We've made it through another year

As we come to the end of another year I thought it would be a good time to reflect on all that has happened in 2015. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, good friends, exceptional business partners and a stable of clients who make coming to work every day fun.
 
I get to do what I enjoy and work with others who enjoy what they do as well. I can’t believe that Garton-Miller Media will be entering its third year in 2016. From everything I have read, most businesses fail within the first year, so I must be doing something right. I will let you in on the secret when I figure it out.
 
That’s not to say running a business is all fun and games. There are many things that involve accounting and bookkeeping that I would prefer not to have to deal with, but thanks to a wonderful (and very patient) woman who handles my taxes and takes my calls and texts on a regular basis, it’s been a lot easier. Thanks Maria!
 
I get to work from home and be there for my kids when they need me. I also get to work with my Golden Retrievers at my feet – it doesn’t get any better than that.
 
My nonprofit clients do so much good, it’s been a humbling experience to work with them.

---

In the last year, I have written well over 150 blogs, posted more tweets than I dare to count and gotten my stable of clients dozens of media placements in local, state, national and international publications. I have taken photos at client events, gotten to board cargo ships to celebrate mass with hard-working mariners, and met people who have lived with and survived AIDS.
 
As this business evolves, I continue to learn new things every day. You can’t rely on what worked last year. The media landscape is ever changing and PR professionals must adjust. The fast-paced news cycle and the way that people get their news makes it an exciting time to be in this business. The whole “content is king” idea has taken on a new meaning. People want to be educated and informed and companies are finding new and better ways to keep customers engaged. The good news is that they need people like me to help them reach their goals.
 
While many look back at this time of the year, I am now looking ahead to a new year filled with promise. I hope you had as good a year as I in 2015 and that 2016 brings us all success, happiness and most of all peace.
 
Susan R. Miller is founder of Garton-Miller Media, a full-service, South Florida based public relations firm. Susan is a former journalist with more than 30 years of experience. She has two daughters, two golden retrievers and two cats, but just one guinea pig who is happy not to have to share his cage or his daily stash of veggies with anyone.