And so the year draws to a close. Most companies are closing offices today and the pubs and restaurants are packed with tired and weary employees having one last drink ( or 10 ) on the company account for 2008.

It was the year of great changes and spectacular events, events to remember for many years to come.

The international credit crunch, the year that the USA elected its first black president, the year of COPE, the $140 barrel of oil and many more local and international milestones and highs and lows, lows and more lows!

My life has also taken a drastic turn. The company that I conceptualised and was a founding partner of, longtail, is now no longer my baby. Yip, I’ve moved on and resigned as employee, director and partner of longtail.

I guess there is never just one reason for any decision, especially not such a drastic one. My main reason however: differing views on the future of the business and its growth.

In a very short time longtail managed to attract an array of first class companies wanting to take online seriously. I’ve been privileged to be part of it and enjoy every moment (…well, almost)

I am intent on making online / digital / interactive channels a major part of not just marketing but everyday business for South African companies.

To this end, I will focus my energies on getting SA companies to understand and embrace online / digital in all its glory.

Strategy & education will be my forte. In doing so I hope to work with media-, creative-, PR- and below the line agencies, assisting and enabling them to embrace digital in all its glory.

so, there you have it!

Enjoy the time off, celebrate in style and with CARE and remember what Christmas is all about…

japie@emarketingblog.co.za