Winter 2008 - Marketing Dimensions from Felber & Felber Marketing

	Winter 2008

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2007 is over, so what did I do all year?

by Rob Felber, Felber & Felber Marketing

Looking back on 2007, I realize I accomplished a lot of my goals. Primarily, my business goals were centered on positioning our firm as a resource to manufacturers in the business to business segment. I wanted to raise our firm's profile within more affluent and connected business arenas. Additionally, I endeavored to speak more and pushed myself to get more out of town speeches. I felt if I drove myself to connect with national manufacturers and companies that produce product then I would be most in line with our service mix. My efforts largely were targeted on that manufacturing aspect, signifying the most important past, and current, goal.

As the year went on, as with most initial goals, things changed. The challenges and changes of life along with business usually end up forcing goals to take a back seat in priorities at times. That's life. One easy way to fix an overall sense of togetherness was implementing weekly staff meetings, which we have implemented and made a point to have each week— even if they are shortened or over a slice of pizza.

My team has actually taught me a lot over the last year. 2007 was the first full year that Michelle Hirsh was with us and it has been absolutely wonderful having her here. We added Kathryn Landers in October and having her has been a huge help. And because of that trust I have now with my team, I am now able to delegate more responsibility and duty to my team members and put my efforts in other areas. Their decisions and assistance continue to be in the best interest of our clients. However, I am still learning delegation. But, having a strong team beside me it makes it that much easier.

One thing I am trying to learn how to do better is make decisions faster. I am also promising myself to dedicate more time to the business versus outside activities. I am learning to adjust my personal time with respect to the balance between doing 'well' (for my company and employees) and doing 'good' (for the community). I need to learn to say no more often if the time commitment will impact my personal/work life balance. It's all about prioritizing and doing your best at a few things rather than doing so-so in lots of activities.

I did manage to prioritize some enjoyable times in 2007 though. In no particular order I participated in: NEO Success Awards, Indians' playoffs, Relay For Life - Twinsburg, International Roofing Expo, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities conference, Father-Daughter dance at The Club at Key, coaching softball and soccer for my kids.

Of those, my favorite business event was when our firm was recognized as a 2007 NEO Success winner from Inside Business Magazine. On a personal note, (aside from spending time with my daughters, of course!) my favorite experience was sharing in the Indian's victory of game three of the ALCS between the Indian's and the Boston Red Sox. There is nothing like 42,000 white towels twirling around you to remind you that there is still fun, and some magic, in the city of Cleveland.

Looking into 2008, there are some very exciting things ahead. I cannot wait to work with our current clients more. We are very fortunate to maintain an active and consistent client roster. I'm also very excited to work with all of the out-of-Ohio national media. Their professionalism and dedication makes developing new contacts fun and we all know I like meeting new people!

In regards to people that I want to work with this year… hmmm… 2008. I think it is time the folks at CNN share the set with us and our clients. Don't you!?!

My advice to everyone is review your goals more often and find people to hold you accountable. Being your own critic is hard—go out there and find someone to do it for you. Also, I suggest to everyone to develop at least two new organizations in which to promote their company (organizations that have never heard of your company). Networking is priceless. Make it count.

Thank you to my team (Bruce Felber, Michelle Hirsh and Kathryn Landers) for making 2007 a great year!

Contact Rob Felber at 330.963.3664 or robfelber@felberandfelber.com.

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