I almost didn’t write the obligatory “year in review” that everyone does. But I changed my mind because I will enjoy looking back one day and reading it. And the fact I have a lot of thanking to do. #thankful (twitter folks will get that hashtag).
2010 was a mixture of ups and downs; but isn’t that life? 2009 sucked so bad on a personal level, that ONLY the nine circles of hell would be more attractive. Professionally I experienced great clients and of course, had the opportunity to touch people’s lives and help them. For anyone who has written me a personal thank you card or email….know that they are saved. I get them out every once in awhile to remind myself that what I am doing is valuable.
Traveling was definitely on the agenda for 2010 and I really enjoyed the heck out of meeting wonderful, warm, crazy, funny, stressed-out event professionals across the country. The insight that I took away: no matter what city you lived in, how much you charge, how long you have been in the business EVERYONE is experiencing the same challenges with their businesses. #surreal
BIG thanks to:
Katasha Butler, producer of Eventology 10 for having me back a second time. It’s really all her fault that I started speaking/training about sales And for that, I’m eternally grateful.
Kelly McWilliams for inviting me out to WeWed, a conference she produces in Florida to HELP her local vendors grow with education. I simply adore and admire her. I’ll walk on hot coals if she needs me to.
Elizabeth Bailey, an industry leader and fantastic wedding planner, for having me out to speak at a NACE meeting in Baltimore, MD. I have admired her for years and was so happy to meet her and the awesome people in Baltimore.
The beautiful and talented, Hilary Anderson who produced her first conference, WedSmith in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hilary and her husband, Justin are a class act and I hope to see them again soon.
The uber smart Michelle Loretta with Sage Wedding Pros for having me assist her with The Simple Plan (loved talking about marketing again) in one of my all-time-favorite cities, Nashville, TN.
It was an honor to speak with other spectacular industry professionals such as; Sasha Souza, Terrica Skaggs, Harmony Walton, Lara Casey, Jeannine Kennedy, Anne Barge, Jen Campbell, David Perry, Linnyette Richardson-Hall, Ali Phillips, Michelle Loretta, Elisa Delgardio and more! I learn so much listening to the other speakers …. an advantage of being a speaker.
My bestie and promoter, Jennifer Ramirez Jasiczek who has always been my hugest supporter. Tell me that web friendships can’t evolve? We actually “met” online through a wedding professional forum in 2003. Jennifer thank you for pushing, promoting and launching the GET REAL Sales Workshops that ripped through Texas. And in general, everyday.
Special love to the clients that I worked with for personal sales coaching. It was a gratifying experience!
I’d also like to thank my twitter followers that are so kind to RT my sales tweets or #sales411 twitter series. I appreciate your support and give you the ultimate “fist pound”.
My goals for 2011: write a a sales book. [omigosh, I typed it so now I have to do it]. I’ve been writing this book in my head for the past 5 months.
I’m going to offer webinars that will be short, concise sales training. No traveling! Come in your sweat pants. It’s on the calendar to be speaking at select conferences (looking forward to seeing everyone at Eventology 11 in Indianapolis, IN) and will be offering GET REAL Sales Workshops in certain cities. [more about that coming up later]
What WILL remain consistent in 2011 is the same get real approach I have always done with training. No sugar coating. No abstract ideas. We are in this together!
Let’s do this!
Happy New Year!
