Hard Things Are Hard …

In her book, On the Edge, Alison Levine describes the pain, preparation and passion that drove her to climb Mount Everest – twice. With clarity and insight, Levine shares the physical, mental and emotional challenge of her failure to reach the summit in 2002 and her unexpected return — and success — in 2010. We feel her disappointment following her first attempt and witness her strength and persistence through oxygen deprivation — one step at a time — to stand at 29,029 feet above sea level on her second attempt. Poignantly, she reflects on her incredible achievement:

“Standing on top of a mountain is not important, and the people who stand on top of Mount Everest are no better than the people who turn around short of the summit. Because climbing mountains isn’t about standing on top of a pile of rock and ice for a few minutes – it’s about the lessons you learn along the way and how you are going to use that knowledge and experience to better yourself going forward.”

Most of us never even contemplate climbing Mount Everest, but in our own way, we each pursue opportunities that challenge us intellectually, emotionally or physically. In the process, we transform ourselves, building new capabilities and broadening our perspectives.

For me, one of those opportunities occurred just over four years ago when I made the shift from corporate leader to independent consultant. While I am truly grateful for this experience, I have had to destroy some mental myths and find my own truths throughout this transition:

MYTH #1: Independent consulting means working alone.

TRUTH: While I worked alone during my first year of consulting, I have worked with a business partner for the last three years and never want to return to solo practice. This experience has affirmed that two brains are definitely better than one. I value our collaboration and exchange of ideas as well as our sharing of client and business responsibilities — and realize how lucky I am to work with a trusted partner — and friend — whose goals and beliefs are aligned with mine.

MYTH #2: Successful entrepreneurs are pursuing their lifelong passion.

TRUTH: Passion can be manifest in different ways. I never gave independent consulting much thought until I left my corporate role, but once I began to consider consulting, I realized I was passionate about three goals:

• To be energized by my work
• To add value and make a difference
• To work with people I respect

MYTH #3: Only extroverts, with their natural social gifts, are successful independent business leaders.

TRUTH: I am an introvert — but through years of practice, I have learned to engage with audiences of all sizes. And by investing in authentic relationships, I have developed a professional network that provides insight, opportunity and support, even as it continues to grow.

MYTH #4: Being a successful consultant requires an inherent entrepreneurial spirit and vision.

TRUTH: Our consulting partnership represents more than 50 years of corporate and nonprofit experience. However, our mindset is more aligned with continuous learning than with hierarchical titles. We are willing to test, iterate and adapt, eager to ask questions and listen and observe — and have a strong desire and commitment to learn.

MYTH #5: To be successful outside of a corporate environment requires broad marketing training and expertise.

TRUTH: Though my education skews toward finance, I have been able to leverage years of experience in a Fortune 40 consumer-centric company, marketing to a range of audiences — from employees to prospective investors. In addition, I continue to research and experiment with new digital marketing strategies and tools.

MYTH #6: Success depends on identifying an untapped market opportunity.

TRUTH: We threw our consulting hat into a highly competitive market — one that was already filled with well-established agencies and other consultants. Nonetheless, we have found that organizations’ need for strategic communications in today’s business climate continues to rise and that there is always an opportunity to forge business relationships grounded in quality work.

MYTH #7: Without bosses, we will not be beholden to calendars, deadlines or (unreasonable) expectations — and will have flexible schedules.

TRUTH: Thankfully, this is partially true! We no longer work 24/7 which enables more time for people and passions outside of consulting and occasionally allows the luxury — and pleasure — of integrating the two. But, much like parenting, developing and maintaining an independent business is not a part-time gig — it’s ever-present, highly demanding, energizing, fulfilling and sometimes tedious.

MYTH #8: The corporate world is not an effective training ground for consulting.

TRUTH: Our years of corporate experience are critical to our consulting, providing a practitioner’s perspective. Because of our years in a large, fast-paced corporate environment — facing a variety of challenges — we understand clients’ needs and their organization’s readiness to change, know how to collaborate effectively and have built expertise to help clients implement meaningful solutions.

MYTH #9: Independent consulting is risky, erratic and unreliable.

TRUTH: There are no guarantees in life and nothing is forever, so we decided to give it our “all” and reevaluate our progress and purpose annually. As we have gained momentum with each passing year, we have reaffirmed our commitment to our partnership and business. And, with a healthy balance of practicality and optimism, we are forging ahead toward another year of growth!

Though I don’t define myself exclusively by my work, I genuinely appreciate the personal and professional development that my work — especially in more recent years — has effected. Today, I am more resilient and resourceful than when I began this journey. I have made numerous mistakes — and learned. I have asked lots of questions and searched online for answers to more — and learned. I have been surprised by people who make promises but don’t follow through … and have benefitted greatly from the generosity and assistance of many others who have gone above and beyond. I hope I have learned from both. And, by listening, observing, practicing and doing, I have developed a new appreciation for everyone’s — including our own — time, expertise, network and reputation.

Hard things are hard … but they are also immensely rewarding, transformative and enlightening.