Love🧡 What You Do: Finding Purpose in Your Work
As the coziness of the winter holidays has faded, we settle into that long stretch before spring breaks through, many of us find ourselves searching for inspiration in our daily work. While some may view February primarily through the lens of Valentine's Day hearts and chocolate, I've been reflecting on a different kind of love🧡 story – the relationship between economic development and the work we do.
You've probably heard the saying, "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." While this sentiment captures an essential truth about finding fulfillment in your career, those of us in economic development know it's not quite that simple. What I've found instead is something more nuanced: a "sweetheart job" that brings immense satisfaction while still presenting real challenges and demanding genuine effort.
Economic development consulting isn't always a "sweetheart deal." Some days involve difficult conversations, complex problem-solving, and the frustration of navigating bureaucratic hurdles. Yet it's precisely these challenges that make the victories – both large and small – so meaningful. The work feels good not because it's easy, but because it matters.
At the Heart of Economic Development
There are a number of reasons I love 🧡the work we do at Perch Advisors. The human element is definitely at the core, economic development is about people, and we focus our work with people at the center. Every day, I have the privilege of working with and for individuals who are passionate about making their neighborhoods better places to live and work. These interactions – whether with small business owners, community board members, bureaucrats or residents – remind me that behind every project and initiative are real people with real stories and aspirations. These reminders challenge me to move about relationships with more empathy and grace and attempt to work with people where they are.
Catalyzing Change - There's something magical about watching a neighborhood or organization transform over time. And know that true substantive change that shakes the very bedrock takes time - and persistence! I've had the honor of being part of numerous transformative projects, each leaving an indelible mark on the communities served. From helping small businesses weather the Covid-19 pandemic and other economic storms to facilitating the flow of resources into communities that need them most, each project adds another chapter to the collective story of positive change.
Learning from Communities - One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is that I'm constantly learning from the people serving the communities we work with. Each neighborhood has its own character, challenges, and strengths. The nuanced wisdom and resilience I've encountered in these communities have taught me more than any textbook or webinar could.
Problem-Solving with Purpose - Every day and almost every project brings new challenges and opportunities for creative problem-solving. Whether it's connecting community initiatives to resources, investigating land-use and property stewardship, or developing strategies to support local businesses, each challenge pushes us to think differently and grow professionally.
And those that know me, know (yes, I'll admit it)– I 🧡 having a microphone. Maybe it's the children’s theatre I did up through junior high, or the idea of compelling (read: loud and amplified) engagement, there's something energizing about captivating crowds in the moment, but really it’s about being able to amplify community voices and share success stories that might otherwise go unheard.
Love🧡 in Action: Projects That Touch Hearts
Allow me to share some of the projects I have participated in over the years that exemplify why I fell in love🧡 with this work:
Sandy Recovery Efforts - In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, lives were upturned, homes devastated, and businesses were left with so. many. questions. It was hard at first to consistently hear stories of despair, but I witnessed up close and firsthand how communities and support resources can come together in times of crisis. The resilience, mutual support, and the humanity demonstrated during the recovery period showed me the ability and true meaning of community strength.
Supporting Community Based Organizations - Over 11 years ago, I stepped in to support a small business district in Park Slope/Prospect Heights Brooklyn during a very uncertain time for the organization. After some diligence and with strong guidance, the North Flatbush Avenue BID continues to serve its community with expanded programs, healthy operations, and more revenue. The Red Hook Business Alliance was born from months of pro-bono support from the Perch Advisors team to help galvanize stakeholders by bringing businesses together and creating a space to unify voices for the neighborhood--resulting in a newly formed 501c3 organization with the business community at the heart of its work. These initiatives demonstrated how collective effort can transform commercial corridors and the power of organized community action.
Small Business Sweethearts - Working to support local entrepreneurs has been incredibly rewarding. Over 20 organizations worked collaboratively to create a low/no cost city-wide digital marketing campaign to support business’s efforts in capturing lucrative Valentine’s Day sales and service provision.These small business owners pour their hearts into their ventures, and helping them succeed feels like supporting their livelihood love🧡 stories. And the strengthening of peer relationships across the sector of practitioners continues to grow.
Bringing Big Resources to the Community Level - Perhaps one of the most satisfying aspects of our work is helping smaller communities access resources typically untapped. Watching a small community engage and leverage significant funding or collect administrative and political support to achieve its goals is like watching Sisyphus leaning against his rock at the top of the hill.
Staying In Love🧡 with Your Work: Professional Growth in Economic Development
Like any long-term relationship, maintaining a passion for economic development requires commitment and growth. Here's how I stay engaged and effective:
Embracing the Impact of Learning - The field of economic development is constantly evolving, and staying current is crucial. Attend conferences, panel discussions and webinars. For us recently, this has also meant exploring digital efficiency tools and platforms that can enhance our work without losing the human touch that Perch Advisors finds so important.
Staying Connected - Oftentimes it can feel isolating in the work we do. However, knowing that there is an army of peers and colleagues working toward similar goals is assuring. Stay connected with peers, colleagues and turn them into friends. You never know when their abilities, network, or generosity will be helpful and impactful. And reciprocate in return.
Showing Up Every Time - Success in economic development requires consistent presence and engagement. I've learned never to take for granted the importance of showing up – whether it's for a major presentation or a small community meeting.
The Art of Listening - Further to showing up, there's a profound difference between hearing and listening. True listening means being present, setting aside preconceptions, and being open to understanding perspectives different from our own. This skill has proven invaluable in building trust, increasing engagement, and creating meaningful change.
Amplifying Other Voices - Some of the most valuable insights come from creating space for others to share their experiences and perspectives. When we step back and allow others to shine, we often discover innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of community needs.
Celebrating All Victories - In economic development, change often comes incrementally. Learning to recognize and celebrate small victories helps maintain momentum and build confidence for larger challenges ahead. Every positive change, no matter how small, contributes to the larger story of positive transformation.
Looking Forward with Love🧡
As we navigate through these shorter winter days, I'm reminded that love🧡 – whether for a person, a community, or a profession – is both a feeling and a choice. In economic development, we choose to show up, to care, and to work toward positive change, even when the path forward isn't always clear.
For those considering a career in economic development, know that while it may not always be a "sweetheart deal," it offers something more valuable: the opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a real difference in communities and people's lives. And for our clients and community members, thank you for being part of this journey. Your trust and partnership make this work not just possible, but truly worthwhile.
As we approach Valentine's Day, I invite you to reflect on what you love🧡 about your community and how you might contribute to its growth and development. After all, economic development is not just a profession – it's a labor of love🧡 that benefits us all.
