We’re mid-way through January 2017 and I’m just now getting to our 2016 recap. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Oh well. Better late than never.

I honestly don’t know if anyone else gets anything out of these recaps, but it’s important for me to write them in a public space. It’s become a habit and something that forces me to really reflect on a variety of things in the Block 81 world.

Last year wasn’t easy. A lot of personal things were going on (mostly good, thankfully) that pulled me away from moving the business toward the goals I had set out. In fact, I know now that I lost focus. I’m not sure I hit most of the goals I set last year. But here’s the thing: I’m totally okay with that.

2016 was a year of learning for me on a personal and professional level. That resulted in a shift in thinking which shifted my goals for the studio.

Sticking to the process

We learned that process is everything in last year’s recap and that pushed me to tweak and refine our processes at every possible place in the company. That has lead to some pretty wonderful results that have helped us be successful with clients, projects, and internally

We need to grow… a little

I won’t get into any real details, but it’s time for us to grow just enough to prevent me from going crazy. I’ve been doing far too much myself despite knowing better. It’s time to grow this studio ever so slightly. More on that in the not-so-distant future.

Expanding our offerings

At the very end of 2016, we launched our very first product over on Creative Market: FITMAX Lead Generation Template Set. It’s just our first. We have plans for several more this year, starting with a branding product which should launch mid-Q1.

What’s in store for 2017

In all honesty, I’m not sure what’s in store for this year. I have a couple of small(ish) goals but nothing groundbreaking or really worth sharing. At the risk of sounding noncommittal, this year will likely be about a lot of small goals that we should be able to hit every few months (that yes, help the bigger picture goals).

What I do know is that Block 81 is in a really good place right now, as am I. That’s something I am extremely pleased to say. I’m looking forward to this year for sure.