Now where did 2010 disappear to so fast, hm? With another new year upon us (in the best possible sense), many of us take a look back at all the good, challenging, rewarding and inspiring things we encountered over the past 12 months. And many are planning ahead, making new year resolutions. So what will be happening here at Cavalletti Communications? And what does 2011 have in store for you and me as small business owners out there, I wonder?
2010 was an eventful year on all fronts
Cavalletti Communications celebrated its 1st official birthday, our team of talented experts has been growing steadily, friendships and collaborations have been formed across the net and at networking events. I have had the honour of meeting many business owners and thought leaders who shared their expertise and knowledge. You, my clients and connections have been kind and generous in passing on referrals to me, and thus help my business grow. Thank you!
Running an expanding business has also thrown challenges my way, of course: How do you do it all in only so many hours in the day? When do I find the time to put all those fantastic (I think) ideas into practice? Surely I can do that myself? We have to learn the hard way at times, and so have I here and there.
On a personal note, 2010 saw me getting married and meet the huge gaggle of what is now my new, significantly larger (but equally lovingly boisterous and fun) family. So, 2010 certainly held a lot of changes for me, on all fronts.
Starting off a successful 2011
So far so good: January of this new year is already over, and has been a good month for most of us. Like many of you, I have made plans and set goals on various fronts. On where, how and when to grow my business. And personal ones (hello, fitness & balance!).
2010 will see a new range of Cavalletti Communications writing & marketing services developed. I am already in exciting conversations with a number of very talented people regarding affiliations and working with us. And Cavalletti Communications will get another boost via our about-to-be-signed-off membership at the Artisans chapter of BNI.
But as business owners we also are people. And as people we need personal challenges – and time to relax. I was lucky to be able to combine the two on a recent camping trip in the beautiful Snowy River and Snowy Mountains regions. If you like a glimpse of the stunning view from Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko, below is a little video for you. I scaled my first mountain for 2011. : )
So, what are your challenges and inspirations for 2011?
Looking forward to reading your take on the new year!
Thank you very much for all your kind words and wishes on my getting married in early September. We had a wonderful time honeymooning and seeing our families in Europe and are now settling back into Sydney- and work-life.
So keep an eye on this blog, Twitter and Facebook for new posts on language and its sometimes amusing twists and turns, writing, web content, marketing, life, business – and of course fun.
The Influence Project is open to anyone and everyone. All registered participants will have their picture appear in the November issue of Fast Company as part of an amazing photo spread. The more influence demonstrated by a participant, the bigger their picture will be. Even those with smaller social networks can learn something about their influence by participating.
Contributors may discover that they are more influential than they think. Influence is not only about having the most friends or followers. It’s about being able to affect the behavior of those you interact with, to get others in your social network to act on a suggestion or recommendation. That’s what The Influence Project will measure.
The competition for 2010’s “Most Influential People” ends August 15 at midnight EST. Fast Company has created a blog dedicated to the project at www.fastcompany.com/influenceproject, where coverage will continue through the publication of Fast Company’s November 2010 issue.
I just had a conversation with a friend of mine who is changing careers and starting his own business.
We chatted about layouts & copywriting for websites, and social media. I was singing the praise of blogs and LinkedIn (and Twitter and facebook, but we’ll leave those for another time) and the many ways of meaningfully connecting websites with social media. I talked excitedly about he possibilities of writing in a professional yet personal way to bring your business and value to your audience – and generally displayed my inner communications nerd -, when I heard a big silence spread at the other end of the line.
Assumption is a dangerous thing, they say. Luckily, sometimes it’s just impolite. Phew!
My friend was new to social media for business, and especially a”LinkedIn virgin”. He, understandably, felt a bit overwhelmed by the possibilities and confused by the mechanics. So we ran through the gist of set up and options – and I think I created a fellow LinkedIn devotee. And all in half an hour. It’s easy to get started and quite a bit addictive to keep going and growing.
Try for yourself: Read here about the essentials that will get you a long way, and here for a few further bits of how to utilise LinkedIn for your business. Drop me a line via the comments box below. I am looking forward to hearing about your experiences. You can connect with me via my LinkedIn profile here. Let’s get connected….
You are facing a challenge or change – in your business or on a personal level: Uncertainty and fear of failure can be paralysing.
But they don’t have to be.
This article on how to overcome fears related to starting your own business has five tips by Ron Koss (o-founder of America’s first nationally distributed organic foods company) that can be applied to many situations.
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While at a networking event recently, it struck me how very differently people behave when giving or receiving a business card.
Some did not as much as glance at the card that was given to them before stuffing it into a pocket or handbag. But all the experienced and well-connected networkers treated a received business card, and thus its giver, with respect and attention.
Respect the card, respect the brand – respect your contact.
