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Do I Have to Keep Doing This Forever?

I've been thinking a lot about what the next phase of my career will be, since I've been doing Internet marketing strategy for more than 10 years.

Lately, I feel like one of my very first clients who earnestly asked me "Now that this is successful, will I have to keep doing this forever?" God no! I told him. You need to move on to next year's ideas. And so do I. But it's not clear yet whether my next career will be evolutionary or revolutionary. Right now, I just know it will be soon.

I'm not sad about this. I'm actually elated, almost giddy. I know the right idea will come to me, at the right moment, and I find that thrilling. You might need to be an entrepreneur to understand that. :>)

When I've been talking about new ideas and possible business plans, most people are quick to point out the negatives. But if I've learned anything in the past 20 years, it's this: new directions grow from thinking about what's positive, what's possible, and what there is no way (yet) to accomplish.

Most companies spend their time, money, and effort thinking about how to avoid negatives instead of how to create positives. But it's just that kind of thinking that makes most companies -- especially big ones -- do the same thing over and over, expecting different results.

As someone who often presents ideas that are a little off the wall, I'm used to the looks of shock and horror that meet most creative thought in corporate America. I just don't know how much longer I can, or will, deal with it. Please stay tuned.

Cartoon, Hugh Macleod

Categories: Commentary

Tags: BL Ochman

BL Ochman | Apr 29 08 10:05 | TrackBack (0)

Comments

Good luck, whatever you do. Usually anything truly worthwhile is the least obvious choice--but the one you know is right.

Posted by: Seth E at April 29, 2008 10:53 PM

Seth - I usually end up feeling like the choice was obvious. it just takes me a while to see it :>)

Posted by: B.L Ochman at April 29, 2008 11:04 PM

If you're excited, then I'm excited for you, BL. I look forward to hearing all about the next phase of your career -- I'll be cheering from the first row of the bleachers.

Posted by: Connie Reece at April 29, 2008 11:48 PM

Bl - no matter where the road takes you on your next adventure, without a doubt, you'll be over the top wonderful. Just don't travel too far from your friends ;-)

Posted by: Toby at April 30, 2008 1:12 AM

Good luck with your new path! I've switched careers a few times, so I know the excitement that you're talking about! It bewilders some traditionalists in my family, but I can't imagine sticking to my knitting for 30+ years (except for a love of golden retrievers and horses - that's timeless). If your open to change and new opportunities, they seem to be presented to you at the right time. Will miss your blog when you are onto something new though....

Posted by: Jocelyn at May 2, 2008 5:48 PM

Jocelyn - I have no intention of giving up my blog! I love blogging better than anything I've ever done. Its focus could change I guess, but I've been publishing, first in print and then online, since 1985.

Posted by: B.L. Ochman at May 3, 2008 2:11 PM

If you ask me, you've always been a bit giddy :)

Whatever direction you choose, I hope you know there's whole crowd of us cheering you on from the sidelines.

Posted by: Caimin at May 5, 2008 11:56 AM

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About BL Ochman

Blogger, social media strategy consultant to Fortune 500 companies, and sought-after corporate speaker B.L. Ochman heads the creative team of whatsnextonline.com. She also publishes the Ethics Crisis blog for SRF Global Translations

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