This July, we had a fundraiser with the hopes of raising $12,000 and, unfortunately, only reached half our goal. I was disappointed, however, hopeful that she could pay $6,000 now for the rental fee for the children’s home and then pay the rest later. I found out yesterday that the landlord wanted the full $12,000 or nothing. What to do?

I sent out a desperation email to all the wonderful supporters of this cause. And what happened in the past several hours was nothing short of a miracle. Several friends committed the remaining amounts. The most interesting part to this story? How significantly these particular friends have impacted my career over the years and continue to do so.

The first person I affectionately call Superman, though, he probably doesn’t know that. He has that Clark Kent look, being an ex Military Academy grad, and just seemed to always say and do the right things. He gave me my first break with a huge account when I worked in Cincinnati and has remained a good friend even today. The second person I was actually scared of the first time we met. He was at the time President of a huge company here in Columbus and he somehow intimidated me. He started a business in which we assisted with the marketing launch, though more importantly, he joined our PRISM advisory board and has been an indispensable member.  We became good friends through all of this and have stayed close since. The third is a fellow entrepreneur that I’ve know for years who is a model for building an amazing business while keeping his feet on the ground, focusing on his growing family, and finding time to give back to the wonderful community he calls home. The final person is a woman who not only continues to support our business through referrals, advice, and general counsel, but has also become my sounding board when faced with difficult life decisions.

I think all of us struggle with the balance between life and work. Is our work actually making a difference? Today, the universe aligned for me and four dear friends, who have been significant influences on the business and my life. Together, we helped fulfill something that is really bigger than all of us. My life has been enriched from knowing these people, and now 30 beautiful girls in India have a safe and secure home for the next two years.

He was my first boss and, unless I decide to move back into corporate America, my last boss. I learned more from him than I ever realized and still heed much of his advice and wisdom today. He scolded me when I was faxing a proposal to someone because he said you should always sit face to face when you are talking money. He stood up for me when a customer was screaming at me over something just ridiculous. He encouraged me to look at sales differently when the phone just wasn’t getting results; it led to a series of 3-dimensional promotions that were hugely successful. We went on sales calls together, grew the business in new directions, and ate at some wonderful restaurants (he really knew how to order food!).

Like all great relationships in our lives, I learned so much more than just about success in the workplace. He treated everyone with respect, kindness, and this fatherly love. I can recall when I told him I was getting married, and he knew I didn’t have a lot of money. He actually offered to pay for part of my wedding – and he meant it! It wasn’t just me that he treated like family; it was all of us who cared that same way about him. It was really him and my husband who encouraged me into this life of self employment. I can hear him saying so strongly, “Michelle, you can do anything. Just look at what you’ve accomplished in such a short period of time. I believe you can do it.” He also forced his daughter (though I know she didn’t mind doing it) to be my friend and introduce me around town. It was through a party she had one Friday night (a loser’s party for those of us single with no real prospects) that I met my husband Scott.

Really, isn’t that all we need sometimes? Someone who we love and respect so much that puts their neck on the line and believes in us without a doubt?

I learned a few days ago that he went to heaven. I know he’s there, as we also used to go to Mass on holy days together. I loved his faith, and he wore it on his sleeve. He gave so much to me that I’m only hoping that the life I’m leading would make him smile. I know I’ll never meet someone like that again who had such a positive and pivotal influence on my life. We often don’t realize how unique and wonderful experiences are until they have passed us by. Thank you for an amazing ride Mr. Fovel – I will never forget you.

He was intimidating at first. (I later learned he has that effect on many people!) But there was something about him that was intriguing. He was and still is a very successful businessman, yet he talks openly about his faith, the Holy Spirit working in our lives, and the good that is in everyone. People just don’t speak or act that way anymore. My grandfather did, but somewhere along the line people just started keeping to themselves. And in the work world, that can make it so easy to become cynical.

At that time, I actually was getting to the point that I was starting to believe the pessimists: I had had enough experiences with people that owed us money, treated us poorly, and went out of their way to hurt the business. My new friend reminded me that almost ALL people are good and, given the opportunity, want to do good.

I wanted to get to know him better. He reached out and I began to learn. Not only about business, but this mix of how our lives and faith are all interconnected in everything we do. His deep thoughts challenged me to desire more. Not only more for myself but my family and my work. I do want to be a better person. I do want to make some type of impact on my world. This man showed me how we can do this each and every day, with every interaction we have with others, and in everything we do.

From day one, I have always approached this partnership (like all of our projects) as if I worked there. I wanted to learn as much as I possibly could. I dug way beyond typical marketing to understand their sales process, talk with their operations teams, and dig into the financial side of how they make money. I believed the more we knew, the better partner we could be. It has taken almost 14 years to develop the trust and mutual respect necessary to operate at this level; however, it has by far been one of the most gratifying experiences for me.

I think we all have this innate need to make a difference. I knew early on that to be successful and happy at self employment and marketing, I had to prove my value and worth to our clients. Fortunately, this has also benefited organizations and, more importantly, developed lasting friendships. We all do need each other and want to feel like we’re helping… even in the world of business.

I can still see myself perusing the business newspaper (the Internet didn’t exist when I first started the business) and coming across the name of a new vice president of marketing for a major company in Columbus. I called about a dozen times before he returned my call. We had an initial call that felt good; however, nothing happened. I stayed in persistent contact, calling monthly with thoughts, ideas, or just to check in and see how we could help.

It’s funny how life happens, though, and how it just likes to see how far you are wiling to go. It was two days after the birth of our first daughter when he called again. I hid in our closet upstairs as our daughter was screaming. He asked if I could come for a meeting. I was afraid to tell him I just had a baby… what would he think? “This poor young girl, how could she possibly handle this initiative?” So my mom drove, our new daughter in tow, and I sat on a pillow (those of you who have had a baby know what I’m talking about!) with my hose and high heels on.

The meeting was great, and we won the business; it really proved to be the launching point for our company. We still have the account today and have worked with dozens of people who have left that company for other organizations. I believe there are points in all of our lives that we just need someone to give us an opportunity. I will never forget my friend taking a chance on me and just believing. I’ll try to pay it forward…

I can’t think of a better place to start than my parents. They have been so much more than loving, supportive role models for me. They have unconditionally believed, sometimes even to my amazement, that I can do anything.

When it came to my choice for self employment, they were the first in line to support me. It’s interesting as I reflect back on it all: they were self employed most of their lives and struggled to make it. The easy road would have been to encourage me in another direction. I’m sure I would have listened. But they knew more than I. They saw something in me that I didn’t even realize: I could do it.

Looking back, it’s inspiring to have people whom you love and admire so much believe you are unstoppable. I think it was some of their mistakes in life that led to this unwavering belief that I was the most beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, and giving person they’d ever met. It’s true that the good does stick to us over time. Whether or not I’ve lived up to all of their expectations is still a work in progress, as they continue to have the very highest of expectations for me. But regardless, thanks mom and dad for everything… the road less traveled has been a wonderful adventure.

Well, as we all know computers came along and now we sit behind our desks a lot more. I often wonder if this is a good thing. Sometimes I think computers have made things so efficient and mainstream that we forget it still takes a talented person behind each terminal.

For example, in our agency we have people with honed skills in these areas: design, illustration, copywriting, market research, computer programming, strategic planning, production, media buying, public relations, and social marketing. And just because I know how to open InDesign doesn’t mean I’m a designer. Or likewise, the fact that my daughter understands how to send an email doesn’t make her an email marketing expert. I’m sure you get the idea. I often cringe when someone hands me a résumé for a potential new hire that encompasses all of the skills at our agency. It is a clear sign they don’t understand the true value of these talents and how they’re needed to effectively brand and market a product or service.

Computers are amazing tools that have changed the way we do business. But let’s remember – as we all continue to become more tech-savvy, there will always be a need for a creative mind to challenge ideas, write persuasive headlines, and design an advertising campaign that influences behavior. Something you can’t install on your computer.

Thousands of the world’s largest corporations are using these channels to spread their messages. But a huge mistake that many of them are making: they are advertising in these social channels instead of educating. The social marketing sites are largely about real conversations, transparency, and a pass-it-on mentality. So for you traditional marketers out there – think public relations. As you approach your social media/marketing initiatives – think about openly sharing your brand and relative information to your space. Think GIVE!

1.  We all must add value. Whether we are employees or business owners, people are much more choosey about where they’re spending their dollars. Value counts for everything right now.

2.  We must do research. It is preposterous to assume that what worked last year will suffice. We must speak to our customers and find out what’s really on their minds. This is not the time to assume – ASK!

3.  We must innovate. I love to read. All of the online journals from the top leaders are talking innovation, getting back to basics and acting like they did when they were small. If you have a process in place for idea generation, great! If not, start today. It’s never too late.

4.  We must be out there. For businesses, that means continuing to invest in marketing. We must reinforce our value proposition with our customers. For ourselves personally – network. Make sure you are out there meeting people beyond your section of the cubes. Our non profits need your talents now more than ever. Volunteer today as it’s a great way to meet people and use your skills to help others.