Taking the time to think about the year ahead – and what you want to achieve – is critical when running a business.
So as I look back on 2017, and start planning for 2018, there are three key things I’m most excited about for the new year.
Continuing our world domination
I get an immense amount of satisfaction from making each day count. To me, growing an agency isn’t about achieving a few big milestones, instead it’s about everyone taking little steps forward (and trying their best), each and every day.
Looking back at 2017, I feel proud of what the team around the globe has collectively achieved. This year, we won Best Marketing Strategy for Agency Growth at the 2017 Agency Awards and we are now live in 6 global markets with a further two markets in the pipeline for 2018.
Change keeps things fresh and fun for all and next year I will be moving abroad to set up one of our new global markets. I’m very excited about the chance to be at the coalface of growing a start-up business again.
The sentiment ‘better together’ rings true and it’s also so exciting to be pitching for, and winning global campaigns. I’m sure many more big campaign wins will follow in 2018.
Continuing to change and evolve as a business
I’m confident enough to admit that others are far better at a lot of things than I am, and whilst I do have somewhat of a radio mouth at times, I listen a lot too. My team speak their mind, are full of ideas, and genuinely care. After some serious navel gazing earlier this year, we made some tough changes and I then watched with pride as the team around me grew in ability. All are ready for more change.
In 2018, we’re appointing a new person to head up the UK and we’ve found the perfect candidate to take Because to dizzying new heights.
So next week I will be reflecting on key learning’s this year and shaping what great means in 2018. I’ll then present the vision to all in January and together we’ll agree our POA to achieve our goals.
Saying thank you and giving back
This year, from all corners of the globe Because folk descended upon Dublin for our Christmas party. For years (well, decades really) we’ve created unforgettable campaigns for our clients but this year, the team in Ireland created our very own event, Apres Dublin (I won’t steal Jonny’s thunder, so will leave him to share his thoughts on the event). Having fun matters and come Christmas we always have a big bash – this is a well-earned treat to all who go the extra mile to create and deliver fabulous campaigns throughout the year.
Saying thank you and giving back has always being a big part of agency life at Because and I’m proud to say, amongst many other heartfelt endeavours, in November we completed our second Educare centre in South Africa. Next month we start digging the foundations of our third Educare centre, so watch this space.
Young folk aside, Christmas can sadly be a lonely time for the elderly so this year, in lieu of Christmas cards, we’ll be donating our time and money to Community Christmas, a UK charity whose mission is to ensure no elderly person in the UK is alone on Christmas Day, unless they want to be.
To all our readers, a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2018.