As a new father and the CEO of WebMarketers, I’m often asked how I run a business while also having a family. This past year has been an exciting journey of learning a whole new world of work-life balance. I’ve learned many lessons as WebMarketers has continued to grow while navigating starting a family. I’m excited to share the unique challenges and rewards of this entrepreneurial and family-building adventure in this blog.
My Journey as an Entrepreneur
So what made me decide to pursue entrepreneurship? I have an innate need to create things, learn how things operate, negotiate, and look for opportunities to grow financially. That spirit has never wavered, from launching a lawn care company in fifth grade to running several businesses.
With my long history as an athlete, people usually ask me about links between sports and the workplace. The value of cooperation is the essential parallel between workplace and on-court antics, despite the latter’s potential lack of direct application. Working with the carefully chosen group of people I’ve surrounded myself with every day excites me as we grow together and accomplish amazing milestones.
I obtained my pilot’s licence and studied aerospace engineering at university. But my love of creating led me to launch a DJ company, where I found my calling in branding and marketing. This love of technology progressed into the digital sphere, inspiring the creation of Phantom Productions, our in-house motion graphics and video animation studio.
The most important thing I’ve learned from my entrepreneurial experience since launching my first company at age eleven is to always produce high-quality work. This dedication to quality has served as a compass for all of my endeavours.
The Challenge and Lessons of Entrepreneurship
If I could go back in time, I would acknowledge my previous mistakes and regard them as teaching moments. My recommendation is to focus on one area of your love, become obsessed with it, and create a company around it.
Achieving a work-life balance is the biggest problem I face, especially in light of the demands of managing a business and raising a family. To keep this balance, I try to plan activities that will take me away from work and prioritize my family.
The ability to solve problems is considered the most significant quality for an entrepreneur. In the corporate world, where obstacles are ever-present, the capacity to recognize, analyze, and resolve issues is essential.
A normal day consists of many meetings, and planning different departments and projects. Productivity depends on striking a balance between active and desk days.
Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to potentially take the company public and produce Super Bowl commercials. In the meantime, my YouTube video series, The Smendziuk Show, explores the intersection of technology, marketing, and creativity to assist businesses in achieving their objectives.
The path less travelled is not without its challenges. Balancing the demands of growing a business and starting a family is a delicate dance, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of one’s passions. Through the highs and lows of my entrepreneurial journey, the importance of consistent quality work and unwavering dedication to one’s passion has remained a guiding light. Mistakes are not roadblocks but stepping stones, shaping the evolution of both business and family life.