2012 – My Year in Review
Well, it is officially my one-year anniversary as a fully self-employed individual. Although the concept of Brand Yourself has been a part of my life and consumed many hours of brainpower for much longer than that – the year flew by! Do I regret it? No! Not one MINUTE of the many late nights, constant struggle with choosing what goal to pursue next and challenging myself to learn more each and every day. Here are just a few of the things that I have learned this past year:
– I’ve learned that not only am I a marketer – I am a content marketer.
– The landscape of social media is ever-changing and I, along with my clients, have to have the ability to adapt with an open-mind.
– ROI (a return-on-investment) is something everyone wants and needs when preparing a marketing campaign (and deciding to continue with said campign).
– Placing an ROI on social media marketing is VERY difficult (but can be done!).
– Creativity is awesome.
– People (most of them) are supportive (usually).
– Networking works and I love it! In fact, I was told I was addicted to it!
– Collaboration and surrounding yourself with like-minded people is good for business.
– Office hours should not be taken for granted.
– Family should not be taken for granted.
– Just because I work FOR myself doesn’t mean I have to work BY myself. (Thank you SPUR!)
– Time management skills are difficult to learn.
– I am easily distracted.
– Having coffee with someone ‘just because’ is good for your mental health.
– I can be flexible (If I have to be).
– I enjoy a routine.
– Sleep is overrated.
– Most people (even my closest friends and family members) have no idea what I do – and that is okay.
– I still love design.
– I still love photography.
– I still love working with and meeting new people.
– I still love to read.
– I still love spending time with my friends and family.
– I still love my job.
My list, I believe, could go on and on and on but instead of spending too much time looking back…let’s look forward. In 2013 I plan to:
– Enjoy my family.
– Enjoy my work.
– Laugh more.
– Spend less.
– Concentrate on what truly matters.
– Have more fun.
– Read more.
– Learn more.
– Love more.
– Have more patience.
– Smile. A lot.
But most of all, I couldn’t do any of this without all of you. Thank you everyone for your support, encouragement and good wishes. I am excited and honored to be able to do this for another year. I look forward to MANY more years. Happy 2013 everyone!
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