2020: Goodbye, Good Riddance?

Table of Contents

• 2020: Goodbye, Good Riddance?
• Giving back: B1G1 2020
• Featured Video: NSW AECG
• Featured Graphic Recording: EIF
• Kickstarting Your Performance in 2021

Hi there,

In the future, when we think of the year 2020, I doubt many people will look back fondly.

Other than those who benefited from the global coronavirus pandemic, it's likely that the social and economic upheaval (not to mention the 1.5 million deaths—and climbing) are what will be our enduring memories.

And while it may be momentarily satisfying to think "good riddance" as we near the end of the year, my challenge to you—and to myself—is to finish the year on a positive note. What can you do to finish on a high, despite the significant challenges we've faced? Here in Victoria, restrictions have eased significantly from the long lockdown that we all endured... It's time to make the most of it!

For example, you could plan to spend the downtime over Christmas and New Year:

• donating a portion of the money you've saved from not eating out as much to a food bank or Christmas charity (if you're in a position to do so)
• booking a family holiday that you can all look forward to
• scheduling an adventurous activity that takes you out of your comfort zone
• planning the next big move in your business or career

You may even want to sketch these ideas out and stick them to the wall in your home office, as a reminder for what's around the corner. I've attached a template above that may help you with this.

We can't control global events, but we do have the power to shape the year ahead, and put ourselves in the best position for something to go our way. Don't wait for your next opportunity to arrive in a sack on Christmas morning—get on the front foot!

Streamlining How We Give Back

When we first signed up for the B1G1 (Buy 1 Give 1) program at Sketch Group, we tracked a number of business metrics and mapped them to donations to worthy causes. There were 17 metrics—one for each of the Sustainable Development Goals deemed articulated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 for us "to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all."

While this approach was successful, it was a little, err, convoluted. So last month we decided to simplify things, and now track four straightforward, measurable, high-impact core activities for each business (Sketch Group and Graphic Gear). 

Our eight new giving stories are:

Since we joined B1G1, Sketch Group has made over 230,000 impacts in Australia and around the world, something of which we're extremely proud.

We're very grateful to all of our customers for their support—together we are all making a difference.

Featured Video: NSW AECG

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation that provides advice on all matters relevant to education and training. Their mandate is for this advice to represent the viewpoint of the Aboriginal community.

We partnered with the AEGC to explain the renewed partnership agreement that they have entered into with the NSW Department of Education.

The hope is that, by Working Together and Walking Together, all children will get the best education afforded to them, and will gain a respect and understanding of Australia's First Nations Peoples.

If you'd like to find out more, visit the NSW AECG website.

Featured Graphic Recording: EIF

It was a great privilege to help the team from the World Trade Organisation's Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) with a recent virtual event tackling how innovative trade funding could help lesser developed countries recover from CoVid-19. Deb's graphic is a feast for the eyes—although some of the content was certainly eye opening and a great reminder about just how good we have it in the developed world.

A huge thank-you to Michelle and the EIF team for the opportunity to be a part of this important global conversation.

That's all from us for this year. Wishing you and your loved ones all the very best over the festive season! 😊