Follow your heart

There is a universal truth to the notion that in life, love and career, you should 'follow your heart'. It seems a simple notion, but I'm amazed at how many people ignore their passions and gifts to settle for jobs they don't like, often hate, and sometimes aren't even good at.

I heard about a remarkable young man who has been following his dream since his youth. At first it sounded like his passion was just making money, but listen a little longer and you can hear in his stories that he seemed to be driven by the freedom that money could buy him. I think he was fascinated that he could have an idea, research a need, follow through and be successful. At age 9, Cameron Johnson started his first business, making greeting cards and party invitations on the computer he got for Christmas. Three years later, he was making $50,000 a year selling Beanie Babies on e-bay from his parents' garage. He saw opportunities around him and found a place for himself in every venture. If he never starts another business or earns another dime, he's going to be my poster child for empowering young people, anyone really, to just try.

Sometimes need and not passion drives people to success and innovation. Consider Margaret Rudkin, a young Connecticut housewife and mother of three. When she discovers one of her sons has an allergy to the preservatives and artificial ingredients in commercial breads she begins experimenting with baking her own preservative-free bread. The year was 1937 and the country was in a great Depression. She had no financial backing or experience, just the desire to create a loaf of bread that was delicious and contained only natural ingredients. Maybe you haven't heard of Margaret Rudkin, but does "Pepperidge Farm" sound familiar?

This is my first blog, but I hope we can be biz buds. I come from a family of artists and entrepenuers too. If you have any comments on my blogs, business ideas you need help with, or just want to share your experience, please stop by often. I'm going to look for inspirational stories to keep us moving and trying.