When I came up with the idea of building a sales consulting and training business specifically for the electronic security industry, I was pretty happy in my current job as a Vice President of Sales. However, I had this idea and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. “What if?” kept me awake at night. One of my biggest fears was lying on my death bed, regretting not taking the chance at greatness in exchange for safety and security. I couldn’t get it off my mind – I felt smaller and smaller every day that I procrastinated. I knew it would work – our industry needed it. Ultimately, I had to try this business or I wouldn’t be able to look at myself in the mirror much longer.
And that’s why I started Vector Firm, in September, 2010. I had to prove to myself that I had what it takes. I didn’t like the man I was because I wasn’t taking action due to fear. I even told my wife one morning: “I don’t know what’s going on with me, but I promise I’ll come out of it a better man and husband.” Six years later, it’s been an amazing success. I love what I do, and we’re making a real impact on our clients and their sales people.
I answered the question of “Can I do this?” Yep, I can. So, why continue? Why not fall back into leading a sales team and taking all the benefits that come with that job? Why continue paying for my family’s benefits out of my pocket? I could go on forever, but you’ve already read the story about the small business owner – you know the gig.
Well, I got my answer a few weeks ago. Not that I was searching for an answer – I doubt I’ll ever go back to working for someone. However, I still got the answer – the one answer that will always resonate with me. It’s not because I’m making more money. It’s not because I enjoy my work. The last I checked, VPs of Sales make nice incomes and I love leading a sales team – absolutely love it. Nope, those are not the number one and primary reason. The reason I continue busting my tail and growing Vector Firm has a name…
Her name is Manhattan. She is my three year old daughter. A few weeks ago, on a Monday, Manhattan’s school had “Meet the Teacher” day. Guess what? I was there – literally and figuratively. I wasn’t checking email or thinking about my day. I was there – 100% present. I never, ever would have taken the time to do that if I were working for someone. I might show up, but I would be ducking outside to take a call or answer emails. I know myself. If someone is employing me, then I would feel guilty not working on a Monday morning. On the other hand, my clients don’t care when I work, as long as I deliver. I’ve learned to embrace the “independent business owner persona” and I’ll take off a few hours in the day, and then work until midnight if needed.
As I was reflecting on our visit to the school, I was so happy about the father that Vector Firm allows me to be. When Manhattan gets involved in extracurricular activities and needs more time from me, I can scale back my projects for a few months and still pay the bills. If I were a VP of Sales, I could never go to my boss and request: “Hey, my daughter’s softball team is traveling in a state wide tournament and we’re going with her. I’ll need to scale back my time by about 30% this month. That’s cool, right?” That would never happen because I would never ask in the first place. Now, I don’t have to ask – I just have to manage my projects.
When I started Vector Firm, it was because I had to prove to myself that I had the courage to try, and that I had what it takes. I had to become the man I wasn’t at the time. Six years later, I know I’ve got what it takes. Today, it’s all about making sure my daughter knows that she’s got what it takes, too.
