Three years ago around Thanksgiving I made a decision to retire a real estate magazine that I had published for eight years.  The magazine had been the lifeblood of my for-sale-by-owner marketing service and its retirement meant that the business would move to an online format — a scary thought at that time.  I guess I shouldn’t have worried, as Massachusetts 4 Sale By Owner continues to thrive and our loyal customers have come back to us again and again and continue to refer us to others.  I am forever thankful for the many home sellers who have chosen us, a small family owned regional service, over national FSBO websites and for recognizing the value of local support and service.

In 2009 I expanded my services to form Mass Marketing Resources and began helping other small businesses get started with online and social media marketing tools.  They say that when one door closes another opens and I really feel that this was the case.  Without the magazine, I was able to shift my energy and focus on helping other businesses.  I am thankful for my friends and colleagues who encouraged me to take a leap of faith in beginning a business during the worst downturn our economy has seen in a long time.

I am thankful for my wonderful clients, many of whom have become close friends. It feels good to have a small part in the success of these businesses.  I am thankful for the many colleagues I met through social media, local networking groups and organizations for which I’ve had the privilege to volunteer.  I am deeply thankful for my family who has supported my entrepreneurial spirit through the years.

As we approach the holidays I know many of my clients are beginning to plan their 2012 marketing calendars and are eager to continue to grow their businesses and  I’m looking forward to the new year. For now, though, I just want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Thank you.