Introspective Candor - 2018 Edition

In 2014, I wrote a blog on the old brandivate site titled, “New Year’s Reflections” where I asked myself some questions as I attempted to reflect on the end of a year. Two years ago, I started publicly answering those questions as I struggled to find my true self – something I think we are all in search of on a daily basis. Over the years, I’ve found that this annual reflection is a critical component for me being the best version of myself, even – perhaps especially – when it’s honest, raw, and hard to allow anyone who reads the blog to see some of the deep inner thoughts and workings of my Bill brain.

I always aspire to be authentic meaning that I am the same person whether writing this blog, recording a podcast, presenting to a group of people, working with the team at PromoCorner or having a quiet cocktail with a friend. In my mind, a huge part of that authenticity to be open and honest by candidly answering those questions and sharing my introspective candor with you.

Where was I this time last year professionally?

Last year at this time, I was settling in at PromoCorner and proud of the accomplishments we made as a team with the most significant being our complete rebranding and new website. As anyone who has undergone a rebranding understands, it’s a herculean effort that truly takes a great team to pull off seamlessly. I was also very pleased that revenue and profits were trending in the right direction which made me very excited about the new year.

Did I accomplish my goals for 2018 – why and/or why not?

Goals I accomplished:

• Find four additional revenue streams for PromoCorner – with the incredible support from ownership and the hard work from a great team, the additional revenue streams have been added and several more will follow in 2019.

• Have PromoCorner recognized as the leading digital marketing and media company in the industry – while this isn’t a concrete goal that can be measured by specific metrics, I do think we have positioned PromoCorner to lead conversations in the industry regarding marketing, media, and helping our clients market their unique selves. I feel very comfortable writing that PromoCorner has the best and most consistent content in the industry and I’m very proud of that.

• Spend more quality time with my family – Even with my busy travel schedule, I made a huge effort to be present when I’m with my family. Many times, this means my phone is in another room for several hours when I get home from work. This has been as liberating as it has been difficult, but I can already see the difference in the house. Unplugging and being present has been a gift in 2018.

• Mentor two people in the promotional products industry – As a PromoKitchen chef, I strongly believe in the two pillars of the organization: education and mentorship. This year I’m proud to say I mentored four people in 2018. Without my mentors in the industry, I wouldn’t be where I am today so I see it as my responsibility to mentor others. If you are interested in becoming a mentor (or being mentored yourself), click the link here.

Goals I did not accomplish:

• Increase PromoCorner’s revenue by 30% – candidly, this one stings a bit. To be sure, it was a lofty goal but we finished 2017 so strong I thought this was very achievable. Even so, we did finish the year with increased revenues, just not where I expected them to be. I’m confident this goal (along with a profitability one) will be met in 2019.

• Finally write a book on sales and marketing – for the third year in a row, I failed to reach this goal. I could blame how busy I was, how many times I had to travel, or simply how my primary focus had to be on PromoCorner. While all of those are true, the fact is I didn’t make writing the book a priority because, if I had, this goal would have been accomplished. In my mind, it’s time to either make this goal a priority or remove it and keep it as a wish – more on that below.

• Meditate 30 minutes every day – I find that I’m my most creative self when I find time every single day to sit in silence and meditate. This year, I did that about 75% of the time but really trailed off when I, again, allowed myself to be “busy” during the fall. This is one goal I need to reaffirm.

There is not much variance in this from the previous year:

• Providing for my family

• Doing work for PromoCorner that positively impacts the industry and enriches the business of our client partners

• Be recognized as an industry leader by people I respect

What do I need to do more of in 2019?

I need to make sure that everything I do professionally positively impacts both PromoCorner and the overall industry. In other words, I want to continue to work that matters. I also want to continue to give back to an industry that has given me so much and I will do that through my position as president of the RAC board and chef in PromoKitchen. Last, I need to make more time for my boys: they are 16 and are now hormone-filled balls of teenage angst that can drive. Time with them is fleeting as they understandably seek to spend more time with their friends. In 2019, I want to seize those moments when they are available and enjoy the men they are becoming.

What do I need to do less of in 2019?

I need to say “yes” less. In 2018, I said yes far too often which, candidly, led to me not placing enough focus on PromoCorner in October. While the intentions were good (they always are), the result was me being close to burnout and lackluster leadership. I also need to slow down a bit as I think my need to move and move quickly can be a detriment at times as we continue to grow PromoCorner. I need to realize that taking a moment or two to really take in all aspects of a given situation will always lead to better results.

What am I grateful for in 2018?

I’m a very lucky human as I’m grateful for my family, my friends, my team at PromoCorner, the fabulous and life-changing relationships that continue to lift me, and the ability to work in an industry that I really do love. Sometimes life can be a roller coaster, but I’m so grateful for the life I’m living.

How did I serve others in the past year?

In addition to the mentoring, I served as the immediate past president of the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS), vice president of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board, a board member of PromoCares, a PromoKitchen chef, and produced content that I truly believe helps the industry. I’m looking forward to continuing my service to others and the industry as a whole in 2019.

• Increase PromoCorner’s revenue by 25%

• Increase PromoCorner’s profitability by 18%

• Find three additional revenue streams for PromoCorner

• Produce two new pieces of consistent video content

• Have lunch with each of my sons once a month – just the two of us

• Work out (30 minutes on the treadmill plus a weightlifting rotation) five times a week

• Only say “yes” when it’s a “hell yes”

• Meditate 30 minutes every single day

• Mentor two people in the promotional products industry

One thing you’ll likely notice is that I didn’t put a goal of writing the sales and marketing book in 2019, and that was deliberate. After careful thought and consideration, I have determined that I need to focus 100% of my professional energy whether it be weekdays, weekends, or the occasional late night into PromoCorner. There will be a book – I simply enjoy writing too much not to do it. However, I want the book to be complete and if I forced it right now, I don’t feel that it would be.

Am I who I want to be?

I really hate this question as it’s so difficult to answer, but I will endeavor to do so. The short answer is I don’t think I’ll ever really be the person I aspire to be as there is ALWAYS work to be done: I can be a better father, husband, friend, industry advocate, mentor, employee, boss, etc. So, I’m not the person I want to be, but I can say that I’m a better version of me than I was in 2017 and will continue to inch closer to who I want to be in 2019.

To me, this is a very cleansing annual exercise that centers me a bit before the beginning of the year. By sharing this I sincerely hope that it will help you take a hard look in the mirror as you candidly assess where you are in your life journey.

Last, I wish each of you the best that 2019 has to offer and hope you make progress to be the best you that you can be.

Bill is president of PromoCorner, the leading digital marketing service provider to the promotional products industry, and has over 18 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. A featured speaker at numerous industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, immediate past president of the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS), vice president of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, and developing branding that resonates with a target audience. He can be reached at bill@PromoCorner.com.