I reread my “2020 Year in Review” post before I wrote this one as I wanted to see what had changed. It’s a shame our lives are still dominated by the same thing that I (and many others I’m sure) had hoped we would be further along by now. (and even more annoyed that it cancelled our Christmas plans as I caught it on 21 December!)
But – we need to focus on the good stuff, and I am pleased that so many of my fellow business owners are still here, fighting strong.
Following on from our rebrand in 2020, we continue to receive amazing feedback on it, so I know it was the right decision to do. At the time I remember asking myself if it was too early in my business to do such a project but no, it was the right time. Our brand is stronger than ever.
And I can say “our” as the team is now bigger than ever as well! 13 plus little old me in fact. Each one hand chosen for their skill, experience, and most of all cracking personalities. They make me laugh, support me, and give me so much more than I could ever ask, and I am grateful they are a part of Crescent.
As for our clients, well I am glad I have the team around me to support all the new ones that have come to Crescent in the last 12 months. I certainly could not look after them all on my own. There have been projects, one off support and long-term clients, each one unique and thriving.
We won a few more awards as well, so what’s the saying “we’re gonna need a bigger trophy cabinet”! Some might say this is bragging, but I am honoured to have been chosen by my peers as the best in the industry. We didn’t win them all but even to be nominated and get to the final in some cases is a very proud achievement.
Xero Bronze Partner anyone? Oh yes – we did achieve that status this year, and by having that ensures we continue to provide the highest level of support we can to our clients.
We’ve still found time to be together as a family, although my daughter is of an age where parents are just downright embarrassing! And of course, it’s my job to live up to the role isn’t it? Singing while she is on a WhatsApp video call is a sure-fire way to hit that spot I can tell you.
Time away from the office has never been more important. With calls to work from home still ringing in our ears it is vital to keep those boundaries and I do. And I encourage my team and clients to do the same so don’t get offended if I don’t answer your email after 5pm will you?
Thankfully we have been able to catch up on some of the special occasions that should have happened in 2020, including 2 amazing weddings and some special parkruns.
I know there are people who are not here today, and my heart goes out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones in the last 12 months. They will never be forgotten I know.
So as 2021 draws to a close, I ask you again, as I did last year, to put down your phone, laptop, whatever, and look around. Enjoy what you see in nature, and be with the ones you love (do social distancing rules apply anymore? I can’t keep up with the rules these days).
2021 – you’ve not been the best, but do you know what? You could have been a lot worse. I just know that 2022 will bring us more challenges, laughs and memories and I am looking forward to seeing how it pans out.
