Lisa Park is the young professional lady behind Fishnet, a Calgary-based company offering marketing and event planning solutions for small businesses. She also has some great advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs, which you’ll find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Fishnet delivers creative and effective marketing and event planning solutions for small businesses. We love to tell a great story and talk about cool brands. From one-off projects to 360 degree-planning, concept to fruition, results are always in mind.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I was working as a marketing manager for a hospitality group and wanted to take two weeks off to go to a wedding in South Africa. In the bar/restaurant business, you really can’t take off for an extended period of time. As an avid traveller, it occurred to me that the only way I could find the flexibility and freedom I wanted in my career, was to go out on my own. And I haven’t looked back since.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Easy. It’s got to be the variety. There is no shortage of diversity when you are dealing with different industries, projects and people. From website architecture or design, to developing an e-marketing campaign, there is never a dull moment!
The challenges vary too. Sometimes it’s dealing with clients who believe creative is a commodity, and other days it’s managing the administrative side of things. As an owner-operator, you wear all the hats in your business, so sometimes that means doing things you don’t enjoy or that you find daunting.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I definitely see it evolving and possibly expanding. Inevitably, as a business owner, you start out thinking about all that you can offer, and as time goes by you realize the components of the business that you naturally gravitate towards. I also have some other entrepreneurial interests brewing, so who knows! I’m always striving to spend the majority of my time doing the stuff I love to do. It’s always a work in progress.
What does success look like to you?
To me, success is the persistent pursuit of harmony in my personal, professional, spiritual and physical goals. Living in awareness, making each day matter, being grateful, exploring the world, developing quality relationships, pursuing what is important to me, growing and giving back. Success is all about crafting the ultimate journey.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
What stands out in my mind is publishing our first website. When it’s live on the web and the client is thrilled, and you know you’ve been part of creating a really cool digital footprint… that’s exciting.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Know what matters to you most. Fails are the best lessons. Don’t be afraid to fire a client or quit a job. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Be open-minded. Be persistent.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
As someone who grew up playing an instrument, I have a huge belief in the power of music, and for the past three years I have been involved with the Legacy Children’s Foundation, which provides instruments and lessons to underprivileged kids in Alberta. You see these kids, who come from low income homes, some who are into gangs or crime, and all they want to do is learn to play guitar… giving them that opportunity can and does change their life and the path they chose. It’s powerful stuff.
What is Notable to you?
An incredible sunset. Passionate people with integrity. Creative ideas coming to life. Good food, fine wine and great company. Beautiful art. Wicked tunes. Gratitude, love and compassion.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone 5 all the way baby.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Running. Lifting heavy things. Healthy eating. Sleeping eight hours every night. Being creative. Listening to music. Traveling. And using a good eye cream 😉