Every email I send gets an auto-response that the recipient is out of office until 1/2, which tells me that 2018 is officially winding down. 2018 has been a roller coaster, above and beyond the pop-culture, politics, and other taboo that I avoid on LinkedIn like the plague.

Personal 2018 Roller Coaster:

-Changed career paths

-Learned an entirely new industry

-Held my wife’s hand through multiple surgeries

-Watched my daughter form sentences, gain personality, and absorb literally everything around her

-Also watched “Boss Baby” no less than 200 times with my daughter (kid knows what she likes)

-Became a godfather to my godson Cullen

-Watched my wife have her best year in business yet, while working full time, and holding down the homestead

-Worked through an entire leadership change and re-org

-Discovered my passion for charitable acts and giving back

-Ran not one, but two 5k races

-Traveled to 19 states, Puerto Rico, and Belize (57 flights, 34,000 miles driven, 94 nights in a hotel)

-And much much MUCH more

If you have read my previous blog posts, you will know I am a big believer in not only setting goals, but writing them down and then RE-writing them every single day. (sometimes twice). So today, for all the word to see, I am going to give you my top goals for 2019 as well as several #BigIdeas2019 predictions

Personal Goals for 2019:

By growing my start-up division, become profitable, gain headcount, and earn a senior leadership role by end of Q4
Purchase a new home (closer to the metroplex)
Minimum One “Daddy Daughter Date” each month
Minimum One Date Night each month, with at least two getaway weekends
Grow my personal brand with content, launching a podcast, and booking at least 1 speaking event
Continue my health and fitness, focusing on strength training
Buy a new tailored suit

#BigIdeas2019 Predictions

Security Industry - Self Monitoring Will Fail

With all of the Christmas shopping I have done this month, I have been watching people grab DIY kits off the shelf from Costco, Best Buy, and Target. These kits from behemoth tech companies are paid in full upfront, with the *option* for professional monitoring. Majority of these consumers are self monitoring (push notification of an alarm, its on you as the consumer to call 911). While I don’t wish misfortune on anyone, I am expecting there to be a situation where self monitoring fails a consumer horribly and it becomes a national press shit-storm.

Pay-TV - Cable and Satellite Will Hit Rock Bottom

Cord cutting is becoming more prevalent, more so from the ignorance and folly of content providers and content creators. Whether it’s a sexy 1 year price lock, 2 year price lock, bundle with internet, phones, or security, the bottom line is that out of promotion rack-rates are astronomical for bloated channel lineups, overpriced content, and outdated equipment. 2019 will bring the largest decline in subscribers across cable and satellite. OTT is a bandaid that won’t hold.

Economy - 2008 All Over Again

Housing is too aggressive (again). Industrial is outsourcing (still). Consumers are living on credit (again). Wages are stagnant (still). Prices are disproportionately rising. 2019 is going to be a recession that needs to be treated differently. 2019 needs to be the year of letting businesses fail rather than bailing them out. Free enterprise only works when you let the weak fail, and allow for new and improved businesses to enter the market .

Social Media/Tech - The Next Bell Anti-Trust Break-Up

Tech in general, but social media specifically has been busy gobbling up competition rather than competing. Facebook alone has spent over $22 BILLION dollars (more than $40 per active user) gobbling up competing companies rather than innovating, themselves. I am not a fan of government intervening in businesses, but the time has come for tech companies to be called to the carpet. We need competition.

Sports

Michigan Wolverines will have another mediocre season, losing to Ohio State, and will send Jim Harbough packing.

Detroit Lions will suck. Again. No one will be surprised.

I am curious to hear your thoughts and predictions. What do you think the biggest stories of 2019 will be? Am I completely off my rocker? What are your personal goals for the new year and how are you going to hold yourself accountable to them?

If you are reading this. Thank you. Thank you for being a part of my journey in this wild and crazy world. Thank you for being a supporter. Most important, I wish you all a wonderful, safe, enjoyable holiday with whoever it is that makes your life complete.

Buckle up - 2019 is going to be a fun ride.

-E

About Eric

Eric Hattey, has over a decade of success in sales, marketing, and operations. Eric works hands-on with businesses to help diversify revenue streams and position businesses for long term growth and success.
*For more information, email eric@erichattey.com or visit www.EricHattey.com*

Dear 2019, You’re Next… Don’t Screw It Up