We were lucky to catch up with Robert Lederhilger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic, a trait that has been both my anchor and compass throughout my professional journey, finds its roots deep within the humble beginnings of my childhood. Growing up in a lower middleclass family, where nothing was handed to me on a silver platter, I quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance. My parents instilled in me the understanding that if I wanted something, I needed to work for it. This lesson became the bedrock of my work ethic.
By the age of 12, I was navigating the responsibilities of a paper route, braving the weather and early mornings, while learning my first lessons in accountability and commitment. At 14, I ventured into selling candy bars door to door, which was not just about making sales but also about understanding people, honing my communication skills, and dealing with rejection. This entrepreneurial spirit led me to originating mortgages by the age of 15, a task that introduced me to the complexities of the financial world far beyond my years.
Upon turning 16, I stepped into the workforce with a W2 job at Burger King, flipping burgers. This might seem like a stark contrast to the financial acumen I was developing, but I needed a steady paycheck and it was here that I learned about teamwork, customer service, and the importance of playing your role within a larger system. Each of these experiences, as distinct as they were, contributed to a work ethic that is characterized by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to achieving goals.
Reflecting on these formative years, it’s clear that my work ethic is a tapestry of life lessons learned from the ground up. It’s a testament to the idea that no job is too small and every endeavor is an opportunity to learn and grow. My parents, by virtue of their teachings and by example, laid the foundation for this ethic. And it’s this work ethic that has propelled me through various challenges and successes in my career.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about my journey and SOLUENCY, a venture I’m deeply passionate about. At SOLUENCY, we specialize in web and mobile app development, web hosting, and providing innovative NFC Smart Business Cards. Our mission is to empower businesses and individuals to establish a significant online presence effortlessly and efficiently.
What sets us apart in this crowded digital space is our commitment to simplicity and innovation. Recognizing the challenges many face with technology, we’ve recently launched a cutting-edge drag-and-drop website builder that is included with all of our web hosting plans. This tool is designed to democratize web development, allowing users with no prior coding experience to create beautiful, responsive websites that truly represent their brand and mission.
The excitement around our new website builder has been phenomenal. It embodies our vision of making sophisticated technology accessible and user-friendly. Our clients have found it incredibly empowering, and watching their ideas come to life without the usual tech hurdles has been incredibly rewarding.
Beyond technology, we’re focused on building a community around SOLUENCY. We believe in the power of connection and the importance of supporting each other’s digital journeys. Whether it’s through developing a new app to solve everyday problems or helping a small business owner launch their first website, we’re here to make the digital world a little less daunting and a lot more impactful.
In terms of what’s new, aside from our website builder, we’re also exploring the expansion of our NFC Smart Business Cards range. These cards are a fantastic tool for networking in the digital age, allowing instant sharing of contact information and social profiles with a simple tap. We’re excited about the potential these cards have to revolutionize how professionals connect and share their stories.
To everyone reading, I invite you to explore what SOLUENCY can do for you. Whether you’re looking to launch a website, develop an app, or simply want a smarter way to network, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to not just be a service provider but a partner in your digital success.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my own pathway to success, three pivotal elements have consistently played a crucial role in shaping my trajectory: the ability to learn as you go, viewing failure as a learning opportunity, and the importance of networking and building relationships.
First and foremost, the ability to learn as you go has been indispensable. The landscape of any industry is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable means being willing to acquire new skills and knowledge continuously. For those at the outset of their careers, I would advise adopting a mindset of perpetual learning. Seek out resources, be it through online courses, workshops, or books, and don’t shy away from new challenges. They are opportunities in disguise for growth and learning.
Secondly, redefining failure as a learning opportunity has been transformative. It’s natural to dread failure, but once I began to view each setback as a chance to learn and improve, it became a powerful tool for development. For anyone early in their career, remember that failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of it. Each time you stumble, take a moment to analyze what went wrong and how you can avoid similar mistakes in the future. This approach not only builds resilience but also paves a more informed path forward.
Lastly, the value of networking and building relationships cannot be overstated. The connections you make can offer support, provide new opportunities, and offer fresh perspectives that can significantly impact your career. My advice is to start building your network early. Attend industry meetups, engage on professional social media platforms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to individuals whose work you admire for advice or mentorship. Remember, networking is a two-way street; always think about how you can add value to your connections as well.
There are many qualities and skills that contribute to a successful career, but focusing on these three areas can provide a strong foundation. By committing to lifelong learning, reframing your approach to failure, and actively building a supportive network, you’ll equip yourself with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of your chosen path with confidence and resilience.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, we’re always on the lookout for innovative and creative partners to collaborate with, particularly within the digital and design spaces. Our ideal collaborators are:
Digital Agencies: We offer web hosting services tailored specifically for digital agencies, along with the opportunity to engage in white label web development. Additionally, digital agencies can become white label resellers for our cutting-edge NFC Smart Business Cards. Since our expertise doesn’t extend to marketing, we’re keen on establishing partnerships with digital agencies to whom we can refer clients in need of marketing services.
Graphic Designers: There’s a fantastic opportunity for graphic designers to also become white label resellers for our NFC Smart Business Cards. Given our focus isn’t on graphic design, we’re eager to connect with talented designers for potential collaborations and referrals.
For those interested in exploring partnership or collaboration opportunities with us, connecting is easy. We’re open to discussions on how we can mutually benefit from each other’s services and grow together. You can reach out directly via our website at SOLUENCY.com. We’re looking forward to hearing from innovative minds eager to make a mark in the digital and design world together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soluency.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlederhilger/
- Other: https://robert.lederhilger.org/
https://profile.smartcards.biz/@soluency
Image Credits
Rob Lederhilger
Robert W. Lederhilger III
SOLUENCY, LLC
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