2016 was a year filled with an abundance of opportunities for me, in every area of my life! From travel, to business ventures, to new friendships and building community, I feel truly blessed to have this past year under my belt. I’m already making waves in 2017, but I want to take a moment to reflect back on my highlights of 2016.

*January*

I kicked off the year by hosting one of my most popular webinars to date, 5 Ways to Boost Sales on LinkedIn. Times, they are a changin, and so is social media! Due to the nature of live video being more and more in demand, I stopped hosting webinars and transitioned to a weekly Facebook Live show, Marketing Success LIVE! that you can catch every Wednesday at 11am, PST (and the replay is always up if you can’t make it) over on my Facebook Business page.

 

*February*

The month of love started off with a little snow getaway to Tahoe with my honey, Rodney. We went snowboarding on Heavenly Mountain for the first time together and we were also in 2 states at once for the very first time!

*March*

I was Austin bound to SXSW for my 5th year in a row! I hosted a Social Media Marketing Mentor session and I also lead the official SXSW Yoga Meetup.  SXSW always delivers and the connections I make here are invaluable. Here are my top 10 favorite things that happened at SXSW 2016. I can’t wait to attend again in 2017. Let me know if you plan to be there this year!

*April*

I made my appearance as Fox 5 San Diego’s Social Media Correspondent and I shared safety tips for both kids and parents online. I made 3 other TV appearances on Fox this year and I look forward to coming back on air in 2017 to share my social media knowledge with viewers. You can catch all of my Fox 5 San Diego Segments, HERE.

I partnered with Stephanie Liu, from HeyStephanie to host my first joint webinar because 2 social media minds are better than one. We shared 4 Secrets to Boost Sales on Facebook.

*May*

I co-hosted San Diego’s Mindfulness Open Community Gathering at the gorgeous Paradise Point Resort with Aaron Kahlow from Mindful Order of Being and other mindful business leaders. I loved discussing mindfulness practices, meditating and getting to know like minded entrepreneurs and professionals.

I also wrapped up filming another episode of Asian Voices TV.  I have the honor of being a host for a television program that’s dedicated to promoting and supporting the Asian American Community. The TV show airs in San Diego, Orange County, LA, Hawaii and other markets on the local community station. You can watch all of my Asian Voices Episodes below on YouTube too.

 *June*

June was a milestone for my business. After 7 years of running my business full time, I finally invested in a brand new website! I hosted a virtual website launch party to celebrate. Thanks to Anne Dorko for her help with making my new website possible.

I became a member of the University Club Atop Symphony Towers. This has been one of the best investments I have ever made for my business. I love being part of a community where everyone is ambitious, supportive and motivating! In the few months I’ve been a member, I have made new friends, created new business partnerships and earned the business of new clients. If you’re interested in becoming a member, let me know and I’ll share all the details with you! Oh and not to mention, you have access to the best view in San Diego!

*July*

July was a busy month for my professional speaking career! I was booked for 4 different social media speaking engagements, including this 7 minute 20/20 talk about marketing through public speaking to members of the University Club Atop Symphony Towers.

In July, Pokémon GO became one of the fastest growing virtual reality/ mobile games in history! I shared the excitement about the game and the business opportunities that come along with this game on TV!

 *August*

I officially launched the Marketing Success Team! This program has been my baby for the past 5 months and I love watching it develop and grow. I built this a community for busy professionals who want to stay motivated and inspired with marketing their business. I look forward to growing the team to 100+ professionals in 2017! Please reach out to me if you’re interested in successfully using social media to grow your business. I would love to have you on board. 

I took a quick trip to the Windy City. Chicago is my favorite city to visit outside of California. I was blessed to attend the beautiful baby shower of one of my closest friends, Krissy. Chicago people, food and views always make me happy.

*September*

I took a wonderful tropical vacation to Miami and the Bahamas with Rodney. It was much appreciated R&R! We already have a Mexican Riviera trip planned for 2017. I look forward to many more adventures together!

I also hosted the first live Marketing Success happy hour at the end of September and all together I hosted 7 Marketing Success events in 2016. I already have all of my 2017 Marketing Success Events lined up! If you’re reading this from San Diego or if you’re visiting San Diego, I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.

 

*October*

Since my first Marketing Success Happy Hour was a hit the month before, I decided to create an opportunity for early birds to get some one on one social media support. Thus came about the first Marketing Success Power Breakfast! This is a working session where we bring our laptops and get social media work done! I have breakfast events lined up for the 3rd Friday of every month, sign up for a 2017 event, HERE.

*November*

I took a trip down under with some girlfriends. We went to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. Some highlights include watching Koalas nap in the wild, wine tasting in Yarra Valley, catching a play at the Sydney Opera House, trying kangaroo kabobs, walking across the Harbour Bridge and all over Sydney, visiting the famous Bondi beach, and so much more!

*December*

December is always a month to remember for me because it’s my birthday month and the holidays are in full swing. I wrapped up my business year strong by creating an annual membership for the Marketing Success Team and completing a record number of Laser Marketing Hour sessions. Then as you can see from my last few 2016 photos I had an amazing birthday celebration!

What were some of your favorite moments of 2016? Feel free to share in the comments below. Thank you for following me on my journey this past year. Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017!

In Gratitude,

Melodie Tao aka Marketing Melodie