Très cher Millionaire,
I turn 32 tomorrow and Laguna Beach reunion clips have hit the internet so I'm feeling reflective. Let's go with it.
This past year was the biggest year of change I've ever gone through professionally. I also became a mom, which softened me.
I am very thankful and lucky to know you. Go-to-Millions is going on it's 4th year and the support and knowledge-share that I've experienced within these imaginary HTML walls is not lost on me. I fully don't think I'd be half the marketer I am without our corner of the internet. I live my life to not embarrass you so it makes me rise to the occasion. So thank you truly and forever.
I'd also like to take the opportunity to be honest.
On paper, everything I've shared this past year looks incredible. But it always looks easier from the outside. For everyone. At every level. Whether you are just starting out or you have been doing this for 8 years or 20. It is hard for everyone. The discovery is just that it keeps getting harder in new and different ways as you demand new standards of excellence as you become more capable.
The people I respect most in this industry are not the ones who make it look effortless. They are the ones who care so much that the small stuff feels enormous, and that live to fight another day. The ones who spend two hours going back and forth with their growth team on music selects on an ad concept they all collectively refuse to phone in. The ones who get genuinely agitated by vanilla music and flat copy and offers that they themselves wouldn't be swayed to buy. The ones who dream of subject lines and wish lists and rolling reach. I'll stop but I could go on and on.
Some might say that is obsession (derogatory). I don't agree. That is craft (complimentary). And craft is what separates the people who are really building something from the people who lack a strong point of view.
In this AI-slop era, you're going to need a point of view. Taste.
You're a craft person. I know that because you're here.
This is what I'm carrying into this next year (thank you so much for asking):
You're allowed to change your mind.
I updated some strong opinions this year. Loudly and without much apology. Because that's the type of leader/marketer/person/mom I want to be and because I have new information and I am not an idiot so I'm going to take it and run with what I know now! I invite you to do the same always.
Brave is a daily decision. Every day you choose to put your neck out there for the better idea is a day I'm proud to call you my internet friend. I love effort! I love marketing bravery. I love to win! Excited to watch you do the same and to hear all about your accomplishments. And, if you're an Aries, too, happy birthday!!!!!!!!! This would look nice on you.
This job is a privilege and I'm happy to grow up in this industry and to get to continue to try really hard.
Also, if let's say my husband is reading this (fellow marketer), this birthday I don't need a cake but I would love a mini kelly. Actually, marble with buttercream and mini kelly.
Thank you for being here and excited for all that's ahead together. 🎂
