Happy New Year’s Vision

January 7th, 2010

As we launch our new site (some of which you can see now, some of which is still very much a work in progress), we also launch a new blog. With that comes this internal pressure to write the maiden post. We’re thinking it should have impact and be thought provoking. This post should be studied in B-Schools the world over. It should…f-me that’s a lot of pressure. When all is said and done, what we really want to do is just wish everyone a Happy New Year. (And maybe add a few thoughts beyond that.)

As marketers we spend the better part of our lives helping brands sell their products (or whatever it is that we do). Among other things, we create commercials, write taglines, build Web sites and, now, Tweet and Facebook. We’re constantly thinking of how to help our clients gain that advantage in the marketplace. 

But, as the end of one year and beginning of another is a natural time for reflection, do you ever take any time out to consider your brand? Your vision? I’m not talking about resolutions. I’m talking about your personal mantra for the year. Early in 2009, for example, I dedicated my year to “Family, Health & Prosperity.” I reminded myself of it, often, and I was surprised by some of the results. I’ve reconnected with so many members of my family – some long lost, some estranged and some just flat-out strange. I ran my first marathon and discovered that prosperity means so much more than just the bottom line. 

It was a hugely successful personal experiment. As a result, 2010 will be dedicated to “Optimism & Gratitude” (while maintaining what was started last year). It’s going to be a year of new discoveries, new challenges and new experiences. I can’t wait to tackle kayaking and run that second marathon. I can’t wait to teach my kid how good it feels to want to give someone a gift instead of always wanting one given to him. I really do love feeling optimistic and grateful. It’s a daily reminder to check your perspective at the door. 

So, no, while this post probably won’t be making its way to Harvard Business School, that’s fine. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to write it. I’m thankful for the chance to launch a new site. And, I’m undeniably optimistic about the year ahead for Skadaddle, as we imagine, develop and produce a slew of original, entertaining content. And, we truly do hope you’ll keep checking on our progress. (And, true to our marketing roots, we hope you’ll dig the work we continue to do for Mutual of Omaha.)

We hope that 2010 brings you whatever success you hope to find. We hope that the new decade is one in which you achieve your goals, big and small, and execute on the vision you’ve created for yourselves, personally and professionally. And we hope that your days are filled with that kind of mission accomplished satisfaction that leads to long, restful nights of sleep. (We like sleep.)

Welcome to our new site. We hope you like what we’re doing. We hope you love what you’re doing. Happy New Year.