2012 - A new year for Startup Production

The incoming of a new year has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Each year many Americans seem to make the same New Year resolutions each year … spend more time with family, get fit, quit smoking, etc. It can be quite advantageous to also take time to reflect on our business goals. Have you made New Year’s resolutions for your business?

Here are some goals that I have made for my business, and how I hope to achieve them:

1. Increase our client base in the local area, as well as expand the geographical areas served through Networking Opportunities.

In my type of business, where my client base is small to medium size business owners, marketing can be a little more challenging since my demographic is rather narrow. I have seen networking and immerging myself in the local community as the most successful avenue.

I am so proud to live and operate my business in the Richmond, KY area and Madison County. There are so many great individuals here that are motivated to help this area and its commercial, financial and cultural health thrive. By becoming a member of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce in 2011, as well as volunteer to be a member of their Economic Development committee, I have learned so much and met so many inspiring and hard-working individuals that make this town great.

I was privileged as part of the ED committee to tour the Bluegrass Army Depot. Thanks to Colonel Rogers for his informative presentation and Joel Kallenberger as our tour guide who never refrained from answering any of our questions. The staff there did much to dispel the mystery and sometimes fear surrounding the Depot.

Also, as a member of the Madison County Business Babes, I have met and networked with so many great women who are also business owners. It is a great opportunity to rub shoulders with other women who understand the challenges and rewards of running their own business in Madison County. The monthly meetings are informative, helpful and a great way to network with other local business owners. In 2012, I have volunteered as the Communications Committee Chair. With their new quarterly focuses, their new meeting format, and new charity drives (Clothing drive for disadvantaged women looking to rejoin the workforce and a breast cancer silent auction and fashion show), it’s going to be a good year to be a “Babe”.

Also, I’m most excited to announce my upcoming Ribbon Cutting and Client Appreciation Networking Event on March 21, 2012 at Jordan Hill Farm. This event will be (1) a Ribbon Cutting as a Richmond Chamber member, (2) a Client Appreciation to thank all the loyal and fantastic clients we have had the privilege to work with, and (3) an opportunity to network your business.

We hope to make this networking event a great chance to get to know our company as well as other business owners in your community, but also an opportunity to introduce yourself and your business. So bring your business cards, a firm handshake and a motivating elevator pitch. Be ready to mingle, eat delicious food and relax after work in this beautiful countryside setting.

I would also like to increase my client base to include Lexington and Fayette County, and its surrounding counties as well as the entire country. With the type of service I provide, the entire process of creating a website from meeting with the client to working closely with them throughout the project until its completion can be done online, on the phone or through video chats. Thus, there is no limitation on geographical boundaries I can provide service for. With long term clients in California, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, and Georgia, this has been proven by experience.

2. Provide new services to my existing and new clients.

With the addition of new team members and consultants, I have expanded our already long list of internet, web, and graphic design services and skillset.

Thomas White, our new SEO/Internet Marketing consultant has joined our team and eager to provide trustworthy, experienced and motivated assistance to get your website more exposure and higher ratings in the most popular search engines. Gina Startup provides her artistic gift, education and experience to help our clients with any design projects, app development designs and logo creation. Obiora Embry, our new web programmer brings his vast experience with PHP, ASP, Perl/CGI, XHTML, CSS, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and/or XML.

3. Keep the lines of communication open through my website, social media, my blog and my newsletter.

I have to admit I’ve been a little remiss on updating my blog, as this is the first Blog post in one and half years. I have learned so much over the years on (1) effective marketing, (2) successful customer service methods, and (3) making a positive and lasting impression through a professional designed website and marketing materials. All of these points can be beneficial to any type of business and I hope to share what I’ve learned with my clients.

Through regular and informative blog, Facebook and Twitter posts, monthly newsletters and regular updates on my website, I will share great marketing tips and advice that will be helpful, inspiring and not a waste of their valuable time.

Thanks for taking the time to read and I have many more exciting announcements to come. I wish 2012 to be a profitable and exciting year for your business.