Chasing your passion can sound cliché, but the truth is, when you’re stuck doing something that doesn’t light you up, it shows. This hit home for me during a conversation with Mike Buckman, co-founder of Network Outdoors. Mike’s story isn’t just another entrepreneurial tale; it’s about rediscovering a childhood love and finding a way to make it his life’s work. How many of us can say we’ve done that? The corporate world often pulls us away from what we truly enjoy, and Mike’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to realign with what actually matters to you.
I know this feeling all too well. Like many of us, I’ve been through the grind, thinking the next job title or paycheck would make me feel satisfied. But that never quite did it, did it? Mike’s story reminded me that true fulfillment doesn’t come from a job title—it comes from doing something that speaks to who you are.
Here are two key takeaways from our chat.
Rediscovering What You Loved as a Kid Can Lead to Your Best Success
One thing that stood out right away in my conversation with Mike was how deeply connected he was to the outdoors from an early age. “I grew up fishing with my dad,” he said, recalling how his love for the outdoors was something that always made him feel alive. But like a lot of us, Mike got steered away from that passion. He ended up in corporate management, working his way up in logistics. He was doing well by any standard, but something was missing.
“I was good at my job, but it was just that—a job,” he admitted. Many of us have been in that same position—successful, but unfulfilled. It wasn’t until a series of frustrating corporate experiences and a realization that he wasn’t where he wanted to be that Mike decided to go all-in on his love for the outdoors. That’s when Network Outdoors was born, a business built on what he loved doing as a kid.
What hit me here is how often we lose sight of the things that once brought us joy, thinking they’re not “serious” enough for a career. Mike’s story is proof that those early passions might just be the key to our greatest successes.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Don’t ignore your childhood passions. Often, what brought you joy as a kid is what can bring you fulfillment in your career.
- You’re not stuck. Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you have to stay there forever. Mike was great at logistics, but that wasn’t where his heart was.
- Align your work with your values. Passion fuels energy, and when you align that with your business, you naturally attract people who resonate with what you’re doing.
Building Community Through Shared Interests—Not Transactions
Mike didn’t just build a business; he built a community. What sets Network Outdoors apart isn’t the product or service—it’s the people. Mike realized that some of his deepest relationships were formed outside the office, out in nature, doing what he loved. That’s when the idea hit him—why not create a business that combines networking with outdoor activities?
And that’s exactly what he did. Network Outdoors isn’t your typical networking event where you awkwardly exchange business cards. Instead, it’s about building genuine connections through shared outdoor experiences—whether it’s a fishing trip, hunting, or shooting skeet. As Mike put it, “It’s easier to do business with people you’ve connected with on a personal level.”
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Build your business around shared passions. When you connect with people over something you both care about, the business naturally follows.
- Relationships come first. The best business partnerships are born out of trust and mutual respect, not just out of convenience.
- Networking can happen anywhere. Some of Mike’s best business connections were made while fishing or hunting, not in a stuffy conference room.
Reflections from the Interview
After speaking with Mike, I found myself reflecting on my own entrepreneurial path. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and lose sight of why you started. Mike’s transition from corporate life to following his passion for the outdoors made me think about how many of us settle for the status quo when what we really want is right in front of us, just waiting for us to take that leap.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s a job or a business decision, don’t ignore that feeling. Mike left the corporate world because it didn’t align with his values.
- Your passion is your edge. Don’t be afraid to lean into what excites you. That’s where you’ll find true fulfillment.
- Relationships take time. Mike didn’t build his network overnight. It took years of nurturing genuine connections through shared experiences.
- It’s not about the money. Mike’s goal was never to get rich; it was to create something meaningful, something that aligned with who he is. The money followed naturally.
- Take the risk. Leaving a stable job to follow your passion is terrifying, but it’s worth it in the end. Mike is proof of that.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re feeling stuck in your current role, take a moment to reflect on what really makes you happy. What are the things that get you excited, the things you’d do even if you weren’t getting paid for it? That’s what Mike did, and now he’s built a thriving business doing what he loves. His story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is about creating a life that aligns with your values and passions.
So whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast like Mike or have a completely different passion, don’t be afraid to explore how you can turn that into your next big venture. It might be a challenge, but trust me, the rewards are worth it.
Check out Mike Buckman’s full episode of Never Been Promoted to dive deeper into his journey and hear more lessons from the trail: Unbelievable Insights on Turning Passion into Profit with Mike Buckman
CONNECT WITH MIKE BUCKMAN:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-buckman/
Website: https://networkoutdoors.com/