Leah Halverson
And for that - We are grateful
It really doesn't need to be said that this year was less than ideal. It doesn't need to be said that there were challenges. It doesn't need to be said that we've all experienced loss in some way. It doesn't need to be said that we all have missed and have been disappointed in so much.
More often than I'd like to admit, I forget to take a look at what really happened this year. And honestly, I am so truly and humbly thankful.
Ten Acre Marketing started 2 years ago. This past year (yes, 2020) we've seen tremendous growth. In 2021 I have no doubt that it will continue on that trajectory. I reflect on what has contributed to this in the midst of chaos, and there are definitely a few things that come to the top of my mind.
Team
Our little team of 3 is fierce. Erin came on board the first of the year with guns blazing, ideas in her head and clients in her back pocket. Cassie became an official member a few months later ready to work, contribute, and do the stuff that needed to be done to be successful. We are 100% people people but we have had to learn how to work virtually. We have not been able to be together much as a team, but our GIF game is on point - and there's no shortage of support or teamwork with this group.
And for that, we are so grateful.
Clients
When Ten Acre Marketing started, we had 1 client that really had no choice but to hire us. Now, we have a roster that I cannot believe, and am so incredibly proud of. We get to work with commodity groups, crop input companies, animal nutrition, equipment manufacturers, as well as companies involved in agricultural real-estate and agricultural finance. Each of these are pieces to the puzzle, that have an impact on getting food from the farmer to plates. This is what we love, what we know, and what we've worked so hard to support.
And for that, we are so grateful.
Partners
Because we are a small but mighty group, we lean on our partners heavily. They have been absolutely amazing - from providing creative services, food expertise, agronomic insight, video production, public relations strategy, media buying strategy and other specialties that our clients need to be successful. We are also so thankful we have access to the greatest accounting help, IT assistance, HR support and everything else it takes to run a business. There are so many talented people that have had an enormous hand and put in time to make this different year, a success.
And for that, we are so grateful.
Friends
Our dear friends, who may or may not have had a direct link to day to day business have been an incredible asset. They have been there to provide moral and emotional support, bounce ideas off of, hold us accountable, provide professional and personal insight, but more importantly, they have been the biggest cheerleaders that we didn't even know we needed.
And for that, we are so grateful.
Family
This sometimes goes without saying, but it needs to be said a million times over this year. We are so thankful for our families - at home and extended. This year has obviously been trying for every member of our households. Our families have had a front-row seat to it all. From them providing professional support and insight, to managing distance learning with kids, and quarantining for days on end and even loosing loved ones - our families have contributed to what we've been able to do, every single day of this journey.
And for that - we are so humbly grateful.
I have my bags packed, and my Delta credits are burning a hole in my account to get back on the road. I'm excited to have a bad Cobb salad and a glass of cheap wine at a hotel bar after a long day of boardroom meetings and presentations. But, we will wait until it's safe, and continue to power through at home to accomplish our ambitious goals.
No matter how 2021 starts and ends, we know that we have the support of our team, our clients, our partners, our friends and our family.
And for that, we are grateful.
