrated my beliefs with action. 

11. I’m basking in the sunlight, literally and figuratively. I can choose to work in the dark and run in the daylight. I enjoy each day’s view of Lincoln Avenue from my office window. I put my lunch on a plate and eat in my kitchen, not hovered over my keyboard. I’m busy, but stopping to smell the roses – in the daylight.

12. My confidence is buoyed by my success. No, I haven’t replaced my corporate salary, but I exceeded my year one target by double. And most of all, I’ve lived each day with joy and excitement. Priceless. And my fear of living over that steam grate? A couple weeks ago my husband asked if we can get a refund on that cardboard box. 

Year Two begins this week. I’m realist enough to know there will be bumps ahead and that life can change in an instant, but I’m ready to face what comes. Happy New Year! In 2018, may you have the resources and courage to do what brings you joy and satisfaction.