“Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out”
Yes, I just quoted Alanis Morissette. Didn’t think I’d ever do that on this blog.
The overwhelming response and connection to the question “What does Snoloha mean to you?” has been amazing and has given me a renewed focus and energy.
What does this have to do with irony?
It’s obvious (overwhelming obvious) that Snoloha is viewed as an escapism brand. As a vacation brand. It is an emotional connection to something far deeper than a simple logo. It’s a way to deal with the realities of everyday life…by getting away to your favorite “somewhere” between the islands and the arctic, which may actually be the islands, or way up in Alaska. It doesn’t matter. What matters is the feeling you get. The feeling of being relaxed, inspired or energized.
To have created this brand and connection, personally, is a very rewarding feeling. The irony is this brand and lifestyle that I love and believe in, is also the cause of stress and worry due to running a business around it, which leads to me needing my “escape” as well. Then when I escape, it allows me to focus and clear my head to come back to promoting the brand that I needed an escape from, after just leaving the lifestyle that the brand promotes. Are you picking up what I’m laying down? It’s an ironic circle that I’ve created for myself.
Luckily, the lifestyle, the customers, the fans and the connection makes it all worth it. If it was just me chasing my tail trying to grow this brand, that would probably lead to a psychological meltdown of sorts. But since folks like you have taken this brand and incorporated it into your life, well my psychological meltdown will most likely be due to something unrelated to Snoloha!
I’m getting my “escapism” fix this weekend at Boyne Mountain. The weather dude is calling for 40’s and clear, sunny skies. Snowboarding in a hoodie, grilling in the parking lot and chairlift conversations with good friends I haven’t seen in sometime IS EXACTLY what this brand stands for. It is exactly what I need and is exactly why I decided to make a living doing what I love.
Don’t expect any live Tweets or Facebook updates from me though. That’s the other irony. Social media is an important element for me to connect with customers and grow Snoloha online. However, a “mobile device escapism” is also needed. Yes, I promote Snoloha through social media, yet the brand promotes social media escape…see the irony?!
I think it’s time for me to make an appointment with a shrink.
Nah. Snowboarding & no iPhone will do the trick.
Enjoy the weekend!
One response
Well stated! I run into the same issues, being extremely passionate about what it is your business is focused on can sometimes lead to burnout. Being involved in a business because it’s your passion is such a catch 22, and there are many checks and balances that should be put in place.
Sometimes it’s ‘unplugging’ for the evening, setting my macbook down for a few hours to do other things. It’s a difficult job, being an entrepreneur and having a life. My advise, keep doing what you’re doing, promote, build a brand, but make time for yourself, your family or whatever it is you need to do in order to escape and continue to enjoy life.