2009 in Retrospect

In the lead up to the end of 2009 and in the first week of 2010 I’ve read a lot of blogs listing the writer’s goals for this year.

I think this is great and I have a list of goals I’d like to achieve too, but I prefer to make my first blog for 2010 a retrospective look at what I decided were my must-have items from last year. Here I have decided to list everything that has made my business a success in 2009 and helped build it to the operation it has become.

1. Must-have networking group – The Australian Businesswomen’s Network (ABN)

I joined the ABN while I was growing The Transcription People (TTP), looking for some business support, other women in business to chat to and occasional guidance when needed. I gained far more than this and took part in the MentorNET program, which proved invaluable for TTP.

2. Must-have PR person – Johanna Baker-Dowdell, Strawberry Communications

I first met Johanna when several small Central Coast businesses started chatting on Twitter and decided to meet in person. She has since become TTP’s PR consultant and gained us media coverage and new clients.

3. Must-have business coach – Terri Cook, Success Zone

As TTP grew we needed to hire staff and move into bigger commercial office space, but there were other aspects of the business which I didn’t spend as much time on as I should have. I started working with Terri in October and she has guided me to turn around these stale areas within the business, streamline my operations and given me tips to build better relationships with clients.

4. Must-have technology – iPhone

I am so happy with my iPhone I am constantly trying to get others to convert from Blackberries and other smart phones. My iPhone is a great business tool to keep me in touch while away from the office, but with the range of iPhone accessories and applications available it has become as essential as my sunglasses!

5. Must-have “giving back” – YESUP Mentoring Program http://www.frankteam.com.au

After everything I gained from the ABN MentorNET program I decided it was time to give something back last year. I became a mentor for a young business woman and took her through the business basics like planning, accounting and marketing, but also acted as a sounding board for issues that arose throughout the term of the program. I found being a mentor was just as valuable as being a mentoree.

6. Must-have book – Connection Generation by Iggy Pintado

I followed Iggy on Facebook and Twitter throughout the year, but actually met him at Flying Solo Live in September and again at networking events since. Iggy’s book is an inspirational guide to how small businesses can utilise social networking to play in the big league.

7. Must-have podcast – Small Business Big Marketing

Started by experienced marketer (Tim Reid) and web developer (Luke Moulton), the Small Business Big Marketing podcast has become one I watch out for because it is fun and full of business ideas that are easy to implement in a short format I can make time to listen to.

8. Must-have social networking – Facebook

Facebook is my favourite social networking site because I can chat with friends, post photos from my phone or camera, post links, find new people to connect with and share my news with my network.

9. Must-have comfortable shoes – Chinelas by Michelle

These shoes are so good! How many times have you put on some fantastic heels only to regret that decision at the end of the night when you have to walk home/to the car/train. Not anymore! Chinelas are folding shoes in a range of colours that fit in your handbag until you put them on at the end of the night to give your feet a break. Great news is, they are designed by a young entrepreneur that I met through the YESUP Program. Look out for Michelle, she’s on a winner!

10. Must-have support – family and friends

None of the list above could have happened without the support from my loving family and friends. They are the first to celebrate with me when we land a new client and provide an ear when things aren’t going so well. Their support is what drives me every day.

So this was my look back what made 2009 such a great year for me and my business. I can’t wait to see which items join my list for 2010!