Welcome to the first Bev’s Blog of 2012 I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very successful and prosperous New Year. When looking ahead to a new year it is useful to start by reflecting back on the one that has just passed. 2011 was a tough year for many businesses.

There is a popular saying that: “Success has many parents – but failure is an orphan”. I have found that to be true. If you do what you need to do to stay ahead of the pack – you won’t get left behind.

The recession has hit the so-called “Y Generation” very hard (that’s people born between 1980 and 1994 in case you were wondering. I know I was!). There are fewer jobs – and certainly no job security.

Learning from someone who is equally committed and also better than you is good for you, because you will learn more, more quickly – and will be challenged beyond your comfort zone – which will increase your future ambitions.

The life of a solopreneur and business owner is definitely exciting and takes us to an edge on a daily basis yet it isn’t for the faint hearted. We definitely need to keep ourselves ground and focused if we are to achieve the best each day for our venture.