2023: Time to celebrate

I often write when travelling as it is the only time I have to put pen to paper. This time, I am writing on the plane to Singapore – my first visit for the year to the place that I treasured and proudly called home for five years. I am travelling with my daughters, which is very fitting for many reasons (some of you know the story!).??

This prompted me to reflect on the journey to date, the importance of Singapore and Asia, and what lies ahead. This year, there is a lot to take in!?

In 2023, Manning & Co celebrates 15 years of business and ten years in Asia. Without question, achieving 15 years in business is a significant milestone, not one to gloss over.??

It is scary to think that 9 in 10 businesses fail in the first three years – an alarming statistic showing it isn’t easy or straightforward to create a business, let alone a sustainable business that has stood the test of time.??

A sustainable business is what I have proudly created in the Manning & Co Group – a collection of companies that includes Manning & Co (strategic marketing consultancy), Gemstar (an accelerator and launch pad into Asia) and YoungGems (our real-world entrepreneurship program). Across the past 15 years, our connected group of brands has worked with established corporates, fast-growth companies, SMEs, start-ups, and budding entrepreneurs. It is without question: we understand business and what it takes to grow a business.

Over the years, I have seen businesses come and go. While I am a strong advocate for entrepreneurship, I know first-hand what it is like and what it takes – it isn’t all gold and glitter! That is why I respect and admire business owners who are pursuing their passion, solving the world’s problems and building sustainable businesses – creating opportunities for others and making a positive difference.??

Some ask me: are you still passionate about your business after all this time? The answer is Yes. I still have the same motivation and passion for our group of brands. I admit that not everyone gets the formula right – and I still don’t know if I have mastered it as I am forever learning – but I know we have stood the test of time. To date, we’ve ridden out financial crises (the business was started during the GFC), a global pandemic and economic downturns; I like to think we are doing something right!?

So, what will 2023 hold for us??

We are focused on several things this year, given what we see in the market.??

Firstly, marketing expertise and experience continue to be in demand. Although companies may be looking at building internal teams, with marketing being such a broad and diverse area, companies will continue to need the expertise of external partners who can span the spectrum. For example, during COVID, an abundance of digital marketing agencies popped up, but with a return to the full marketing mix and the need for events and media, companies realise that they need help in areas that have been overlooked over the last few years. We will continue to build our footprint across Asia, which has also become highly valuable to companies operating in the region.??

This leads me to my second point: Asia expansion is on the agenda again. With borders opening over the last year, companies have returned to a focus on regional expansion. Asia is looking hotter than ever for many reasons, especially markets like Indonesia, where we have a footprint and growing presence. We are approached by many businesses to help them enter and build their presence in Asia.??

And thirdly, entrepreneurship is needed more than ever. The younger generation continues to think about their careers differently, and COVID has accelerated this. Traditional careers and pathways are changing rapidly, and companies and educational institutions need to move quickly to modernise. From what I can see through having young daughters, one nearing the end of school, young people dream of their businesses, thinking about how to launch them after school. University and your standard graduate entry to corporate jobs is not everyone’s path anymore.???

The future is bright – for marketing, our work in Asia and inclusive entrepreneurship. And we expect an exciting future for our clients and partners too.??

To wrap up, this year, we are celebrating loudly and proudly our 15th birthday – our journey to date and the future ahead. We kick off our celebrations in March, the month that I technically registered M&C in Australia, and that appropriately coincides with International Women’s Day. Watch this space as we celebrate our journey and thank those who have been part of it – former employees, past and present clients and partners, and our broader community. Everyone has played a role.?

Here's to 2023.??