Another Year Strong

Celebrating my business anniversary

I have spent the better part of September celebrating my business anniversary. By celebrating, I mean giving a lot of thought to what that actually means. Not only what does it exactly mean to me, but what it may mean to my staff, customers and supporters. Being in business for over two decades is a significant milestone that brings with it a unique set of advantages and challenges.

The journey from startup to an established company is not linear, and the long-term perspective reveals both the rewards of persistence and the potential for stagnation. There are many benefits to being in business for 20 years. You have both an established reputation and recognition. We have built a network of relationships with suppliers, vendors and key partners. We also have established a core team of experienced employees.

Then there are pitfalls. Are we reluctant to change, because we have “our systems” in place? Do we rely to heavily on traditional marketing methods? Are we evolving with technology? Do I still believe in my mission statement and purpose? It was a month well spent and productive.

I realized in my rumination that I suffer from both the benefits and the bugs. I do also know how lucky I am to have a group of people who help me stay as close to on track as possible. I couldn’t do it without them. From event settings to what’s trending on Instagram, I get a lot of help.

Here's to another year, and thanks for the support from my wonderful community.