Making a Difference with Maps

53 years into my life's journey, 23 years into my map business journey, I find myself in front of the computer wondering what to write. Several friends and colleagues have encouraged me to start a blog to chronicle my business and life's adventures and thoughts, partly to invite a conversation about illustrated mapping and the map/small business world in general, partly to engage in the social networking ethos for the business benefits it's purported to deliver, and perhaps because they think I have something interesting to share or say that could help others on their journey.

Given how much there is to read on the internet, I have my doubts that many will find my thoughts interesting or inspiring. But if what I write helps just one person to journey a little further, take a risk, live life a little fuller, then I will serve my life's purpose of "paying-it-forward."

Don't we all want to feel like we've made, or are making a difference? Doesn't that fuel our quest for life's purpose and meaning? When it comes to our work and how we live our daily lives, don't we all want to feel that it's time well spent, that what we're doing is more than just about making money or taking up space? Well, I can say yes to those questions today, but there was a point in my life - a long stretch, where my primary purpose was just to get through the day. Forget all that do-gooder stuff. I just wanted to make the sale, get the paycheck, be loved, buy a house and basically fit in to society as I observed and understood it. I was an opportunist, not an idealist.

I'm not sure I chose my profession, I think it's more accurate to say that it chose me. In 1979 I took a job in advertising because it was the only job available in Sun Valley, Idaho at the time that seemed more promising than the prevalent service jobs usually found in a resort area. Selling advertising for a local media put me in front of people, small business owners, idealistic people who took risks and sought the dream. As my exposure to these individuals increased, my job became more than selling advertising; I realized that these business owners needed help. Even though I was just in my early twenties, had only a high school education and no formal marketing training, I believed that I could really help these people.

That's were the journey begins. It always begins with a belief, a belief in yourself. (And perhaps a small measure of denial with visions of grandeur.)

Start there.