Wow, here we are writing our 2024 Look Back post. Anyone else feel like this year has just raced by again?
Our word of the year was Focus. Last year we had Explore where we wanted to look into various ‘things’ but in 2024 it was time to knuckle down and Focus so this felt like the natural choice.
Focus on …businesses
We launched a fourth business in 2024 – an AirBnB in Pembrokeshire. We’ve been exploring this area for a couple of years now and were always drawn to going back. When the opportunity arose to purchase a small lodge, we jumped at the chance. We also decided that we wanted to look into working from a different location which has been fabulous! Getting up early, heading down to the beach with Connie and then coming back for a couple of hours on the laptop.
One of our other business continued to grow from strength to strength and we focussed a good chunk of our time planning out how we wanted to see that look in 2024 and beyond. We set some high goals and although we haven’t quite achieved a couple of those, we’ve certainly come a long way.
I also finally booked myself in for a third branded photo shoot with Kate from Copper & Blossom. We had a great time at 2 local venues (one of which is a client) and I know some more lovely images that I can use. (on that note… I must update the website!!)
In 2025 I want to look at getting the Online Business Manager side of offerings back out there. we had a couple of clients do some project work with us at the start of the year but have since had a quieter period with it.
Focus on …the team
In previous year’s we really grew the team however in 2024 we changed things up and little and streamlined. This was a natural process (nobody got ‘fired!) where a couple of clients ended their contracts for various reasons meaning workload was lessened.
We’re still able to offer social media, Etsy support, bookkeeping, website updates, systems updates – the list goes on.
Focus on …myself
In the latter part of 2024, I realised that I wasn’t very good at putting myself first and doing things for me.
I attended a wellness retreat in November and absolutely loved it. It was great to spend a weekend away from everything and focus on herself which is not something she does easily. I’d love to attend something similar in 2025 so am already on the look out. I did see one in Spain for September but sadly that clashes with a conference we are attending.
I also did Jo from GetWildlyFree 30 day challenge called ‘Me First Month’. It definitely highlighted a few area’s that I need to work on!
Focus on …being honest
I think it’s fair to say that 2024 has been a strange year for small business owners. I’ve certainly noticed a drop in enquiries this year. On the flip side of that, a couple of clients increased their hours. After feeling like the business was starting to take a down turn, I spoke to other VA’s and people I know who run businesses to find them all saying exactly the same.
In 2025 I’ll be getting back out networking, getting together with some friendly faces and meeting some new people.
WHAT A LIST! Thank you to everyone who has supported us not only in 2024 but throughout the lifetime of the business!
Here’s to an incredible 2025!!
