If you knew how many times I rewrote this first sentence to coat it in optimism and positivity, you would be laughing so hard. Wowza! Let me just say it with some authenticity. This year was hard, partly due to some unrealistic expectations I set for myself. Business is still a little different than it was before the “1,000 day pause,” as Steve Pultz so eloquently put it at a recent event, but I’m already getting excited about what’s in store for 2025.
I am ready for what’s next! I bet you are too. As I wrap up this year, I can still find all the bright shiny moments to be grateful for. We were so lucky to lock in some amazing opportunities and work with so many incredible brands, people and organizations. You guys! We work with San Diego FC! That is beyond exciting to all of us. My little Tony Meola-loving heart is beyond excited. In case you don’t know who Tony Meola is… google him. When I was 14, my dad took us to see the US play the World Cup at the Rosebowl, and I still remember entering the stadium while the players were warming up… my Dad shouted his name and he turned around to wave at us.
Want to hear a fun story about last year’s holiday break? I was in Portugal walking through Lisbon when we came upon the Benfica store. Missing my dad and feeling nostalgic, I started to cry. I realized that it had been many years since I had been a regular soccer fan. In the store while we waited for our custom jerseys for the boys, I declared that I would start following a team. I always enjoy sports more when I get behind a team and get to know the player stories. So, my husband and I decided we would find a team… we thought maybe LA or something near, so we could go to games. When we got back to San Diego, I heard the announcement that San Diego would soon have its own Major League Soccer team. As you can imagine, I got really excited and began trying to figure out how we would create a relationship with them. So, I waited and waited… I asked questions every time I heard them come up and then finally, we found out they were hosting a Chrome Ball stop in Downtown Chula Vista! Bam! That was it… my chance. So, we offered to promote the event since we already represent the community, and what do you know? They said yes! And guess what happened next… we did such a great job promoting their event in Chula Vista, San Diego FC asked how we might work together. And that is how it happened. We have been working with them since last summer and it has been a true joy.
As I round out this wild year, I will be marinating in the gratitude of all the new opportunities that came our way and all the relationships we have had for a long time. We have worked with Little Italy for over 11 years. We are so proud of that and the work we do with so many other neighborhoods and clients.
As you gather with family and friends, I hope you also take note of all that you accomplished and take the time to set a clear vision for 2025. Here are the things we think about as we head into the New Year:
- What is your vision? When you look back at 2025 someday, how will you know it has been successful? What are you hoping to accomplish? What will you be doing? What will you be contributing to the world? Who will you be contributing to?
- What immediate changes can you make to step into action?
- What is your mantra for the year?
- How will you measure your success?
- What is your word of the year?
- Who do you know that can support you with your vision?
- How do you plan to achieve your vision?
- What resources do you need to get there?
- Do you have anyone in your network who can help?
- What is one thing you can do daily that will help you move consistently to your goal?
If you need help creating your business vision for 2025, we would love to help you! If you have a vision and you need a team to help you get there, we would love to be that team.
Happy Holidays! See you next year!