One month ago I was unceremoniously relieved of the duties of my full-time job. With 56 HOURS of Paid-Time-Off as a “severance,” I was sent out the door like Cindy-Lu Who after she’d helped the Grinch shove the tree up the chimney. It’s  hard to have a positive outlook in such a situation. But it seemed like the prudent thing to do was take charge of my destiny and not dwell on the angst. In the 30 days since:

• I decided to set out on  my own and launch a communications firm;
• Came up with a name that was neither too cute or too boring: Pickett&Associates;
• Determined Pickett&Associates would focus on Strategic Public Relations including social and traditional media management as well as editorial services;
• Created this blog site as well as Facebook business page (have you “liked” Pickett&Associates yet or shared posts with YOUR friends?);
• Dove right into social media marketing, including ramping up my presence on twitter (are you following me? Retweeted?);
• Oversaw development of my “logo” and brand style;
• Published more than 20 blog entries and had nearly 800 views;
• Retained my first client;
• Received my first check for work done;
• Taken about 15 one-on-one meetings to discuss potential work;
• Created and submitted five formal proposals;
• And today, taaadaaaah! I’m pleased to unveil the Pickett&Associates logo!

On a personal note, my youngest daughter (Kat Pickett Wedmore for those who follow the local “Indy-pendent “art scene)  provided the design.

That is a whole lot going on in one month … for the FIRST month, anyway. I’m fairly pleased with my progress, though admittedly I worry about getting the cashflow to a sustainable level quickly. But I don’t have much time to worry … It seems as if there is always something looming, whether it’s promoting Pickett&Associates, writing a proposal or actually performing client work.

Nonetheless, I couldn’t have done it without the moral support, great ideas and generosity of family and friends … and those “retweets” and “likes!” To you, especially, a round of sincere thank you’s.

I am anxiously anticipating the NEXT 30 days on this Tuesday as I head into downtown Indy for a lunch with an old friend and an important introduction. In the words of Winnie the Pooh, “Have an unbothersome day.”