Today, January 8, 2011, marks the first anniversary of Eightfold Strategy. I was up this morning early to spend a few minutes meditating and saying my thanks for the good fortune I have had over the past year. Starting a business is always risky and doing it in a bad economy, well.. I have been told I was a bit crazy. (You remember how bad the econony was last January, right?) I have been very fortunate to have the support of family, friends and professional counsel who have offered me solid advice, referalls and positive energy.
When I started the company, I had saved enough to cover my personal expenses just in case I did not have ANY clients the entire year. Turns out I had my first signed contract within a few weeks of launching and I was busy the entire year–even in August when the agency business is absolutely dead. Here are some of the year’s highlights:
In January, hosting a small launch celebration with friends. I needed to make the company official and put it out to the universe, as they say. About 50 of us gathered at The St. Regis for drinks and appetizers and Eightfold Strategy was open for business.
In February, signing with Zula International to develop a comprehensive branding and marketing plan. The work took me to New York and to Las Vegas and led me to meeting Lois Golden, a media planner and buyer who is now a trusted collaborator.
In March, taking off my skis and setting up on the side of the Parley’s Park run at Park City Mountain to host a conference call to discuss the development of some web content for Murillo/Malnati Group. The reception was excellent.
In May, hosting a media hard hat tour of the new Woodley Wardman Condominium with clients Julio Murillo and Don Malnati.
In June, helping Middle Grades Partnership develop and execute a plan to share the research findings that show their program model is working.
In July, developing a an advertising campaign for Woodley-Wardman Condominium that’s now running in DC Magazine.
In August, heading to Kiawah Island Resort, SC to meet with Terri Wright and other former colleagues from the W.K.Kellogg School-Based Health Care Policy Program. We reflected on the work of this multi-year project and celebrated its success including the passage of federal legislation to fund school-based health centers.
In September, working with Independent Sector to integrate social media into their annual conference and having the pleasure of working with thought leaderon the “networked nonprofit” Beth Kanter. Plus helping Chesapeake Bay Foundation plan a major donor event.
In October, creating the Great Start DC brand with designer Judi Jachman. Appreciating clients’ Maurice Sykes and Carrie Thornhill’s committment to early care and education in the District which they do tirelessly on a volunteer basis.
In November, planning a convening at The National Press Club with then Mayor-elect Vincent C. Gray sponsored by Great Start DC. I was turning people away at the door for this one. Great coverage in the Washington Post, WAMU and local community papers, too.
In December, attending the launch of Murillo/Malnati Homes at a party at the luxurious Foxhall Road property. And collaborating on the development of the new website for Great Start DC with Miller Cox Design–coming soon! Making plans for a great 2011…