And thank you for the lessons learnt and for the opportunities given.
This year began with renewed hopes that things would get better. Having survived 2016, I was optimistic that there would be interesting, albeit unforeseen opportunities to be celebrated. So l was quietly optimistic.
As the year prodded on, I settled into the predictable paces of my personal and professional lives.
Recognition for the Rethinking Business Communications Blog in 2017
Recognition came when Anuj Agarwal, the founder of Feedspot emailed me in September, informing me that my blog had been selected as one of the top 30 communication blogs on the web. He congratulated me and provided more information.
A sceptic by default, I was immediately suspicious of the email. After all, I hadn’t submitted my blog on any site for consideration of a ranking, neither was I aware of such an organisation.
Nevertheless, my curiosity was piqued so I clicked on the link provided. I browsed through the list, and when I recognised some highly respected communication blogs in the top spots, this blog’s ranking became a big deal. I also realised that Feedspot was a legitimate RSS feed reader that was known in the field.
It became a bigger deal for me when I read that the selection criteria included Google reputation, Google search ranking and the quality of the articles.
Next came the realisation that the Rethinking Business Communications Blog was the only African blog to appear on that list.
I was so elated and honoured that I shared the information in my networks.
For more information about this award and the recognition it brought, check out the awards and recognition page.
The award—now conspicuously displayed on the homepage of this blog—serves as a reminder to me that hard work, discipline and passion pay off. It has also given this blog credibility, and this has gained me a new clientele.
Note that it took over five years for this blog’s value in the field of business communication to be appreciated by independent evaluators. That notwithstanding, my commitment to providing consistent value to all readers, has been and will remain, unwavering.
I am truly grateful that the door of opportunity has been opened for me, and I believe that there would be more recognition for this blog in 2018.
So continue to watch this space.
Top Picks for 2017
In March every year when I celebrate the blog’s anniversary, I list all the articles of the preceding year up until that point.
However, for all who may have missed some useful articles this year, below are my recommendations for the 2017 posts you should read. The tips they contain would be relevant to your careers.
1) Career Advancement: Be the ‘Purple Cow’
Note how insights from Seth Godin’s bestselling book, ‘Purple Cow’, could help you advance your career by using the practical advice given.
2) An Open Letter To Management – From Working Mothers
I am a working mother, so this post is somewhat personal.
Learn what makes these professional women tick for a more productive workplace.
3) Your Business Writing Skills – Where Do You Stand?
If this is the only article that you read this year about improving your business writing, then you would have covered all your bases.
In this article, I give away useful nuggets that are often only revealed in seminars or training sessions that I am paid to facilitate. This post thus provides undisputed value.
Conclusion
As I bid you adieu 2017, I remain appreciative of everything you taught me this year.
Indeed, I’m grateful for family, friends and good health.
To my blog readers and well-wishers: thank you for the support and loyalty.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fun-filled, enjoyable New Year!
Adieu 2017!
If you enjoyed this post, don’t rush off just yet. Please remember to:
Need help with improving your communication skills?
Hire me for:
v Communication training sessions for your staff and executives;
v Writing assignments (content creation, executive speeches, etc.);
v Speeches and keynote presentations at your corporate events.
Let me help you get results.
Contact me:
A) Send an email to: Lucilleossai@gmail.com.
B) Call for a free consultation:
Nigeria: 0704 631 0592.
International: +234 704 631 0592.
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N.B: First image is courtesy of Stuart Miles, via freedigitalphotos.net. Second image is courtesy of Jesadaphorn, via freedigitalphotos.net. Blog award is courtesy of Feedspot. Animation is courtesy of gifgifs.com.