Setting goals just once a year is a funny thing for me since I feel like I spend the better part of each day adding them to an already full white board of to do’s.
Now grante,d some of them aren’t quite as earth shattering as others (although I stand by my mini-goal of being able to work through an Denny-centric Grey’s Anatomy episode without weeping over my keyboard), but it keeps me from becoming stagnant, and I like that. At the same time, there’s something about the end of the year that makes everyone a bit more reflective and I can’t help but jump on the bandwagon as I set my sights on 2012.
I always say that if I can look back on a given year and say that I never would have imagined things to shape up the way they did, then I had succeeded. So if you had told me on January 1, 2011, that I would have enjoyed not one but two trips back to Ireland, a Royal Wedding viewing party that enjoyed national attention, a client base extended far beyond the Virginia borders and swoon worthy newly designed letterpress business cards- well, I would have told you that you had lost your mind. But you haven’t and those things happened- and yes, I’m long overdue for a nap.
I’m starting to detect a theme with these yearly posts as I read back to 2009 and 2010. I have a feeling that the idea of a work/life balance will be as consistent as my inappropriate love for nerd-tastic wedding details and my insistence on posting so many cat photos to my instagram account. But this year, my friends, the focus will be on taking a solid hour at least 4 times a week to be active and out of the office working up a sweat. It’s a New Year’s cliche, but I’m embracing it. I happily exceeded last year’s goals on behalf of myself and my clients and while they still remain important to OFD on a day to day basis, I’d like to really focus my efforts on maintaining a consistent level of customer service and communication with those who cross my path. And finally, I want to still like what I’m doing at least 95% of every work week. A tall order, but it’s an important one nonetheless. Okay, I also need a new head shot. There, I said it.
So what’s 2012 looking like these days? I’m glad you asked-
1) Speaking, speaking and more speaking– I’ll be hitting the road this month and next as I head here, there and everywhere across the state and beyond. Up first- the Shenandoah Wedding Professionals on January 5 to present on Partnership Marketing, followed quickly thereafter to Lynchburg for a Tradeshow Marketing Workshop. I’ll be posting shortly about my February trip to see the Fredericksburg Wedding Professionals as well. I’m also pleased to share that I’ll be speaking once again at The Special Event in Tampa in January with a wonderful group of talented Richmond wedding professionals.
2) Writing-I’ve had the distinct pleasure of writing the Wedding PR column for WedLock Magazine this past year and hope to continue to do so as we head into 2012. I’m just putting the finishing touches on a few more guest articles in publications that are new to me, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
3) Illuminate! Yep, it’s back so mark your calendars for March 27. This year, we’re dialing it up a notch yet again and bringing in a wildly talented and all around fabulous wedding planner and author from Dublin. We’re also extending the opportunity for those interested to join our keynote speaker for a post-workshop VIP lunch. Good times, unhealthy amounts of sweets and amazing topics are all guaranteed.
4) Teaching– That’s right, I’m taking my show on the road. More specifically, about five miles down the road to Virginia Commonwealth University, where I will be an adjunct professor this coming semester in PR. Watch out, young minds of America, as there will be Star Wars analogies.
And for those who have asked about me hosting a big throw down when Wills and Kate inevitably have a baby, then answer is… no. 🙂 I’m still tired from this year’s celebrations.
For those keeping tabs from 2010, I still harbor ill will towards the Lost finale.
Want to keep up with the latest as we head into the new year? Don’t be shy- go ahead and subscribe to the Illuminate Blog and enjoy the ride with me.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding marketing and wedding pr firm OFD Consulting. She is the exclusive wedding pr columnist to wedding marketing journal WedLock magazine and is a highly sought after speaker in the wedding industry. She loves ruffle table runners and Royal Wedding Tchotchkes. To learn how OFD Consulting can assist you with your wedding marketing and wedding pr, please contact us today.
