For me, December is a time of reflection–where I’ve been this past year and where I want to go in the year ahead. This year represents a particular moment for me and my company.
Next June, Wainger Group will celebrate our 25th Anniversary. A quarter century ago, I could never have imagined I would be where I am today doing what I love.
On my first day in my own company, my husband asked me how I felt. My answer was “I am terrified.” Puzzled, he reminded me that I was president of Liz Wainger Communications, what the company was named then. My response was, “What the heck is that?”
I had one client but no business or marketing plan. The impetus behind the company was freedom and flexibility. The freedom to do great communications work in the way that I wanted to serve clients and the flexibility to be home after school for my rising middle schoolers.
I needn’t have worried so much in those early days. The relationships I had built brought in referrals which have been the lifeblood of my business. And in the year 2000, the economy was strong, so within a few months, I had more work than I wanted.
As I look back, I pinch myself for the opportunities I have had to work with amazing companies and nonprofits–global Fortune 500s, major national foundations, government agencies, arts organizations, associations, financial institutions, niche companies like a consultancy that undertakes international cross-border financial investigations, and community-based nonprofits changing lives and fortunes. I am also proud that I wrote Prism of Value, Connect, Convince, and Influence When It Matters Most, a book that has helped so many people communicate more clearly.
It has been quite a ride and in that time, the company has evolved from a traditional PR firm focused on media relations to a strategic communications and facilitation firm focused on helping senior leadership and their teams create powerful messages, align internal teams, create actionable and impactful communications strategies and deliver an array of workshops to help people at all levels develop confidence in their own speaking and communication skills.
Along the way, I have learned so much:
✅ Relationships really matter
✅ Be Bold.
✅ Acknowledge the fear of failure and go for what you want.
✅ Ask for help and guidance.
✅ Never stop learning.
✅ Ask questions.
✅ Be open to new ideas.
✅ Say thank you often.
✅ Be in service to others.
✅ Lean in to the hard times. They help you appreciate the good ones and teach valuable lessons.
✅Don’t put all your eggs into one basket. Diversity income streams.
I am excited to enter my 25th year and to work even harder to help clients use communications to build strong companies and organizations that make our lives better each and every day.
Some of the exciting workshops Wainger Group will be offering include:
- How Not to Be Boring: Speak Confidently and Clearly to Winning Pitches and Speeches
- Build an Effective Content Management Strategy
- Retreats That Move You Forward
In 2025, I will be writing stories, tips, and lessons learned over the last 25 years in business, packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Subscribe to the newsletter to learn more about leveraging our Clarify, Simplify, and Amplify methodologies to grow your business.
And taking my own advice, thank you to my clients, colleagues, mentors, partners, consultants, family, and friends who trusted me, supported me, and encouraged me.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!
