So as the end of 2008 approaches us (yes, can’t believe it…..2008….yikes!), I start looking into the goals I would like to set for Plus Factory in 2009. 2008 has been just incredible for us. We have worked on so many great projects, worked with some great clients (and not so great clients =), and met some good people on the way.

Also it was another year for me to learn more about our business, what our clients needs are, and how we can best help them. I’m a big believer in writing down goals to make them happen. The thinking goes, if you don’t have it written down, then its not a goal, and then its nothing for you to achieve. Part of my personal success as an person, an worker and an businessman was to set goals for myself (usually at the beginning of the year), write them down, then keep looking at them, and set up plans on how to achieve them. So with that in mind, here are some goals I want to make for Plus Factory in 2009.

1. Launch our web application products. So part of my excitement is the launch of our first web application for commercial use. We’re currently building a product that we believe offers our clients a tremendous service — its something that every agency/marketer client of ours needs and would probably use if they had access to one.

This is the first of a series of products we are planning to plan, build and launch for 2009. We are looking to make Plus Factory not just the premier digital service agency but also an builder of fantastic web applications and tools. This I’m very excited about and can’t wait to talk more about as we are close to launch.

2. Offer better services to our clients. We are in the service industry, and with the current market conditions as they are, every client of ours will have some constraints or situations that they will have to manage with in 2009. We need to be a better partner and solution for them, to let them succeed. So if its giving more for the same price, or going that one extra review to make the creative perfect, or being more efficient, we will have to make that effort. I want Plus Factory to not only be considered as an vendor but the preferred vendor for our clients.

3. Build long term partnerships. We have worked with many agencies and with our direct clients. Most of our projects have been project based, which works out for all. But what we, as a company, need to do is create longer term relationships with our key clients. If its offering ‘dedicated staff’ on call, so be it (we are building our teams in China, where we can start doing dedicated staff if our clients need that). Our future is based on working with Clients who can open themselves to having Plus Factory as an key component of their delivery process on an consistent basis and embrace the cost-effectiveness we can bring to their bottom line. Again, I think with the market conditions in 2009, more of our Clients may be interested in having Plus Factory be the delivery system for their digital organizations.

4. Grow. We will always have our numbers in our oversea offices compared to the US. That is where we can bring the value to our customers. But one thing I learned with our business is that we need the right staff in the US, to make the organization work. So in 2009 we do plan to grow, in both the US and China markets. But we don’t believe in growing for growing sake, rather we want to take the time to find the right people, people who can fit the Plus Factory DNA, and also improve the organization as a whole. One piece of business advice that I always heard and believe in is you try to surround yourself with people who are smarter then you. And I know if I’m the smartest man in the room, things are in trouble.

So those are the key goals Plus Factory will have in 2009. I think its good to have this down, and I look forward to review this in December 2009, to see how well we did.