BUT …

I think not!

You know how my machine crashed a few weeks ago and I lost all that data? Well, this morning it started doing some REALLY weird shit and rather than risk having it crash again, I decided to go out and buy a new iMac.

I was going to buy myself a new Mac (possibly a Macbook Pro) one of these days but I wanted to first get my team sorted out with new equipment (all our stuff is getting a bit long in the tooth now). But seriously, I absolutely CANNOT go through the ordeal of having my machine die on me again so I just had to go ahead and do it!

Jeesh … some heavy expenses going on at the moment, what with office renovations coming up soon, a new server being installed, an iMac for Sir G, an iMac for me, new software, plus the upgraded hardware and software for my team. This is why I didn’t go for the Macbook right now.

But I must say, my new baby is rather beautiful

iMac 21.5-inch 3.06GHz
3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1920 x 1080 resolution
4GB memory
1TB hard drive
8x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256MB
Wireless keyboard and new Multi-Touch Magic Mouse
Ready out-of-the box with Mac OS X “Snow Leopard” and iLife ’09

So, yours truly is now well and truly a Mac Girl. Heh.

I’m looking forward to getting 100% setup and productive on my new toy – it’s been YEARS since I worked on a Mac. I loved, loved, loved them and the only reason I went the PC route when I started my business was because of cost.

Wish me luck!

Today, I discovered that Nic is also a talented guitarist when he tweeted about
the one and only music video that his university band made, circa 2003.

Give this a tune a listen – I think it ROCKS

Actually, I’ve been a free agent for a bit longer than that but my CC was officially registered a decade ago.

So, who woulda thunk, eh? A chickie with no formal training, no qualifications, no mentor and no investors decided to start her own web agency and actually made it work w00t!

I guess I’ve come rather a long way, although I very rarely stop to look back at that progression, I tend to focus on what’s happening right now and how I can improve going forward. But I know that I have certainly learnt a lot over the last 10 years …

In no particular order:

1. Get everything in writing. Always.
2. Very little goes according to plan – be prepared to adapt, especially in this fast-paced industry.
3. Play to your strengths – focusing on your weaknesses is soul-sapping and counter-productive.
4. Hire experts to fill any gaps in your knowledge base and/or skill set.
5. Surround yourself with talented, motivated people and treat them like gold.
6. Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket – diversify at the earliest opportunity.
7. Undertake to work with clients on your own terms.
8. Managing client expectations correctly, from the beginning, will save you a lot of unnecessary stress and trauma later on.
9. Saying “no” is completely liberating.
10. Don’t work for or with people that you clash with – the relationship will not survive.
11. Look after your existing clients – it’s easier to up sell than cold sell.
12. Word-of-mouth is the most effective marketing tool in your artillery.
13. Admit when you’ve made a booboo and then fix it. It can lead to unexpected doors opening.
14. Making tough decisions is part of the package. Deal with it.
15. Never undertake spec work – you’ll set a dangerous precedent that will come back to haunt you.
16. Most meetings are a total waste of time.
17. Backup your data regularly.
18. There will always be someone else cheaper, faster and better than you so position yourself to add unexpected value.
19. Under promise and over deliver – exceed all expectations.
20. Honesty and integrity will serve you well.

And guess what? The learning process never ends! In fact, the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. That’s incredibly humbling!

So … 10 years! That’s quite a milestone. Here’s to another 10 and many, many more

You have all my love and respect after a year of hell, from which you have emerged an absolute winner. I am so proud of you!

And just in case you ever doubted that you were doing the right thing, here are some messages of support for you after I appealed for positive vibes to be sent your way today …

“Wow, sending her good vibes… hope the fucker rots!”

“wow, brave girl – lots of thoughts”

“XXX strong thoughts and prayers. all the way. such a brave and inspiring girl. XXX”

“wow! thats incredible! strongs and prayers!”

“Good luck to your friend. well wishes.”

“Sending MASSIVE vibrations her way! A tough cookie!”

“will be praying for strength and peace for your friend”

“Gosh! That really is incredibly brave!!”

“SA needs more women like her- please thank her for her bravery”

“wow, that’s incredibly brave and admirable. huge respect and support!”

“We’re all behind her 100% today….lots of strong thoughts!!!”

“A Brave woman. She has our support and prayers.”

Thank you for taking the stand and facing the wankers who did this to you (and other women).

You’re an inspiration and don’t you forget it!