Recently, I was talking with a colleague who admitted she felt uninspired lately. We started reminiscing about the drive we felt when we first started our PR careers in the mid-90s. We were motivated. We were ambitious. We worked 15-hour days. We eagerly volunteered to take on more responsibility for the opportunity to prove ourselves. Our determination was endless. We were inspired by our clients and our colleagues to grow and learn and get results.
Since that conversation, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it is that inspires me today. I’m nearing 20 years spent in the PR industry and a lot has changed since my early days in the business when typewriters, snail mail and fax machines were used. Now, I run my own consulting firm and I’m not up for a raise or a bonus or a promotion. So, what motivates me to get up every day and do this job? It comes down to three things: goosebumps, the light bulb moment and the giddyup.
Goosebumps
Over the years, I’ve learned how to leverage my journalism background to extract the level of technical information I need in order to tell a compelling story. Sometimes it requires several interviews and other times, just one, but I know I’ve hit the heart of the story when I get goosebumps. I seriously almost get giddy. That’s when I know I have found The Gem – that compelling story that will command the attention of the target audience. I love getting goosebumps!
The Light Bulb Moment
Ahh, the light bulb moment. Imagine brainstorming with a client. We’re going back and forth firing questions at each other, talking through scenarios, throwing ideas against the wall and then BAM! The light bulb goes on! The logical strategy comes to life in my head and rolls off my tongue … and the client simply replies, “Exactly! That’s it!” I love the light bulb moment!
Giddyup
I have a lot of energy coupled with a strong work ethic. I thank (or curse) my parents for never sitting down and always modeling good old fashioned hard work to achieve their goals. I love starting my day with a full plate in front of me, and then crossing action items off my to-do list, securing great results for clients, talking with companies about their product roadmaps and future plans – the culmination of all of these things sparks a giddyup in my step and a genuine curiosity about what tomorrow will bring. I love the giddyup!
Aside from the financial need to work, there is something more that attracts many of us to our careers and something else that motivates us to stay in our careers. What is it that motivates you? What’s your giddyup? I’d love to hear your stories.