If you get through all of this - WOW.....its a long one! Last year, winning business of the year at the Manning and Great Lakes awards, was an absolute highlight for me in business. I can’t even begin to say what an emotional journey it was. It had been a really tough year, I was pretty exhausted, and the award just blew me away. I came into the studio the next day and just cried and cried….. To be recognised for the hard work was one thing, but I think that deep down I had proven something to myself. Many people don’t realise how hard it can be. I don’t talk about it and like to always focus on what is great and positive. But I think it’s worth pointing out that nothing like this comes easily. Not awards, not great business, and not great results. You need to really put in the hard yards to make it happen. Which means pushing forward when you want to stop. It means doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it. Planning, marketing and thinking ahead. Never (at least not for long) taking your eye off the ball. Always trying to stay one step ahead. Running a business is not for the feint hearted. There have been times when I’ve had huge doubts about what on earth I’m doing – how did I get here?!!! It can be quite surreal. This year, we didn’t enter the local awards, but headed straight for the Mid North Coast awards. That was a hard step, because I felt like if we didn’t win, it would somehow take away from what was achieved last year. I felt very vulnerable and part of me wanted to finish while we were ahead last year. But I don’t really have that in me. I believe in always pushing yourself, even if it means feeling vulnerable…. so we did. I was away on the night, so Danni represented Photography by Linda at the event in Port Macquarie. The ‘Excellence in Small Business’ category is huge – all businesses in the Mid North Coast with under 20 employees…..and we WON it! I’m absolutely thrilled, honoured & excited to be recognised amongst some of the most amazing business owners I know. I want to take the time now to thank some of the people who have been part of this journey. Rod Trenchard, who has been an amazing part of the Photography Team for years & brings such a ‘can-do’ attitude, always excelling with his photography & being a great guy! (check him our – Red Door Dynamic Imaging https://facebook/RedDoorDynamicImaging) All the staff, who are here now and also who have moved forward into other areas, each person who has been a part of this team has helped in their own way to make the place what it is today. Danni, who brings her vibrance & happiness to the business and is such a valuable part of the team. Donna Carrier – you are an inspiration and a true friend. Thank you for our real chats, for being a great example to me of what women in business can achieve. (https://facebook/BentonFood) Steve Attkins & Sharon Fowle at the business chamber – you both work so hard for our community and we are so grateful. (https://facebook/manningvalleychamber) Arlene Blencowe – for showing me what motivation really is. For being someone I think of when it all feels too tough. I think of you when I want to be lazy. And I get moving again. (https://facebook/arleneangerfistblencowe) Chris Bryant – my husband, friend and the one who sees all of my faults, weaknesses and listens to me both dream and vent. Thank you for pushing me, never accepting my limits and for being on this journey with me. Our kids – for being my motivation, and reminding me to play and have fun. What life is really about. My extended family - for teaching me to be good to people, to do what you love and for supporting us all on this journey. To every one of our clients. Without you there would be no business. Thank you for trusting us with all of the special moments and memories. We are so grateful, and we absolutely have THE best clients!!!;) To all the businesses who have supported us and worked alongside us. We live in an amazing place and have some fantastic businesses here. If you’ve read this far, thank you:)I don’t often write long posts, and today has been my time to reflect on the journey so far. I’m truly grateful that I get to do what I love and create a business around it. This award means so much to me. We are now finalists at NSW Business Awards in November. That is something I couldn’t have ever dreamed would happen, and here we are! Here’s a little bit of our journey…….
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 08:25:01 +0000
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