Well what can I say – this is my last blog of 2012 and I ask you, where has this year gone?
As we say goodbye to the last 12 months, this week’s blog focuses on the highlights of the past 12 months and what we can all do to ensure 2013 is the best year yet!
For me, personally, the biggest highlight of 2012 has to be completing the gruelling 260 mile cycle ride from Yeovil to Huddersfield in May, AKA Pedal For Pounds 3. Maybe if the weather had been kinder, I wouldn’t call it gruelling, nevertheless despite being able to look back at it now and smile, there’s no doubting it was a period that included one particular day of pure unadulterated hell…… Having said that, to have raised well over £1,000 made the whole experience worthwhile and I again thank all those who sponsored me.
On a business front, the freight train has continued to roll. My husband has joined me, the business continues to thrive as it’s sold more business lists than ever before, my social media network continues to grow and I haven’t had much of a chance to stop for breath (not that I’m complaining!) I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to the Christmas break so I can take stock and relax a little!!
So then, 2013 – what does it have in store?
Again on a personal front, I’ll be doing Pedal For Pounds 4 – this time a 230 mile “Tour de Yorkshire” which, following last week’s news that Yorkshire is to host the Grand Depart of the 2014 Tour de France, should stand me in good stead for when I sign to one of the Pro peloton teams next Autumn….ahem.
As for the business, well we have high hopes that 2013 will see further growth and increased data lists sales. We are pleased to be working with a reliable group of suppliers, as our clients’ feedback confirms their data quality is excellent. Hopefully that will lead to more repeat business and with that will come the need to expand again, so our main aim for 2013 is to recruit more staff into the business.
Besides taking on staff, we also aim to streamline our processes. Having purchased a new CRM system this year, we intend to further develop our understanding of its mechanisms such that we can utilise it to its full potential. A good CRM system, besides managing your contacts, can manage your contact WITH your contacts and automate ways of touching them on a regular basis. We’ve started to delve into our CRM’s abilities, though we have lots more to learn yet to make sure we maximise its Return on Investment.
Finally, I shall continue to issue blogs and newsletters frequently, with my direct marketing tips and the occasional tale or two. I find this an invaluable way of keeping contact with my friends and associates and I hope you all continue to enjoy reading them.
Well everyone, that’s my look back at 2012 and forward into 2013.
So tell me – what are YOUR highlights of 2012 and what do YOU intend to do to make 2013 an even better year for you?
I can’t wait to hear from you all. In the meantime, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!
