2008
2008
I really have to say that I don’t think there’s been a year that I’ve wanted over more in my life. The stigma of 2008 will stick with me for the rest of my life. It was by no means “all bad”, in fact all in all it was a mix of good, bad, exhaustion, challenge, change and more change. There have been countless bright spots both personally (family, good friends), professionally (new clients, new directions) and I’m thankful we’ve uncovered new opportunities.
Change is the best way I’d describe it. Without question that has been the most challenging year I’ve even had business wise. It’s no secret that media is being hit hard by the economic downturn that has now “officially” been declared a recession that allegedly started last December (which really – if you break it down sort of seems more like the last 18-24 months).
I knew the year was going to be difficult right after I witnessed half of the tree we share with our neighbor fall on both of their cars and part of their house during that wicked storm that hit back in the first few days of January, 2008.
That was quickly followed up by the sudden death of longtime friend Matt Hogan which saddened everyone who knew him. I had known Matt for going on 13 years at that point and I’m still shocked and saddened by the loss. He was a good person, a friend and easily one of the most memorable people I’ve met in my entire life. I miss him.
Regionally business has been tough. I joked with a friend back in I think June about how every time I left the house I would see another “for rent” sign on a building and ever other one of those buildings previously housed a business that actually still owes me money. The collections end of the media game is my least favorite piece of the puzzle. Business is now more than ever a game of pure cash flow – no ticket, no laundry – we’ve now entered a world where cash is literally king again.
My boys are now a year older and they’ve changed in a million ways. It’s amazing and I’m thankful in every way imaginable to be around both Noah, Gavin and my wife on a daily basis.
In a lot of ways the entire year was a blur. Mixed with waiting for the “word” that we either won the business we were pitching or not and then mixed with more waiting and working than I’ve dealt with in the past.
Change could be good, it’s sometimes uncomfortable but necessary. Change or die, evolve or die etc. That’s been the mantra for the year. Company’s that survive stuff like what’s happening now thrive when times get better again. Ideally that comes sooner than later.
2008 was both my worst year ever and my best year ever. We suffered, we struggled and we came up with new ideas and executed them. 2009 will be our best year yet.
2008 – I hate you and I love you. Is that really possible? I think so. Ok, time for a drink. Happy New Year.
Tags: matt hogan
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