This episode is for anyone who's closing in on 50 years of age, or maybe you're older but your professional purpose still eludes you.

Perhaps you've been running a business for ages but you want to extend your entrepreneurial boundaries and pivot into doing something different, something that is more interesting and meaningful than what you're doing currently?

If so, you're going to love this conversation with Mark Masters, founder of You Are The Media, as we discuss his journey of discovering purpose through continuous effort.

Mark's story is a testament to the power of persistence, as he shares how a side project evolved into a thriving community-driven business.

Mark takes us through his transformation from running a small but traditional marketing and advertising agency to building a fully sustainable marketing learning community called You Are The Media.

He emphasises the importance of finding your voice and choosing yourself, rather than waiting for opportunities to come knocking.

Evolution of a side project

We discuss how Mark's newsletter, which began in 2013, gradually grew into a multifaceted platform including:

• A paid membership space
• Live events across the UK
• Educational initiatives

Mark highlights the challenges and rewards of nurturing a side project into a full-fledged business, stressing the value of patience and persistence.

Building a community-centric business

A key theme of our conversation is the shift from a "me-centric" to a "we-centric" approach in business.

Mark shares insights on:

• Creating opportunities for community members to step up and lead
• Fostering a culture of mutual support and learning
• The importance of trust in delegating responsibilities

Finding purpose and staying relevant

For professionals in their third decade of business, Mark offers valuable advice on:

• Aligning your values with your work
• The power of continuous learning and adaptation
• Embracing new challenges to maintain relevance

We also touch on the loneliness of entrepreneurship and how joining communities can combat isolation and fuel personal growth.

Key takeaways for aspiring community builders

Mark provides practical tips for those looking to start their own communities:

1. Choose a medium you're passionate about and can consistently produce
2. Align your project with your core values
3. Focus on participation and engagement, not just content creation
4. Be patient and prepared for the long haul
5. Join other communities to learn and grow

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to find their purpose, build a community-driven business, or stay relevant in an ever-changing professional landscape.

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM MARK

"I realized that the strength is when you feel a part of a community with everybody, with everyone else on your side. Community is central to what I do."

"I am an example of how a community became the business and that's really empowering."

"Side projects can be risky, but they can also create the most joy and reward that we've ever stepped into."

"I'm with my heroes now and that's a liberating place to be."

CONNECT WITH MARK

• Website
• LinkedIn

Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship can be daunting, especially when you're in your early 50s and have been handed a 'pink slip' from your employer of two decades.

But for Graham White, this leap became an opportunity to reinvent his professional life and create a thriving solo communications consulting practice..

In this episode, Graham shares his journey from being a seasoned PR executive to launching his own business at 53.

He offers valuable insights for professionals considering a similar path, emphasising the importance of self-belief, strategic planning, and leveraging decades of experience.

Key takeaways from Graham's entrepreneurial journey:

• Embrace change: Sometimes, unexpected career shifts can lead to new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
• Leverage your network: Tap into professional relationships built over the years to find clients and collaborators.
• Start lean: Keep overheads low and focus on delivering value to clients from day one.
• Find your niche: Specialise in areas where you have deep expertise to differentiate yourself in the market.
• Maintain work-life balance: Structure your business to allow for personal time and pursuits outside of work.

Graham also discusses the emotional journey of leaving a long-term corporate role, the importance of having a supportive family, and how to navigate the initial challenges of solo entrepreneurship.

Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Assess market opportunities before making the leap
• Secure a good accountant for financial guidance
• Build a network of fellow entrepreneurs for support and advice
• Be prepared to handle all aspects of the business yourself
• Stay open to collaboration and new opportunities

Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply curious about the realities of starting a business later in life, Graham's story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for navigating this exciting transition.

CONNECT WITH GRAHAM ON LINKEDIN

Thank you for listening to CRANK THE 3RD - in this quick solo edition, I recap the episodes published since relaunching the podcast, previously known as 'Reputation Revolution'.

Catch you in the next episode!