The year that seemed it would never end, and that most people said was the worst they have ever experienced, is ending.
Let’s take a moment to sit with that. Let it wash over you.
It’s almost over.
And now, it is time to start making plans for 2021 and beyond. Don’t hate me for making a prediction that might not come true, but I think we are going to emerge from the lockdown shitshow that is COVID19. Businesses will open again. Travel will commence. Trade shows and conferences will start to happen again.
And IF that is true, I can tell you that I, for one, am going to make some pretty big changes, both personally and professionally. I will focus on the professional ones, and for those of you who stay until the end, I will shed some light on a personal one as well.
Big Talk! You guys, I am done with small talk. I am done asking people, “How are you?” and then not listening to the answer. People deserve better, so I’m going to give it to them. I am going to ask lots of “WHY?” questions. And the reason I am going to ask those questions is that I can and because I ACTUALLY WANT TO KNOW WHY. I’m going to dig deeper because I seek to understand. I want to help, and I cannot do that unless I truly understand your issue, your challenge, or your stance. So, if you come across me in any type of way in 2021, expect me to dispense with the pleasantries and to dig in deep because I am all about the big talk. I know the question “WHY?” can sometimes come off as kind of confrontational, but it is time to put that silliness aside. The only way to learn or grow is to ask “WHY?” Deal with it!
Celebrating the end of COVID! A vaccine is coming, and the end of this stay-at-home life will come. Those of us that never gave up, that kept working, kept engaging, and kept at it against all odds, well we are going to be on third base looking for the sign to steal home. I am going to get on a plane and go visit clients again. I will attend a trade show. I fully expect to see many of you in person, some for the first time, and that is because…..
Connecting face to face with all the new friends and colleagues I have made since COVID is going to be a great joy in my 2021. If COVID gave me any kind of gift, it was the time and space to meet new people and forge and deepen friendships and professional relationships. You know who you are. A word of warning – if you see me coming, and you do NOT want a hug, you best start shouting it from 50 yards away! Joe, Lisa, Brianna, Deb, Bill, John, Aleka, and Michelle…. I AM COMING FOR YOU!
Personally, I will be setting a daily intention and meditating every morning. Since I started doing this several months ago, I have felt calmer, been more productive, and my resting heart rate has gone down 4 beats per minute. I know it is a little woo-woo for some of you but try it. You just might like it. And benefit from it.
2021 – You are coming, and we are glad to see you on the horizon.
Bye 2020. Do not let the door hit you in the ASS on your way out of our lives!
As a sales and marketing coach and consultant at Success In Print, and Girl #2 at #GirlsWhoPrint, Kelly Mallozzi advocates for graphic arts companies to keep fighting to keep print relevant. She may be irreverent, but what she lacks in convention, she makes up for in smart-assery.
Kelly is a regular co-host on the #GirlsWhoPrint Podcast along with Deborah Corn. She is also a mentor to several future sales stars and she connects to them through the Women’s Print Mentoring Network. Check out her book, co-authored by Bill Farquharson: Who’s Making Money at Digital/Inkjet Printing…and How. Kelly also occasionally guest blogs at Printing Impressions and you can see her most recent posts here.
Connect With Kelly: Twitter @SuccessInPrint and on LinkedIn where she regularly posts and is even often interesting.
