Before this year even began, I set intentions for what I wanted 2018 to look like for my small business. I was going back to a full schedule after Cameron was born and was more excited than ever to unleash some creative build up. As the year comes to a close and I set my intentions for 2019, I’m sharing some of my favorite moments and campaigns in hopes that you find some inspiration for your own New Year’s resolutions.
I began the year with a focus on nurturing my digital marketing clients and made plans to launch one new website each month. I remember thinking what a big goal that was and wondering if I could even manage the workload, but before I had a chance to change my mind, the calendar started filling up. By the end of 2018, I had welcomed two new marketing clients and launched 10 websites. The funny thing is that despite my growing to-do list, I felt more relaxed and in control than I had in years. It seems backwards to be more productive with a toddler in tow, but I owe it all to apps that help automate my business. With or without kids, you need these 8 small business apps that are total life savers.
One big goal I set for 2018, was to take the time to notice and celebrate milestones. Work can get busy and before we even reach one goal, we’re rushing off to the next, so I like to take time to physically visit my clients (if they’re local) for our monthly meetings. It’s nice to extend a connection to the real world and chat face to face. After meeting with Running Wild in July, I joined them for the Funky Fun Run and was so happy to see the group was as big as ever. We launched the free group run and happy hour three years ago and has since been called the best ‘sweatworking’ opportunity on the east coast by the New York Times. There’s something so satisfying about seeing one of your projects come to life in a big way. If you are local to South Florida, I highly recommend the FFR which takes runners from the store to the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort for a post-run social, complete with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.
In September, I welcomed Four Seasons Products to my marketing client rooster. The owner is so sweet and seriously dedicated to growing the business. We launched her refreshed ecommerce site in October and received the first sale within 10 minutes, followed by plenty more. We put a hell of a lot of work into the site and it was so great to celebrate results so quickly. There’s nothing better than getting an excited phone call from a client that just heard the ping of a sale notification. Hearing the joy in her voice made it by far one of the best moments of the year.
The holidays around here are always the busiest time of year for both my business and my clients’. This year was especially noteworthy as I hit send on the 250th email campaign for Lilac and Lilies Boutique – 250th! The email also happened to be the store’s Black Friday campaign, which ultimately produced the best Black Friday sales the store has had in its nine year existence. Breaking records is always so much fun as it’s a tangible way to see the success of your marketing efforts. I’m also beyond ecstatic for Lilac & Lilies’ owner and founder Michelle DiMarco, who is racking up her own national press. In August, she shot an in-flight promo for United Airlines which was initiated through a good ‘ole Google search, proof that a well tailored online presence can do amazing things; it can establish you as the authority, shed light on your personality, and present opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
If there’s one takeaway I have from 2018, it is the importance of celebrating the big and little things. No matter the project or its size, all of our work and energy should be honored.
I’m ending this year with a heart full of gratitude and am excited to put pen to paper and create thoughtful intentions for 2019. While I’m not sure what the new year will hold, I’m more than open to the possibilities it will bring. I want to wish you and your family a beautiful and happy New Year. Here’s to enjoying the journey in 2019!