Happy 1st Birthday to My LLC
One year ago today I received notice that Judy Alter Speaker & Business Analysis Services, LLC was official. I started the process as I needed to submit abstracts for upcoming conferences for 2020 and I was going to teach in March through Your Clear Next Step. Doing that also created tax deductions for 2019. I guess I didn’t analyse the length of the company name. It is not changing anytime soon. The hoops you jump through to create an LLC in the state of Nebraska are ridiculous. As I look back over the last twelve months, all I can say is wow!
Starting a new business during a pandemic was interesting but not a bad thing. I needed to pivot and think outside of the box but I am still a Business Analyst. Like most entrepreneurs, I prefer to work in the business rather than on the business. Terry has been working from home on a permanent basis which has gone better than I predicted. I have made people laugh especially on Facebook with my positive attitude. We all know that I didn’t get to speak in person anywhere and didn’t get to travel even for fun. There was a quick five day trip to Phoenix in early February right after I left Mutual of Omaha.
I soon discovered I was not real good at designing a website. My site got few visitors and I didn’t even go there much. Diana Alt introduced me to Biaka Works who are fabulous Graphic Designers. In August 2020, “The Optimistic BA” was born. They have exceeded all expectations I had about my website. Huge thanks to Biaka, Avery Michaels, & Ashlee Johnson. Ashley created the Judymojis as a gift which has been a hit with my audiences. I have been at numerous conferences the last six weeks or so and I have not promoted the Halloween Judymoji’s as much as I should have.
Without further ado, here is a link to my last blog: Halloween Judymojis
I have had a successful first year speaking (virtually) and by the time 2020 ends I will have delivered three keynotes. That was a goal of mine but it happened much sooner than I had anticipated. It will be even sweeter when I deliver my first keynote in person. I did present at BBC virtually which was one of my bucket list items. I also presented to several IIBA Chapters, authored an article and recently had one interview with a LinkedIn Connection. I have been asked to do another interview which I hope to get accomplished in November. I was able to attend a few International Conferences which helped me to broaden my horizons.
It is now time to determine what presentations I want to create for 2021. I am anticipating that most of the conferences will be virtual for at least the first six months of the year. I know I am presenting for two IIBA Chapters in January and for the Minnesota PDD in April. I also need to ramp up my recordings on my You Tube channel. A few of my friends have commented that I have failed at retirement. I guess they are correct and I knew I would not just sit around!
I am also currently designing the services that I am going to offer for the training and consulting side of my business. I had no idea everything that goes into doing that. I am also not the greatest marketer but I will overcome that! What else is next? Hmmm… you have to stay tuned as the OPBA has a few things up their hat! Happy Halloween to all of you!
