I start to write this from a chilly Internet cafe in Chang Mai, northern Thailand.
If the aircon permits – I will seize up with cold if it isn’t turned down – I will give a small review of 2009, so far.
I came back to work at the start of 2009 with a less than positive view of the PR industry’s prospects, and business in general. I remember The Times assaulting readers with front page stories that included emotive words such as “doom,” “meltdown” and “gloom.” And this state of affairs, as I recall lasted from October well into Febraury, with a daily stream of economic misery.
I called my friend Mark Greenwood, who runs Simply Networking, about it and he said, “Get on with you daft idiot,” or words to that effect – and I did.
The recession did not hit me until April or May when I lost a few clients whose clients were downsizing work, stopped work, sometimes for good.
Summer, and I am sure this goes for many Manchester PR agencies, was not brimming. But October onwards has seen a couple of inquiries a week – good inquiries. Indeed I was writing proposals and handling inquiries until the day before I went away.
So the start of 2010 looks encouraging. I am not sure how much interest will materialise, but it is a much better state of affairs than summer.
I have been involved in social media, especially blogging, since I started four years ago. But this year was the year that I think marked a bigger push towards greater emphasis of it in my work. Of course Twitter has been a main highlight although when I signed on near its launch I was initially dismissive, but now I am a devotee – I might have a new client from it for January.
I feel next year will be the year I kick on much more with social media, going from, perhaps, someone who has a good appreciation who can train clients to a high standard, to a professional of a much greater standing.
A special mention to the marvellous Craig McGinty. Craig has freely given me his insight into social media for a couple of years or more now.
Craig’s help has been invaluable and his emigration to France has been disappointing from a selfish point of view. I am hoping to interview him for this blog over the course of 2010. You can follow Craig’s work popular online magazine on all things French: This French Life
Traditional media still figures strongly and the record of achieving good coverage in trade press continues.
Writing for awards and the Internet continues and there is a big case study workload for January already.
So, all in all it hasn’t been a bad year. You always feel you can do better – I think this is innate guilt – but I would like 2010 not to echo that thought at all.
A note of thanks: These are a few of the people that have really helped me and I wanted to say thanks.
Besides my clients and key suppliers they are Simon Wharton (for his help with my blog and tips on social media as well as giving me the encouragement to get started for myself), Jim Symcox (again social media and general advice), Birgit Wilde (arch networker), my friend Pauline Rawstherne, the members of Manchester Business Breakfast Club. A special to thank you to all those you have recommended me, given me referrals or spoken on my behalf.
Also thanks to all the journalists that helped or worked with me over the year, a non-exhaustive list for NW: Michael Taylor and Insider staff, Kevin Feddy and team, Tony McDonough, Simon Cronin, Helen Brown, Corinne Hill and the team at BBC GMR, Shawn Selby, the How-Do team and Brian Everall and team.
I am bound to have missed people out, so I hope no-one is offended.
My family of course.
There are still four days to go before new year, so I will have more of a think.
Finished, with amends and corrections (sorry find it hard sometimes to use other peoples’ PCs), on Thai – Lao border