Over the last 15 years, I’ve worked in Fortune 500 companies and in scrappy start-ups. By and large, most of my marketing success comes from a strong sense of business objectives combined with self-taught tools. I am eager to know the next tool, vendor or service that makes my job easier.

After a start-up I was working for folded, I found myself wondering what to do with these marketing program resources bouncing around in my head. I shared with a friend that I wanted to put the list on a website, like my own little toolbox. She suggested that after I do that, I take it to the college classrooms. Wha-la. The idea for GoMarket was born.

Another start up came my way, and I devoted most of my time to it. GoMarket fell to the wayside for 6 months or more. And when that job came to an end, it was like a little gift. I decided to devote all of my time to furthering the idea of GoMarket. It took me a few months to explore the blogging arena, develop the idea, and ponder what I wanted to do and what I did not want to do. I met with a lot of people. I shared my ideas. I listened.

I wasn’t looking for another job. I was happily moving forward on GoMarket. But an opportunity fell in my lap with SolarWinds, one that offered me the chance to work in a nationally renowned marketing engine that took a small start-up through an IPO. I recognized this as an opportunity to improve my offerings in GoMarket.

Only this time, I am not putting GoMarket on the sidelines. Everyday, I do a little bit to progress the company. Some days offer huge progresses; other days are tiny baby steps. But I am ok with that. My employer is ok with that. (We have an understanding – they support my efforts in the community because I’ll bring my learnings back and apply it to them. I respect the boundaries, and make that role my #1 priority.)

For me, I know that it’s all working out the way it’s supposed to. I take one day at a time, and start with the first step in front of me.

photo credit: Joachim S. Müller (via Flickr)