The end of every year is the opportunity to reflect on a 365-day journey. 2023 may have been a bad year for some; to others, it was a great one. Many businesses were launched and others were closed. Pivots were made and goals were shattered.
In the last few days of 2023, we asked a few entrepreneurs and businesses what their biggest business accomplishments were. Here are the responses.
#1- Self-realization and building confidence
The biggest accomplishment of 2023 has been the realization that I was playing small to shrink myself and my business into what I thought was ‘acceptable' in the eyes of others. When we remember that we are not created to fit into other people's boxes, we allow ourselves to shine and be the best version of ourselves and our businesses – this is where I am heading into 2024, I am finishing 2023 walking my own entrepreneurial path confidently and courageously, and hopefully inspiring others to step up and walk their own path with confidence also.
Thanks to Melissa Ahlquist, Little Biz!
#2- Getting staffing contract for reputed shows
As a feature-heavy show, this is not for the faint-hearted. We partnered with them for their Brisbane show in 2022 as a trial and supplied staff to run the features at the Brisbane show. The organizers were so thrilled with the management we provided and the quality of staff, that they secured us to do the same at the Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane shows in 2023. We supplied close to 100 staff across the three shows and have secured some great partnerships with other brands moving forward as a result.
Thanks to Bex Harris, On Brand Events!
#3- Getting projects and growing
In 2023, we successfully took advantage of emerging AI tools and used them to win a creative pitch for what would become our biggest project in 15 years. The win was based solely on our creative thinking and our demonstration of the concept through AI-generated images – we had no experience with this kind of project!
Regardless, this project may well be a turning point for the company, allowing us to now pursue similar work, with similar budgets.
Thanks to Ryan Stone, Lambda Films!
#4- Writing a book
The accomplishment I am most proud of this year is writing and publishing a children’s book encouraging critical thinking in children. My book, Think Like A Scientist draws on my experiences with medical gaslighting and having my conditions not taken seriously. It was awful, but writing a book about it to help spread awareness means that something good can come from my bad experience. It is crucial to encourage critical thinking in children to help them grow up curious, and I’m proud that I have contributed to this goal.
Thanks to Brandon Green, LET's GO BRANDON GREEN!
#5- Creating a great team and growing
In 2023, one of the most significant accomplishments I'm immensely proud of is the growth and success of my digital marketing agency. The decision to expand our initial team this year has proven to be a game-changer. I take immense pride in the talented and dedicated individuals I have the privilege of working with. Their contributions and collaborative efforts have propelled our agency to new heights. The expanded team has not only enhanced our capabilities but has also fostered a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
Thanks to Paul Mario Vratusha, D-Studio Consulting!
#6- Expansion and satisfied clients
In 2023, we're incredibly proud of the transformation our company has undergone. From its origins as a basic content writing agency, we've evolved into a full-fledged digital marketing powerhouse, specializing in serving interior designers worldwide. Our focus has been on empowering these designers to enhance their online presence and cultivate a stronger client base through a combination of inbound and outbound marketing strategies. Amidst the ever-changing Google algorithm, we've successfully helped numerous companies achieve high-ranking positions on search engines.
Thanks to Daniyal Sanaullah, SocialSharings!
#7- Starting as a founder
In 2023, I launched Geardventure as a full-time engineer and first-time founder. The journey had its struggles, though. I had to overcome analysis paralysis and find the perfect niche while learning to manage my own time. I hit the sweet spot when I combined my engineering skills and love for the outdoors, making my venture both unique and fulfilling. Every obstacle has been a valuable learning experience, making this adventure as thrilling as the outdoor activities that I enjoy.
Thanks to Daniel Espada, Geardventure!
#8- Growth of email list for marketing
At the start of 2023, we realized that our organic reach on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook was really starting to decline, so we made a real effort to grow our email subscriber list. We're now almost at the end of 2023 and I'm proud that we've stuck to our plan and managed to grow our email list by more than 5 times what it was at the start of 2023. Growing our email list has been a great investment as we can now reach our customers more directly when we've got an announcement or we're running a promotion.
Thanks to Sam Williamson, Daemon Power Supplements!
#9- Fulfilling commitments and bringing innovation
In 2023, Health Recruiters achieved a significant milestone by successfully placing over 500 healthcare professionals in roles that make a difference. Our commitment to matching top talent with leading healthcare institutions has strengthened, contributing to improved patient care across the board. Additionally, we implemented innovative training programs to upskill our recruits, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
Thanks to Daniel Evans, Health Recruiters!
#10- Achieving growth and happy clients
Upon reflecting on the topic of my accomplishments this year, I am most proud of the accomplishments of my clients and the partnerships I have been honored to have with colleagues. Looking back to when I started in business in 2017 to where we are today lights me up. We have now served over 1600 people from every continent, except Antarctica. I guess the biggest accomplishment was, that most of my clients come from word of mouth – my track record shows that I am not great at marketing. I am great at serving and helping my clients get to where they want to be in business and in life.
Thanks to Suzana Mihajlovic, Your2Minds!
#11- Expanding business to new markets
In 2023, I take pride in steering my explainer video production company toward significant expansion into new markets. All the plans that were meticulously crafted years before finally come to fruition this year. The year finally saw the successful integration of animated music video production, a professional voice-over service, and animated content marketing into our diverse portfolio.
Thanks to Andre Oentoro, Breadnbeyond!
#12- Designing a pioneering digital campaign
This project went beyond conventional perceptions of accounting, as I’ve employed personalized content to demystify complex financial nuances and inject a healthy dose of humor for widespread accessibility. Also, together with other members of the digital marketing department, we’ve managed to launch a podcast series where local financial experts engage in candid conversation. The goal of this particular project is to transform our firm from a mere service provider into a trusted advisor.
Thanks to Kelly Chan, Accountant Online!