After the year we’ve had, I’m sure most of us would be happy to call an end to their working year in November. I’m actually doing it. But while even more of us are probably eager to see the end of this challenging year, the best part of my year is yet to come. More on that soon.
First, a reflection on the year that was 2020.
At the start of the year, I declared 2020 my year to be braver. And in many ways, I was. I had to be to continue working through the pandemic that impacted so many businesses, mine included. Enquiries and projects dropped off significantly when the uncertainty of COVID-19 took hold, and we went into lock down. Unsurprisingly, my biggest client – in the travel industry – cut their marketing budget and the work dried up quickly. Likewise, many small businesses pressed pause on their marketing efforts while they navigated the start of the pandemic and what it would mean for them.
But confidence grew again, and I saw that many small businesses in particular found it beneficial to keep up with or evolve their marketing activities. Some continued ahead with a new website, so they’d be ready to hit the ground running when things picked up, while others started a project that they hadn’t had time for before.
I worked on some great campaigns and projects that were tailored for the changing world, like road trip itineraries, blogs for small businesses on how to get through the pandemic, and even communication pieces around how organisations were addressing the ‘new normal’ of physical distancing and hygiene.
The work continued through the year and I find myself quite proud of what I accomplished. Here’s what my year in 2020 looked like in numbers:
Case for support
Content articles/blogs
Annual Report
Websites
Travel itineraries
Magazine articles
eBook
Brand story
Corporate communication document
Sales brochures
PowerPoint presentation
Hitting pause on my business
After another amazing year in business for myself, I’m hitting pause and taking a break. But I’m not quite ready to see the end of 2020. In fact, the best thing about the year is about to happen, and I don’t mean Christmas (although that is always a time I look forward to).
I’m actually preparing to welcome my second baby into the world this month.
That’s right, as well as working my way through a health pandemic, I’ve been managing morning sickness and fatigue while trying to keep up with a very active toddler. So now, I’m taking time off to spend this very special time with my growing family.
I’ll be back at my desk at some stage in 2021 and look forward to working with amazing people and businesses again then. Until then, have a happy Christmas and a safe New Year!