As an Entrepreneur, You Are Not the Company

In 2009, I made a decision that would shape my life for the next decade. I founded my first German company with limited liability, Living Internet GmbH. It started as an IT and web hosting provider, a natural extension of my passion for technology and the internet. Living Internet quickly grew beyond my initial expectations, and before I knew it, we were developing custom SEO and networking strategies specifically targeted at the tourism industry in Denmark and northern Germany.

It was a thrilling time, and our success in the tourism industry came from the hard work and dedication of a small, tight-knit team that shared my vision. We were constantly evolving, refining our services to meet the needs of our clients. However, as any entrepreneur knows, business success is rarely a straight line, and over time, the landscape changed.

The Shift to Innovation and Web Development

As the business world evolved, so did the Living Internet. I recognised that if we wanted to stay competitive, we needed to innovate and expand our offerings. That realisation led us to transition from a traditional IT and web hosting company to a full-service web development company, which included setting up a subsidiary in Ukraine. This was a major shift that opened up a world of opportunities, both creatively and operationally.

The Ukrainian team brought fresh energy and innovative ideas, and we began to thrive as a company that could offer not just web development but also AI-driven solutions for industries like pharmaceuticals. Our ability to lead in the digital transformation of these industries was exhilarating, and it felt like we were always on the cutting edge.

But alongside this journey, there was always something else brewing in my entrepreneurial mind—a second company, a second passion: sales development. Over the years, I have been building a parallel business, focusing on digitalization in sales, and helping other companies establish remote-based sales teams. As this passion grew, it became harder to balance my love for both companies.

The Decision to Sell

Eventually, I found myself at a crossroads. I had two thriving companies: one in IT development and the other in sales development. While Living Internet was a significant part of my life, I realized that my true passion, my North Star, was sales. Building and developing sales strategies, especially for remote-based teams, had become my driving force. As much as I loved Living Internet, my heart was pulling me in a different direction.

Another factor in my decision to sell was the fact that my centre of life was no longer in Germany. Over the years, I had transitioned to working remotely, and the idea of being tethered to a German-based company started to feel limiting. So, the decision became clear: I needed to sell Living Internet GmbH to fully embrace my future in sales development.

The Emotional Journey

Selling a business, especially one you’ve built from the ground up, is never an easy decision. For entrepreneurs like me, the company often becomes an extension of who you are. It feels personal. Living Internet was my baby, my creation. We grew together through the highs and lows, and over time, it had become a part of my identity.

But I had to remind myself that, as an entrepreneur, you are not the company. This is a lesson that took me years to internalize. It’s easy to lose yourself in the day-to-day operations, especially as a small business owner. The company becomes a vehicle for your ambition, a reflection of your values and your hard work. However, it’s essential to remember that it’s just that—a vehicle.

Letting go of the company was like closing a chapter of my life. It was bittersweet because while I was excited about the future, it also felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. However, this wasn’t a goodbye in the typical sense. Instead, it was an opportunity for both me and the company to thrive in new ways.

A Bright Future with Thomas

I am incredibly fortunate that Living Internet was sold to a good friend of mine. Thomas is someone I’ve known and trusted for years, and I do not doubt that he will continue to build on the company’s legacy. Thomas plans to rename Living Internet GmbH to Bamat Services, as he moves forward with his vision. Under his leadership, the company will shift focus, transitioning toward consultancy and marketing services.

I couldn’t be happier about the new direction Thomas is taking with the company. Knowing that Living Internet is in good hands eases the emotional weight of letting go. It’s not just about selling a business; it’s about passing on a part of yourself to someone who understands and respects what you’ve built.

We finalised the sale with a notary appointment on October 18th in Dortmund, making the transition official. This date marks the formal end of my journey with Living Internet and the beginning of a new chapter for both the company and me.

For those of you interested in learning more about Thomas and his work, you can find out more about him and his services at bamat.com.

Sales Is My Life

Ultimately, this decision allows me to focus 100% on my true passion: sales development. For me, sales is not just a job; it’s a way of life. I thrive on building sales strategies, developing remote sales teams, and creating systems that work seamlessly without the need for the founder’s constant involvement. This is what excites me, what gets me out of bed in the morning.

Selling Living Internet was not just a business decision; it was a life decision. It’s about aligning my work with my passion and focusing on what truly drives me. It’s about creating freedom, which is why I started this entrepreneurial journey in the first place.

The Entrepreneurial Lesson: You Are Not the Company

If there’s one lesson I want to leave with other entrepreneurs, it’s this: you are not the company. It may feel like your identity is wrapped up in the business, especially in the early years. You pour your heart and soul into it, and it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that the company is just a tool—a tool to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

But as you grow as an entrepreneur, you begin to realize that the company exists to serve you, not the other way around. It’s there to give you the freedom and flexibility to pursue your passions. And sometimes, that means stepping away, letting go, and moving on to the next chapter.

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished with Living Internet, and I’m equally excited about what the future holds for my work in sales development. It’s the end of one era but the beginning of another, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Moving Forward

For those of you reading this who are on a similar entrepreneurial journey, I encourage you to take a step back and reflect on your relationship with your business. Ask yourself: are you running the company, or is the company running you? It’s a difficult question, but it’s one worth answering.

As I move forward with my sales development company, I’m reminded that change is a necessary part of growth. Sometimes, that means letting go of something you’ve built to make room for something new. And while it’s never easy, it’s always worth it.

Thank you, Living Internet, for the incredible journey. And thank you, Thomas, for taking the reins and continuing the legacy. I’m excited to see where you take the company, and I’ll always be rooting for your success.

Here’s to new beginnings and the pursuit of passion.