William McKee, Knowmad Technologies
http://www.knowmad.com
What was your initial dream for your business or lifestyle (or both!)?
My initial dream is intimately tied into the name of my company — Knowmad. I envisioned being a nomadic knowledge worker working when and where I wanted. In the early 1990’s, this vision was becoming possible as access was being made available to the general public via nation-wide dial-up access and the promise of broadband technologies becoming more readily available.
Can you explain the fear and perseverance it took for you to bring your dream to reality?
Being in my early 20’s when I started, I had no fear of being in business for myself. I had few expenses and little responsibility. Thus, I could play and explore and work as I wanted without the fear of failure. As both I and the business have matured, there have been many more responsibilities and times when I have to do things I don’t want to do or forgo things I’d like to do. For every stage of a business, there are unique challenges. Learning to meet and overcome those challenges is what makes an individual into a success.
Now that you are either working on your dream or living your dream, is it the same vision you originally had or has it changed along the way?
The vision has changed. I’ve created a business and am now a business owner, not just a nomadic programmer. For me, this change is one of maturity as when an apprentice becomes a journeyman then a master. However, through the 15 years that I’ve had the dream to start my own business, the kernel of the vision is still intact. Currently, I am in the midst of growing the business more than working in the business. I still continue to have the vision of working from where and when I want.
What has been your biggest challenge in accomplishing your dream?
My biggest challenge has been learning how to be a businessman. I enjoy learning and experimenting with new technologies. In other words, I’ve always enjoyed working in the business more than working on the business. However, I’ve accepted the challenge to grow the company which means learning more about business than I thought I wanted to know. Fortunately, I am finding this challenge to be a good opportunity to improve my skills and expand my horizons.
What motivates you to keep building, growing or pushing for your dream?
I am motivated by knowing that my life has been created by my own doing with the support of a multitude of others along the way. I feel much more empowered knowing that I am in control of my own destiny. This knowledge helps me to persevere through the tough times when I feel like throwing in the towel and taking a “normal” job.
