My Story

If you had asked me what my passion was back when I was a student, my answer would’ve been _________. Blank! I’ve always known I liked to write, I liked working with people and I longed for a balance between the academics and the “real” world.

Fast forward 20+ years. My kids ask me occasionally what program they should enroll in when they get to university, which is still a few years away. My answer is always the same: start with something that you’re good at and create opportunities where you can make a difference using that thing that you do well. I would also advise them to worry less about their future job title and think hard about where they want to make a difference. And that in fact is my story.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted higher education. I always did well in school despite working two, and sometimes three, part-time jobs. I put myself through university for the most part, and, while still at school, paid off the loan that I will forever be grateful for.

I spent 10 years at the Ottawa University campus. In my 3rd year working towards a double degree in Arts (Literature and Translation), I accepted a student job offer at Nortel (now Ciena, Ericsson and probably something else too).  An arts student in a high-tech company! I saw an opportunity and chased after it. I spent seven years working full time while studying nearly full time. I did well in both – my goal was never just to get by. At work, I assumed many roles and received multiple promotions. When I graduated from the M.B.A. program, I volunteered for a layoff package during the downturn that started in the late 90’s and trickled through the early years of the new millennium. I had been recently married and was ready to move on.  The next chapter of my life consisted of many years of consulting, including a contract in France. I loved the experience, the variety in work, personalities and cultures I was exposed to. My greatest accomplishments during this period was the 2 children I had as I ended one contract and started off another. My latest career was at Quest, sold to Dell, and then spun off back as Quest. That’s what I owe my digital marketing experience to.

Today, iFarah Consulting gives me the best of not just both worlds, but all worlds, really! As cliché as this may sound, here, I have the opportunity to combine my education, leadership skills, marketing experience, love for writing, and especially my character, with my true passion – ridiculously honest writing that humanizes a small business and helps them develop a strong presence online.

I remember a few years back during a leadership course I was at, the instructor asked a classroom of managers who among us would quit our job if we were to win the lottery. I raised my hand shamelessly. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoyed a great career up until this point and have great respect for people that I worked with and for, but this feels like I’ve just won.

I want to make a direct impact on small businesses with genuine marketing tactics. But here’s what I’m up against with any small business, including my own:

• few resources
• a small marketing budget
• insufficient time

But what’s a win without a challenge? The opportunity presented itself and I couldn’t turn away. A small business that’s relatively well established can tap into limitless opportunities by making online marketing a priority.

I plan to continue posting on our blog to share my thoughts about how a cost-effective, high-quality content plan can add value not only to your small business but to your consumers as well. Come back often to check out the latest post or click on the Follow button and you’ll receive an email to let you know when a new post is up.