It's the end of 2011. How was it for you? As I reflected on 2011 I started thinking about what things I am happy about from this past year. I thought I'd share a few of these in my final post of the year.
Ideas To Deals: I have done a lot to build up this blog and to start to create a brand around it. I launched the Ideas To Deals Facebook page and began the process of building an email newsletter to share some cool stuff with small businesses. In the coming year I vow to begin doing video posts and podcasting. Also look for some Ideas To Deals live events in 2012. It's been a fun ride and I'm looking forward to the future.
Ohio Growth Summit: This was a transition year for the Ohio Growth Summit. I have to be honest I was somewhat at a loss for what to do this year. We were in our seventh year and I didn't know what we should be doing to make it better. Luckily I had the man Nate Riggs to help me clarify our direction. We changed format and our on-line platforms and it all worked. 2011 turned out to be a great event. I am so excited for 2012. The Summit will be held on May 24 during National Small Business Week. I am also super pumped for our featured keynote presenter who is...Ta Da...the great Gini Dietrich!!! Don't let anyone know it's still a secret.
ASBDC Conference Presentation: I do a lot of speaking and presenting in and around central Ohio but this year I was asked to present at the ASBDC National Conference in San Diego. I spent a lot of time prepping and making the presentation relevant then five minutes before my presentation the power went out. Not only in the hotel but throughout southern California and Arizona. Instead of packing it in I persevered and did a social media presentation with no internet, no PowerPoint and in the dark. We went old school and it worked. Check out my post on the presentation at Building an SBDC With Social Media.
Running: In my opinion this year was a fail but the best thing about running is that the past is the past and the next run could always be the best run ever. I only ended up with about 950 miles for the year. Cap City half marathon was good but the other races were up and down. I am looking forward to 2012 as I will be back to running full marathons. I will be running the Cleveland Marathon on May 20 ( I will be an official race blogger) and I will be taking care of some unfinished business at the Chicago Marathon in October.
Now on to this weekend's New Year's celebration business long run. Remember these are articles that I have come across this week that would be good to look at to improve your business. What to run to close out 2011? I will be doing an easy 5 miles, then read these posts before the ball drops:
Types of Patents on Idea Buyer
How to Create Compelling Blog Content at the Innogage blog
A Year Destined for Entrepreneurial Success at my favorite blog Spin Sucks
Conversion Secrets that an Entrepreneur Should Know about at Entrepreneur Training for Entrepreneurs
Refresh Your Blog In 2012 at Savvy Social Sexy (video)
Finally, here is my weekly running partner. Not really someone I run with but rather a resource I want with me to help my business. This week my running partner recommendation is not a single person but the Spin Sucks Blog. There is a such a great team behind this blog that I don't want to just single out Gini Dietrich. If you are interested in building your business using on-line tools you have to follow this blog. Check out a post I wrote a couple of months ago to really get my thoughts on Spin Sucks, Gini Dietrich and Spin Sucks ~ Who I look To for Great Content.
As we close out 2011 be sure to reflect and get yourself ready for a great 2012. See you next year.
OH! I can be your running partner when you run Chicago AND your business running partner. This is so fun! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Posted by: Gini Dietrich | December 30, 2011 at 12:37 PM