Closing Bell 2009
The closing bell newsletter has become somewhat of an institution, and as I sit here ready to pen this, the 4th edition of my closing bell newsletter I am totally overcome by emotion, gratitude and excitement.
The closing bell newsletter started 4 years ago as a medium for me to communicate notable events in the online market and within our company, to our clients, suppliers, partners, staff and other stakeholders, so in the spirit of tradition let’s sit back, and take a nostalgic walk back over 2009.
Without a doubt the single biggest driver in the online market during 2009 was the recession, and exactly as I predicted back in my closing bell newsletter of 2008, the recession proved to be an incredible opportunity for the online market, as savvy consumers turned to the internet for pre-purchase research, comparison shopping, and convenience.
Despite all the offline economic doom and gloom, e-commerce sales were up 13.7% in 2009 compared to 2008 on Cyber Monday (which of course the ceremonial kick-off of the online holiday shopping season), and this is the 3rd successive double digit growth curve in as many years.
Even more interesting is that in 2009 the average dollar amount spent by consumers per online order rose by 38.2%, from $130.24 to $180.03, and additionally per order, consumers purchased 30% more items at checkout in 2009 than they did in 2008.
And if you have any doubt about the future of business online, consider that this Cyber Monday saw a staggering 7,666,119 million visitors per minute between the top 1000 online stores, resulting in a whopping 4.3 million sales a minute as reported and verified by CNN.
I have always maintained that a recession is nothing more than a shift in balances, and only the naive would believe that the money has disappeared.
The online market has proven exactly that, not only taking away from the traditional business space, but bucking the trend and showing growth in one of the biggest economic downturns in recorded history.
It is safe to say that we are no longer on the edge of opportunity, but rather fully entangled and engaged in one the single biggest business opportunities you and I will ever see in our lifetimes.
As a company we have continued to aggressively, passionately, and logically pursue growth. We have reinvested heavily into improving, developing and creating systems to meet the demands in the years ahead.
60% of our net profit has been ploughed back into systems staffing, training and product development, not only because we realise that to remain the worlds leading internet marketing company we have to reinvest, but because we believe in the future of the online market.
We have progressively turned global, thanks in part to our brilliant digital communication engineers who deserve an immense amount of credit for designing and building a one of a kind system from the ground up that connects our company hub with staff, clients, agents, partners, suppliers, and consumers spread across 17 different countries.
As our own online portfolio continues to expand along with our clients, suppliers and staff, we remain forever loyal to our core founding mission statement as we head into an exhilarating and challenging 2010.
We will continue to hire the best staff, using the best technology, investing in the best resources, associate with the best clients and partners, and above all, we will remain committed to being the best at what we do.
Above all else we will always stick to the basics of business, and continue to place more value in our relationships with people than in any other part of our business.
As 2010 summons a change, and a dramatic shift in business, and economics, I would like wish everyone associated with Justin Harrison Marketing a prosperous new year.
I would also like to extend a very heartfelt and special thank you to all my closest staff, management team, advisors, clients, suppliers and partners who have become more than business associates, but people I am honoured to call my friends, may we all march to new heights in 2010.
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Jan Rautenbach said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 8:08 am
Very interesting and exciting statistics. I really look forward to continuing working with you in 20010.
Dale said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 7:59 am
Just want to say its been an absolutely pleasure working with you, my business has grown immensely with your help and expertise , and the fact that we have become good friends along the way is quite a privelage. Have a great new year and i'll call you tomorrow at 7am to found out how your hang over is . ( LOL )
Online Business Ideas said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 10:28 am
Hi Justin
It just seems like the other day that your Closing Bell email arrived in my Inbox.
Thanks for sharing those staggering statistics which really enforce the fact that the internet is the place to do business.
Wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous 2010.
Cheers for now
Cynthia Minnaar
Werner Wichmann said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 8:29 am
It's been a great year mentoring with you and I can't wait for 2010. Thank You!! Have a great new year!!
Johann Victor said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 10:33 am
Thanks for information much apriciated !!!!!
rob anderson said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 9:59 am
Yeah, Justin and all your friends here.
All the best for next year.
may all our dreams and wishes be realised.
rob
Riaan Stander said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 10:30 am
Thanks for all your knowledge that you share with us.It is a privilege knowing you.Best of all for 2010 and God bless.
Regards
luisteixeira said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 11:36 am
Yes it truly has been a awesome year of development for me, only because you offered me an opportunity that is truly a gift. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and i cannot wait for 2010.
Michael said,
Wrote on December 31, 2009 @ 8:19 pm
Thanks for the awesome stuff you've shown me so far.
2010 is gonna be Great!
Happy New Decade everyone!… in 2 hours or so
Darryn Rex said,
Wrote on January 1, 2010 @ 12:54 pm
Thank you for an immensely grateful year. Its certainly has been a very interesting one and along with your predictions for 2010 I look forward to a great new year… a great new decade moving towards an online market. Thanks Justin.
Heath said,
Wrote on January 1, 2010 @ 8:14 pm
Thanks for sharing these words with all of us Justin, very inspiring as always.
This past year has highlighted the fact that if you want to be successful and achieve your goals you need to surround yourself with people that do the same, therefore I am most honored to be associated with yourself and the rest of the IMU clan.
All the best for 2010, I just know that it's going to be a good one.
Rgs
Heath
malcolmp said,
Wrote on January 2, 2010 @ 11:50 am
All the best to you and the team, and also the people I have made contact with by being connected to the Justin Harrison Marketing.
Merry New Year to everyone, may 2010 be filled with good health, happiness and good fortune!
Cheers
Henk Kruger said,
Wrote on January 3, 2010 @ 10:10 am
Hi Justin and all the others online … Have a great year and Justin thanks for all the inspiring words and for setting the example of having the persistence and determination to carry on irrespective of your circumstances and you can be proud of what you‘ve achieved by directly inspiring the people around you, possibly more than you may realize.
I feel fortunate to have learnt all I have and to have gained new friendships during 2009. I am looking forward to further building a long and lasting life experience with mind like people during 2010.
Have a fantastic 2010 and God bless
Dawie said,
Wrote on January 3, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
I’m a bit late here but since I’m only able to access my internet now, I feel that I have to say thank you for everything. I truly appreciate it and I look forward to 2010 and to be part of the IMU team. It’s been great learning from you!
Dawie said,
Wrote on January 3, 2010 @ 7:58 pm
Hi Justin
Happy new year! I know it's a bit late but I'd also just like to say thanks for everything. It's great to be able to learn from you and I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. I look forward to 2010 and can't to be learning more!
Mike said,
Wrote on January 6, 2010 @ 11:14 am
thx for 2009 nice posts!
wish you happy new blogging year!