There’s something I call the “do what you love culture”, and Gary Vaynerchuk is at the helm. I’ve read pretty much all of Gary’s stuff, and I agree with him. Like many, I’m inspired by his energy, and I wish I was as dynamic and good-looking as him 🙂
If you’re not familiar with Gary V, he sells wine…lots of it, and his marketing base is his video wine blog. While other wine companies spend millions on advertising, he runs a blog…and he kills it. He’s changing the industry from the inside out, and the world is taking note of him in a big way.
The reason Gary attracts so much attention is because he has a clear vision, and that type of thing is contagious. His vision is larger than just his wine business. I think the guy actually wants to change the world, and I give him props for that. His basic idea is that it’s essential to do what you love. When you love your business, you do what it takes to get the job done. It’s simple really. The bottom line is that running a business takes a lot of work, and when you have passion, you stick with it, because it’s not really work, it’s a labor of love.
But there’s a key element missing from this sentiment that is rarely addressed..
The fact is that Gary…and everyone who runs a successful company…has a lot of support. Of course this fact isn’t hidden, and I’m certain Gary would be the first to admit he hasn’t accomplished everything he has on his own. The problem is that it’s rarely brought up. Gary has help. You need help as well. We all do.
So while you’re asking yourself “what do I love?”, ask yourself also “who else do I need on board with this also?” and “what do THEY love?” and “how can we make this all work together, so everyone’s mission is accomplished?”
I humbly submit that being successful in business is not about following your passion. Not at all. It’s about helping others follow theirs. Start there, and you’ll begin to realize that what you need is support, not passion. Passion without a solid foundation is a flash in the pan. Build your network. Build your team. Enable them to live their dreams, and in turn they will enable you to live yours.