"During 2020, we experienced many bumps in the road, from shipping delays to all of the issues that come with launching new technology. Effective, open, and transparent communication with our customers (users and designers) was very important and helped build loyalty and trust. Creating these genuine relationships with customers on the platform really pushed our company through the roughest times of the year.
The past year also eliminated in-person social gatherings, making it basically impossible to network organically. I made a concerted effort to actively participate in virtual events and to make friends with attendees within the chats. For instance, through my recent participation in Apple's Entrepreneur Camp, I expanded my network to include some of the brightest minds in technology innovation, but I was also able to learn directly from the people building the technology I'm using. Some of my biggest business opportunities in 2020 were referred to me from within my network and had it not been for that network I would have completely missed out on those. Keeping your eye out for programs and initiatives like Apple's eCamp can be invaluable to building your business.
And finally, it was really important to celebrate my wins. As creators, we want our product to be perfect. It's very easy to become overwhelmed and disheartened when things aren't going as planned. I've learned to equalize the balance and allow myself the space to exert a similar amount of positive energy celebrating those successes. Intentionally celebrating myself and the product that I've developed allows me to wake up each day excited to face new experiences - whether that's a challenge or a reward!"
