• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Allee Creative

Allee Creative

Content Marketing Twin Cities

  • About
  • Capabilities
  • Who we serve
  • Our work
  • Tools & Resources
    • Ideas & templates
    • Full Calendar
  • Blog
  • Let’s Connect
  • Book Melissa
September 20, 2022
Company News

Perspectives in business: What I’ve learned in 16 years

Melissa Harrison

READING TIME: 2 minutes

SHARE ON SOCIAL

This month Allee Creative celebrates 16 years in business. It’s been a wild ride. From solopreneur to a full team, two recessions and a pandemic, we’ve weathered a lot. Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. More specifically, being a woman business owner over the past two years while also navigating the ins and outs of raising four teenage children in unprecedented times has challenged me to pivot in ways I never imagined.

Business ownership, leadership, climbing the proverbial “career ladder” looks different for everyone. For me, as I accumulate years in my career, I’ve also accumulated new perspectives about what works, what doesn’t and what matters most.

Let go of what pulls you down

People. Tasks. Events. Prioritize time for the things that fuel you–that make you happy. It’s hard to say no, I completely get that. For me, it’s a work in progress. But each time I say no to things that will overextend my time or my mental health, be it work or otherwise, I feel so much better.

Stop trying to prove yourself

You’re good at what you do. You know that, your family knows that, the people that matter know that. Everyone else? That’s their loss if they can’t figure it out. Stop trying to please others. Do good work for yourself because it makes you happy.

Turn it off

You know what the prize is for working 45, 50, 60+ hours a week? Missed time and moments with the people that matter. As they say, no one ever says “I wish I had spent more time working” when they’re living out their last days. Yes, leadership, entrepreneurship, business ownership is a grind. But think back to why you got into where you are in the first place. Flexibility? More time with family? Being in control of your schedule? When I take time to reflect on my ‘why’ I’m able to re-focus and some days, that means turning it off without feeling guilty about it.

Take care of you

It makes perfect sense that this is last on my list because it doesn’t matter how many years in business I have under my belt, this is the hardest for me. Especially with all of the curve balls that have been thrown at my business, my family, my kids — the world — the past few years. But here is what I know: We can do hard things. We can weather the storms. We can come out on top. And we do that by taking care of ourselves just as much as we take care of others in our lives. I know when I make time for me I feel so much better; I bet that when you do the same, you do, too.

So keep doing the hard things. Keep grinding but do it in a way that protects your health, your sanity and your heart. Keep your ‘why’ in front of you every day. Good things will continue to be there for you. This I know for sure after all this time.

Thank you for being a part of the journey.

Read more posts like this:

Class of 2023 Enterprising Women of the Year Award names Melissa Harrison as honoree

Allee Creative CEO named 2022 Notable Leader in Marketing

Program launch example

15 for 15: A history of great marketing projects

15 years in business: Celebrating our alleeversary

Melissa Harrison

Melissa Harrison is CEO at Allee Creative. Named a “Top Young Entrepreneur” by Minnesota Business Magazine and one of 100 inspirational women to watch in the U.S. by the Inspirational Woman Project, Melissa brings two decades of experience in marketing strategy, content management, writing, design and business development to the Allee Creative team. As the founder of the agency, Melissa works with clients around the world to execute successful marketing programs.

PO Box 515
Saint Michael, MN 55376

763.208.1384

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Upcoming Events

  • There are no upcoming events.

Email list sign-up

Copyright © 2006–2023 ALLEE. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Development by Flying Orange

Get expert marketing insight straight to your inbox.

Join our email list for blog updates and marketing training events.