Ah, Freedom.....

by Helen Vollmer, Vollmer Public Relations CEO

Have you ever wondered what America’s founding fathers were thinking when they decided to make a break from Jolly Old England?  Why the heck did they resolve to shape their own destiny 234 years ago?  Sure, the onerous taxes were a drag, but what is it about the notion of independence that allows the human spirit to risk it all, dream big and defy conventional expectations?

Beyond Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison and the others (for a fascinating summer read check out the Pulitzer Prize winning “Founding Brothers:  The Revolutionary Generation” by Joseph J. Ellis), history repeats itself.  Is there a bit of Davy Crockett (who died fighting for Texas independence at the Alamo) in all of us who  treasure  independence to the point of foolhardiness?

As the founder of the largest independent public relations firm based in the Southwest, I have a definite  POV on the value of independence.  I think it’s a perspective that all independent firms - from the largest to the smallest - share.  And, at a time when we celebrate our hard-earned freedoms this July 4, it might be worth considering the finer points of independence.

• Independence demands responsibility.  If you are going to be successful as an independent business or as an entrepreneur, you understand from the get go that there is no other safety net.  There is no one to “pass the buck” to, and there’s a pride in taking ownership.
• Independence fosters the freedom to think wholly and creatively.  With no one telling you “these are the rules,” you tend to evolve based on the needs of those you are servicing, the marketplace and your own ability to connect the dots for a greater good.  The result is you get to look at all the angles in making a decision and are guided by the desire to do the right thing with the knowledge you can sleep well at night.
• Independence breeds responsiveness.  Without layers of approvals, bureaucracy and time lags, you can move at lightening speed, under radar or as long as is necessary, depending on the need.
• Independence is an underpinning for tolerance.  When you treasure freedom, you also understand that it is something everyone, regardless of his or her beliefs or culture also has the right to pursue with the caveat that, “Your rights end where my nose begins.”

Don’t get me wrong.  Independence is not synonymous with great strategy, leadership and innovation.  Those can be found anywhere among individuals.  We all have to work hard every day to command the respect of clients, colleagues, friends and mentors.

But like the Founding Fathers, and all those who have fought for our freedom since this nation began, our common ground is that we believe independence in all its forms is worth a struggle.  Independence is worth fighting for. Always raising standards while exploring individual strengths breeds greater success, greater opportunity and more personal reward. 

And if you don’t believe me, just take a few minutes to read the words of the ultimate spinmeister, Thomas Jefferson, at the Declaration of Independence website.  You’ll be proud of your independence and your freedom at a time when freedom has never been more precious.