We were lucky to catch up with Michael Lorenzana recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
Running a web design and digital marketing business is no small task – it’s demanding, unpredictable, and can often feel daunting. One thing I have discovered, though, is the importance of being passionate about what one does: Coding, designing, strategizing and connecting with clients are all part of what lights me up. I made myself promise that when days get long or tasks piled high this passion would act as my safety net – pushing me further into learning and creating in the digital space.
On the flipside, I have also experienced jobs that felt like walking through an endless grey maze; they drained my energy and enthusiasm wasn’t in their vocabulary. These experiences starkly contrast my current workplace experience and demonstrate why passion shouldn’t just be an empty buzzword. Doing something you truly enjoy gives us energy to face our daily tasks with resilience, making work less of a chore and more of an uplifting journey. At every stage of my work – from brainstorming to final execution – my work fills me with purpose and keeps burnout at bay. More than simply dodging burnout, however, my goal is not just survival but to thrive and find true fulfillment from what you do – for me this can only happen by following one’s passions.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
So, let’s rewind a bit here. I’ve always been something of a creative soul. In high school, I fell head over heels for web design. I remember taking my first course, and just being blown away by the possibilities. I mean, how incredible is it that you can create something that reaches people all across the globe? But even before web design caught my eye, I was that kid messing around with Photoshop, getting lost in the magic of creating something uniquely mine.
There’s another chapter in my life that most people are surprised to learn about – my love for food. I won’t bore you with the details, but let’s just say my journey led me to several commercial kitchens around San Antonio that put my web business on the back burner. That experience really sculpted my work ethic, making me the person I am today.
At some point, I took a vow to myself – to chase my passions, wherever they’d take me. You see, I used to chase money, but that only left me feeling empty and burned out. I knew then, I needed a shift. I made a pact with myself that no matter what I do moving forward, it’s going to be something I’m crazy about.
Fast forward a bit, there I was, running my web design business, immersed in my passion, and loving every bit of it. But then I realized, to really make an impact and reel in more clients, I had to up my game. That’s when SEO came into the picture. I was always intrigued by it, but never really got the chance to dive deep, given how absorbed I was in the culinary world. But with more time on my hands, I took the plunge into SEO, and boy, has it been an exhilarating journey!
Today, my brand ( Southtown Web Design ) is a mirror of my life’s journey and my passions. It’s a cocktail of my creative spirit, my love for food, and my prowess in the digital world. The cherry on top? I still get to whip up my favorite dishes. On my terms, on my time, with food that I want to cook. I’ve also been playing around with the idea of melding my love for food with my digital marketing knowledge. The future is ripe with possibilities, and I’m excited to see where this rollercoaster of a ride takes me next.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say there were three key aspects that played a monumental role. First off, my unwavering curiosity. I was always eager to learn, whether it was about Photoshop, web design or even SEO. I was never shy of diving into new realms, and that curiosity has led me to gain a diverse set of skills and expertise.
Second, my passion for what I do. Love for my work is what kept me going, even on tough days. Whether it was enduring long hours in a commercial kitchen or learning the intricacies of SEO, my passion provided the fuel.
Lastly, the discipline and work ethic I developed from my time in the culinary world were crucial. Working in high-pressure kitchens taught me resilience, focus, and a dedication to my craft that has translated well into my web design and digital marketing career.
For those just starting out on their journeys, my advice would be to stay curious and never stop learning. Don’t shy away from exploring areas that pique your interest. Secondly, find your passion. Work doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do. It keeps you motivated and hungry for success. Lastly, develop a solid work ethic. No matter the industry, dedication and persistence are key to growth and success. Keep at it, even when the going gets tough. These qualities are not developed overnight, but they are worth nurturing for the long run.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The digital landscape, especially in the field of SEO, is always evolving and adapting, which brings about its own set of challenges. Right now, the most significant hurdle I’m facing is the constant updates Google is making to its algorithm. It’s almost like a daily game of catch-up, trying to stay on top of the changes and adjust my strategies accordingly. But this isn’t even the half of it. Google’s new generative AI search system is on the horizon, and it’s predicted to bring about a seismic shift in the SEO world.
To tackle these challenges, I’m taking a two-pronged approach. Firstly, I’m continually educating myself. Whether it’s through online courses, webinars, or simply reading up on the latest developments, I’m committed to staying updated and aware of the changing dynamics. This commitment to learning has always been my secret weapon, and I believe it will continue to be beneficial as I navigate through these changes.
Secondly, I’m also working on being adaptable. SEO is a dynamic field, and it’s crucial to be flexible and ready to pivot strategies as needed. While it’s impossible to predict the future accurately, by staying informed about the latest trends and advancements, I can make educated assumptions and plan my strategies accordingly.
Overcoming this challenge isn’t going to be easy, but then again, the most rewarding aspects of my journey have never been the easy ones. It’s a complex puzzle, but I’m ready to crack it, one piece at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southtowndesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southtowndesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southtowndesigns/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/southtowndesigns/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/southtowndesign
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/southtown-web-design-san-antonio-2
Image Credits
All images are provided by my good self
