Eight Years; Eight Thoughts about the Future

Tomorrow marks our eighth anniversary in business, and last year on New Year’s Eve, I published a blog focused on the first seven years of learnings at Albert Communications. This year, we’re looking ahead.  

Here’s where we’ll focus in 2019.

1. We’ll keep learning. 

Do you ever wonder how you could have possibly thought you were so smart back in your 20’s? Your 30’s? Your 40’s? I think about it a lot, because every damn day I learn something new, and I’m 100-percent sure that will only continue and expand. 

The world keeps changing, and to stay relevant, we need to stay ahead of the curve. There’s more information on-line and in books and newspapers (remember those?) than we can consume, but we’re committed to continually consuming and then using and sharing what we’ve learned. 

I always wonder today why I thought I knew so much yesterday. 

2. We’ll keep living our core values.

We take our core values very seriously. I can tell you a story about each of them – several – and I invite you to take a look and let me know if you think our actions speak to them. They are our guide in how we conduct ourselves and will continue to pave the path in our interactions with one another – and with you. 

3. We’ll (try to) learn to turn off and tune out once in a while

I need some help here. I’ve been really lousy about turning off, but looking to 2019, I want to try and give my brain a rest now and then. Having your own business means thinking about the business and clients round the clock, in the shower, at the gym, driving, and even while talking to one’s mother. It’s good for the brain to rest sometimes, and I am committed to trying to give some rest to mine now and then. If anyone has any brilliant ideas for this, do share. 

4. We’ll keep strengthening our team

We differentiate ourselves by having a strong team and no overhead. We build the team a client needs with the best and the brightest in the industry. We’re focused on adding to this terrific group of professionals and continuing to be able to provide more companies with outsourced marketing communications work second to none. (As I heard recently on a Boar’s Head ad, “Compromise elsewhere!”)

5. We’ll get out more!

Few things please us more than spending time, face to face, with clients, friends, and colleagues. Hey, we all eat (don’t ask!) and we all drink coffee, so we are planning on a lot more 1:1 time with folks we love. Life’s short. Make it count. 

6. We’ll be giving back.

We spend a lot of time on pro bono work, and that is only going to increase. Fortunately, I was born with the ability to juggle several things at once, and I believe in the concept of giving back, whether it be to somewhere near and dear to your heart, or to a community organization that has meaning for you. 

Schedule the time in like we do, and join is in giving the best of what you have to others. 

7. We’ll use travel to expand our horizons.

As this blog post goes up and the email goes out, I’m on a plane heading back to the US from 12 days in Israel with my husband and two sons. Earlier this year, I spent a week in Ireland with my eldest son and threw in a few other short trips in between. Going new places, meeting new people, and just experiencing life is the best thing we can do for ourselves. We plan to keep up the pace in 2019. Suggestions welcome!

8. Let’s have some fun!

We plan to remember to have FUN this year! With that in mind, if you haven’t had a moment to listen to our holiday playlist, enjoy. It’s filled with songs that inspire optimism – and a smile.

Wishing all of you a meaningful 2019.