Today marks 10 months for Pierre and I. I am constantly overjoyed that he and I are able to share so many happy memories together and that we are there for each other through thick and thin.

I look forward to another 10 months (and more) and to making a number more memories with you. I love you.

As a funny thought, I look back to the first websites (how my business started) we produced and I think firstly how cheap they were (think ZAR 150 – 400 – in USD that is around $21.50 – $58.00) and secondly, I think about how we as a company have grown to this day. We have moved out of solely being in the web-design market, and have moved more into web hosting, graphic design, software development and brand consulting.

In the last 6 months, we have seen tremendous growth leading us to bring on a developer from the 1st of October to assist with the growth and development requirements at the company.

This year I’ve learnt great amounts as well (in the business realm), firstly to pick customers carefully – Id say (with caution, we as suppliers ought to filter our customers), as it can lead to unstable business relationships which become very unsavory, and essentially more effort than its worth. Secondly, choose employees and contractors carefully. This year, ive dabbled with both contractors and full time staff. I personally prefer full time staff over contractors – partially because they have dedication to the business, and also because contractors are difficult to work with as they value their freedom a little too much (thats a joke, but holds truth to it as well).

Then lastly, I’ve learnt that one needs to be flexible, yet still hold a hard, or rather strong front. This is essential in business, on one hand, you need to decide how flexible you are willing to be, and on the other hand, you need to decide on what you will not compromise, despite the financial remuneration.

Then in closing, we will be launching a new company within the next two months which will be in kind, a holding company – but more information will follow. We’re all working very hard here and cant wait to see the fruits of our labour.

By the way, my spell check said the word “learnt” was incorrect. So I checked it up and it turns out that it is past participle (past tense of the word learn (Verb)), rather upsetting that it would suggest I was wrong.

learnt: past participle, past tense of learn (Verb)
1. Gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught.
2. Commit to memory.

Keep well.

Noel Harrison

With the New Year near, my friend has reminded me of New Years resolutions. So I thought I would make it into a blog post. Now, I never really have done this before as I know most of the resolutions I will not keep – but here is what I would like to obtain, achieve and see in the New Year – 2010.

This past year (2009) has been a year of much enlightenment and I have seen what a friend is and what a fake friend is like. This is what guides me to the first resolution I have set out for the new year. In 2010, I want to make new friends who are caring and understanding and that will stand by me through both good and bad times. However, my view on friendship suggests that friendship is a two way road – for this reason, I believe that part of my responsibility as a friend is to return this care, kindness and understanding – I like to think I do this already – but I like many have failed to be consistent in providing this – I hope that over the next year I can improve in this area.

The second resolution is to continue my search for things I love in life. God has given each of us so much that we can see – but often we are too busy focusing on little unimportant things – that we neglect to see this. This can be a friend, lover or an opportunity. Below is a song which is special to me, it sums up my God and how I see him.

Lord of all creation
Of water, earth, and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on High

God of wonders, beyond out galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And as I stumble through the darkness
I will call Your name by night

The third resolutions is to focus on the opportunities I have now. I am now working for a wonderful company and will be starting my studies in the new year. I am looking forward to this – it is going to be a challenge. It will be a balancing act which I will learn how to balance early in the year I hope. I will be studying Marketing and Organizational Physiology (2 majors) and hopefully will be able to walk away with a Bachelors Degree within four years.

In 2010, I will be trying to not over analyze things. This will assist in me being able to be more dynamic when interacting with people – rather than getting bogged down with unintentional small issues which my over analyzing mind has identified.

For the time being, these are my resolutions for 2010. I am sure I will adapt them as time passes and hopefully I will add a few more as the months fly past. As a part of this post, I wanted to add some quotes which have great meaning to me. They are not directly related to new years resolutions, but are important none the less.

“Without passion, you don’t have energy; without energy, you have nothing. Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion.” – Donald Trump

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” – Warren Buffet

This one, is one from a friend of mine. I am unsure if it is his – but I cant find that anyone else has said it – so Ill quote him. (Update: it is his own quote)

“As I ponder my existence. My sins are as numerous as sand on a beach. God, friends and family have forgiven me. When do I forgive myself?” – Davide Mancinelli

I wish all my friends and readers a blessed and prosperous new year.

God Bless,

Noel Harrison