As we welcome in a New Year we all should take the time to reflect on those new acquaintances we met through the year, all of our life-long acquaintances and especially remember those dear acquaintances who we lost.

If your life is anything like mine, the past year has brought both joy and sadness; triumphs and failures; victories and defeats. But, the beauty that is consistently evident in each situation is that I have never faced any situation alone. Whether it be family, friends, or business associates someone has always had my back. Each acquaintance brings an opportunity to forge deep relationships that we cherish; and, they are present to celebrate, to encourage or to cry with depending on the circumstance.

So, as we say goodbye to 2016 and we usher in 2017 please let us appreciate each and every acquaintance we have met along the way. Most of us associate Robert Burns poem that he wrote in 1788 with ringing in the New Year. Here’s a couple of verses:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Cheers to each and every one of my acquaintances and the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Sonya Ruff Jarvis, is the Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants and Founder of the eRetailer Summit. Sonya has extensive experience in creating original innovative solutions to overcome major business challenges. Sonya has spent most of her career visiting headquarters across global industries and has built strong business relationships across diverse brands.

Sonya has a M.B.A. in Marketing. She is married and has a daughter and they live in Fairfield County Connecticut.