On this day, one year ago, I opened up my business bank account and began the process of registering my business name and making my freelance web design career “official.”

Even though there have been challenges (getting paid on time, seemingly endless networking events, etc.), I have never once regretted the decision to quit my job at UNC and strike out on my own.

Plus, all of the self-marketing and conferences and after-hours events have not only helped me become more comfortable talking about what it is I do for a living, but it’s generated a large list of possible leads for 2009.

I have spent the first week of this year researching client management systems (I like Highrise), new hosting companies, and planning out what conferences I want to attend in 2009. So far, I am traveling to San Francisco in April for the NTEN technology conference. Very exciting!

I have a feeling this is going to be a great year. :)