Yes, almost everyone has a “year in review” post. Why? Because, to know where you are going you must know where you have been. That being said, here we go!
Its been quite an exciting year, both in my personal life and for Point Brake. 2009 was definitely a year chuck-full of learning, growing, and–even at some points–straining. I’ve met hundreds of people over the last year and have made a few good (hopefully lasting) relationships because of that. I’ve narrowed my focus yet found I have even more to discover. I got engaged and feel that my life is still just beginning, yet I’ve had quite a few different mid-life crises all within one year–an exciting, scary, fullofpossibilities year!
Top 5 Things I Learned
1) Networking = Building Relationships – For me, at least, this is true. I hate walking into a room of strangers, not knowing a single soul, and being expected to talk about myself. I learned that there is nothing wrong with this, and it might actually be a good thing.
2) Business is a process, not an entity. – When I first made the decision to start my business, and especially when I started writing my business plan, I thought I had to have it all figured out. Thank goodness I was wrong!
3) I Love What I Do – I dread Friday, because I can never get enough done in any given week. There is always more to learn, more to do, more to explore. I don’t dread waking up, though I can always use more sleep. But, I love what I do enough to be excited about doing it.
4) Professionalism Goes A Long Way – One of my biggest fears about starting a company was my age (or, lack thereof). Its no secret that I’m rather young, especially for a business owner. Luckily I’ve been blessed my entire life with being “mature for my age”, and that has apparently shown through to quite a number of people that have commented on my professionalism. Instead of being wary of trusting me because of my youth, my professionalism has given them (and me!) confidence.
5) Design With Heart – I love what I do, but there are many things that I love even more. First and foremost is people; a few individuals in particular, but also people in general. I have always had a heart for helping others, and I am ecstatic to be able to do so in combination with design.
My Top 5 Tools
1) Google – I might use Google too much, actually.
2) PBWorks – How did I ever live without a PM tool?
3) My [HTC] Hero – It is seriously my hero! Now I can take my Google with me wherever I go. Ahhhh…..
4) Social Networks – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and now YouTube!
5) Photoshop – Aside from FireFox, this is the single most-used program on my computer. Still wondering if I’ll ever use the Android Photoshop app, but its nice to have available.
My Top 5 Accomplishments
1) VOD -
2) Time Management – It’s about time!
3) Networking – Just like the swim team, I dove right in and got over my fear!
4) Narrowed Focus – Why did it take me a year to start listening to what I was saying?
5) Establishment – As a friend recommended, I’ve been working on further establishing Point Brake within the community. Plenty of room to grow, but I’m off to a good start.
My Top 5 Books
1) The Brand Gap – Written by Marty Neumeier
2) Sexy Web Design – Written by Elliot Jay Stocks
3) Building Design Strategy – Edited by Thomas Lockwood
4) Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers -Written by Tad Crawford
5) Anthem – Written by Ayn Rand (I didn’t actually re-read this in 2009, but it will always remain as part of my own personal Anthem.)
My Top 5 Websites
1) Just Creative Design justcreativedesign.com
2) AIGA Center for Practice Management cpm.aiga.org
3) Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce www.greenwood-chamber.com
4) ColourLovers www.colourlovers.com
5) Delicious delicious.com
That’s all for now! Can’t wait to see what 2010 brings!