While we’re all itching to put 2020’s pandemic challenges behind us, 2021 has yet to look like much of an improvement. Companies are still grappling with scale backs, pivots, and survival.

As with most in-person events, the fourth annual Pinnacle Experience in November pivoted to an all-virtual format. Specifically geared towards senior marketing leaders, the conference focused on key issues facing A/E/C marketers today.

Happy New Year! As we start 2021, the Shortlist asked the members of our Board to share some of their thoughts about the difficult past year and their hopes about the upcoming year.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….” As we look back on 2020, I think that we can all agree that it wasn’t what we expected. There were highs and lows, we faced hardships and victories, and we adapted. We were resilient.

2020 will forever be one for the history books.  When I reflect on this past year, it comes together in my mind as a collage of stories, and I’ve been constantly reminded of the power storytelling has to create momentous change.

Marketers who lead with spines of steel and get their companies laser-focused on client satisfaction, buyer psychology, brand awareness, knowledge sharing, and changing market dynamics will be the ones who transform their companies into market leaders.

“What do you get when you mix COVID anxiety, seasonal depression, good old-fashioned regular depression, and election stress – and then take away one hour of sunlight? We’re about to find out!”

In this new, mostly virtual world, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with clients, coworkers, and other industry professionals. With everything moving to a virtual space, there has never been a more important time to leverage your profile!

I recently had a chance to touch base with Kim Thompkins, FSMPS, CPSM, Director of Proposals for Cumming, and ask her a few questions about her firm, which is one of our Silverado Trail sponsors.

2020 wasn’t the year we were hoping for. Sure, living in sweatpants has been nice and the 3-foot commute has been a dream, but this has all come at a tremendous cost. As time inched on, we collectively realized that we had to keep moving forward.