by Amber Kelleher-Andrews, CEO of Kelleher International
Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I love love. For me, blending passion and love for what I do isn’t anything I have to think about — it happens organically. It has fueled my matchmaking business and allowed me to live a life surrounded by love every day, with passion and goals in consistent alignment with the mission of my business.
Successful businesses must be fueled by passion, whether it’s a drive to be the first or the best at something, a deep interest in serving a particular community, or even simply to help solve a problem. There is an old adage that states, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Although much of what entrepreneurs do is hard work, there is some truth in that wisdom.
When you go into a business with love and passion coursing through your veins, it doesn’t always feel like “work.” Finding ways to align my passions with my business goals has been a journey filled with adventure — and it never gets old.
How passion fuels professions.
Having a passion for something is often what lights the initial spark of business vision. I’m a romantic at heart who felt driven to bring true love and purposeful connection into as many lives as possible. That drive to bring love into the world and help others find love wouldn’t let me go until I acted on it. It was the proverbial itch I needed to scratch. Through this passion, I have been so proud to have built the world’s #1 elite matchmaking firm.
The truth is that passion ultimately turns people into professionals. When you love what you do, it radiates from you in every interaction with clients, customers, and employees. You can better solve problems when there is passion behind your interactions with customers and clients because you believe strongly in your business mission and your “why.” You’re often willing to go the extra mile to make people happy, and any mistake or misstep is worked on until it’s made right because it matters so deeply to you.
Love and enthusiasm.
My business — matchmaking — is all about working with people. It’s a love business. Enthusiasm for love is woven into each and every interaction we have with our clients.
When you’re just starting a business — no matter what industry you’re trying to enter — you want to drum up enthusiasm in any way that you can. This often begins by simply sharing why you are starting your business, and letting the love for what you do speak for itself. That enthusiasm and belief in what you are bringing to the table will drive engagement.
Enthusiasm can be contagious, especially in today’s online communities, where people feel compelled to share content that clearly comes from a place of authenticity. This enthusiasm-building should be the cornerstone of any marketing plan — especially at the beginning of one’s business, as this is when the passion you have for your business vision should speak the loudest.
Keeping it professional.
When you’re the leader of your organization, it’s crucial to never lose sight of the original spark of passion that drew you to begin your business in the first place.
What I do can be difficult at times, but it’s a journey that is specific to each client and filled with lessons that can be applied both professionally and personally. Love is complicated, and behind the scenes, matchmaking is a business that needs professional structure.
Seek out others who share the same passions and interests as you to share valuable insights and collaboration. Build a village around yourself as a support system and a place of refuge when tough times happen within your business — and they will happen.
If your clients and customers are drawn to that enthusiasm, it’s likely your team members will be as well. They will come to believe just as strongly in your business mission because they know it comes from a place of genuine love.
Passion and love alone cannot make a business successful, but I would argue that both are essential elements of any business that has stood the test of time. It’s essential that one stays curious and committed to learning more about their chosen field. Passion can take you far, but curiosity fuels continued learning and growth.
The culture of your company is its heartbeat. When that culture is fueled by love and passion for the company’s mission, that heart will keep beating — strong and alive.
Amber Kelleher-Andrews, CEO of Kelleher International is a world renowned relationship expert, professional matchmaker, TV Personality, film producer, and philanthropy enthusiast. Amber lives out her dream job serving as CEO of her family global matchmaking firm, Kelleher International, growing it into an international multi-million-dollar premium brand that remains the leader in what is now a booming 3.5-billion dollar industry.
