By Robert Lawrence, President/CEO

It’s certainly been a rough year all around for many and when the purse strings get tightened on your end, it can feel more like a noose on ours; we know what you’re going through.

But in the end, what really matters most? Is it truly the financial frustrations that can impact the manner in which you do your job that measure your success? It’s always about this time of year I try to put it all into perspective. Men in particular, measure their own value by what they do, rather than who they are. Women are generally speaking, much better off in this area. They are much more in touch with their true value and choose not to use their jobs as a yardstick of purpose. Guys…we need to take a lesson from the ladies and probably in more than just one way.

Believe me, I know it’s difficult, especially when you own a business and not only worry about your own family, but for the many others for whom you become responsible, as well.

In reality, it’s the relationships we build over our lifetimes that matter most. It’s family, friends, and yes, even business relationships, that define who we are. It’s not what we do, or for whom we work, or how much money we earn. It’s the people in our lives who represent our greatest gifts.  I will always remember when I worked for Frank Cody and Brian Stone. Their mantra truly was, “Our assets go down the elevator every night.”  When my 11 year old daughter was born 12 weeks prematurely and was in Neonatal ICU for weeks, they never once balked or complained that I was always with her. As bad as I felt for seemingly neglecting my duties for which I was paid well, they simply said, “family is everything!” I will always love these men for that, and continue to use them as a model of great management style for my own company.

With the holidays upon us again, I force myself to remember, through all the stress and worry that comes with the job, that it’s only a means to an end. Don’t get me wrong…I love my work. I love what the team at Pinnacle Media has built over the last decade, and as blessed as I feel for the successes, if it all disappeared tomorrow, I would hope none of us here would measure who we as men and women, by failure.

So, when you get frustrated and upset with slashed budgets, no salary increase for two years in a row, or what you feel is a lack of support from corporate (who by the way, often deal with the same frustrations on an even greater scale), ask yourself what matters most?  Is it where you go everyday when you leave your home for work, or where go when you leave your office and return home?

For years our slogan at Christmas and New Years has been, “Here’s to Ratings, Revenue, & Relationships!” This year, I want to simplify that, and while I wish you great success in building ratings and revenue… what matters most is the relationships we protect and forge personally and professionally in the coming year!

God Bless you all,

Bob