2020 Vision

Where were you one year ago? Have you had a chance to take inventory yet? In what ways have you grown personally? How has your business or organization changed? What lessons were learned? Do you feel as though you spent your time wisely and were you the kind of person you want to be in the world?

It’s wise to take inventory of how GOOD life really is and how many opportunities we have simply because we are alive. It's also wise to plan ahead.

As I write to you today, I find myself feeling a great deal of gratitude. I’m thankful for the lessons, the setbacks, the opportunities, and the ways we contributed positively to the world around us in 2019. Our clients have many things in common, including a heart for giving back to the community. We are their partners in carrying that message forward. What an honor and privilege it is to work with people who do more than is expected.

The same can be said for the business community here in Madison and throughout the great State of Wisconsin. Whether it’s Downtown Madison, Inc., Wisconsin Technology Council, Rotary Club of Madison, Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin, the American Marketing Association Madison Chapter, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, The Business Forum, the SBA or any of the other organizations we’re a part of, they rise every day to make our lives and communities stronger. We're surrounded by so much good.

Then there are my colleagues whom without none of this would be possible. We retained 100% of our team this year and grew it by one plus several talented subcontractors. Because of our clients and this community, we’re creating opportunities for work where there were none before. We also finished the year with an International Gold MarCom Award for our non-profit work for Midwest Environmental Advocates' 20th Anniversary video. And, last but not least, we improved some efficiencies in several key areas and added two certifications in web development and lead generation expanding our scope of services.

Given that this is also my 30th year in business, it’s also good to remember all the people who contributed throughout the years to bring us to this place. Whether clients who needed us for a short time while they built something new or those who have been with us for years, The Creative Company is here because of you.

It's wise to remember all that's right in a world that tends to focus on what's wrong.

The stories we tell ourselves and others matter. By taking inventory, we’re able to see more clearly. Our vision can get a little cloudy at times, especially as the days are shorter and the nights, longer. By remembering and taking inventory, we can see clearly. It also helps us to move towards a brighter future.

Client planning for 2020 is well underway here at the agency. One of the services we provide is the facilitation of brainstorming and planning sessions. It’s one of my personal favorite things to do and clients are overwhelmingly happy with the results. It’s also a way to make sure your team really buys-in and knows they are essential to the mission for your organization. Feel free to give me a call to see how this will work at your company or non-profit.

Building a data-centric decision-making pathway for marketing success requires a solid team of experts who can deliver it across channels towards a successful outcome. That’s what we’re here for. When you’re ready to learn more, reach out to me. I’m a life long- learner and would enjoy hearing more about you and where you want to take your company or organization in 2020!

Here’s to putting together a banner year for 2020, with clarity!

All the best and here's to making 2020 a banner year in every way!

With gratitude,

Laura

Laura Gallagher is the President of The Creative Company, a public relations firm in Madison, Wisconsin. She is the 2019 SBA's Women in Business Champion of the Year and is one of 100 women to be recognized by the State of Wisconsin and the Governor as a Trailblazer. You can also purchase her book #180in120 - How to Recharge Your Business in 120 Days on Amazon and at 180in120.com. Her passion is to use her energy and creativity to create work that matters.