Two Decades In, and Still in Awe!

by Nikki Christiansen, Founder, Internet Media Consultants

I’ve been running a digital agency for over 20 years now, and sometimes I still stop in my tracks and just think, How did I get here? Not in a “what have I done?” kind of way—but more in awe. In awe that I’ve not only kept up with the changes in technology, but that somehow, technology itself has helped me keep up.

Let me explain.

When my husband, Jason, and I started Internet Media Consultants, the digital world looked very different. Websites were clunky. Social media didn’t exist (unless you count MySpace). “Mobile-first” wasn’t a concept because phones were barely smart. Back then, we were hand-coding sites, optimizing for dial-up speeds, and trying to convince business owners that yes, they did need a website.

Fast forward 20-plus years, and not only are we still here—we’re thriving, and we’ve even expanded with Envision Cloud. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been worth it. What’s funny is that while keeping up with tech trends can feel like running a marathon with new sneakers every mile, it’s actually technology itself that has been my secret weapon for staying in the race.

Every time there was a major shift—responsive design, SEO revolutions, the rise of social media, the cloud, e-commerce integrations—my initial reaction was usually some version of panic, followed by research, then immersion, then implementation. And eventually, innovation. Rinse and repeat.

But now… now it feels different.

Now there’s AI.

And I have to say, I’m kind of blown away.

AI isn’t just another tool in the toolbox. It’s more like a whole new workshop. It’s not just helping us keep up—it’s helping us dream bigger, move faster, and offer more to our clients than we ever thought possible.

Whether it’s using AI to speed up content creation, automate repetitive workflows, generate design mockups, or even analyze user behavior for more personalized digital experiences—it’s like having a digital teammate that works 24/7 without coffee breaks.

I recently caught myself smiling while using an AI tool to generate social media captions for a client campaign. What used to take hours now takes minutes. And yet, it’s not about replacing the human touch—it’s about enhancing it. I can still shape the message, infuse the brand voice, and apply our years of experience. But the heavy lifting? That’s where AI steps in and makes room for more creativity, more strategy, and yes, a little more breathing room.

And as someone who has been on this digital roller coaster for two decades, I can honestly say: this is the most exciting time yet.

What excites me most is how accessible this all is—not just to us as an agency, but to our clients. Small business owners who once struggled to keep up with the pace of digital marketing now have tools that level the playing field. With the right guidance (which is where we come in!), they can harness the power of automation and AI to compete in ways they never could before.

And that brings me to something I think about often: our role as guides.

Over the years, Jason and I have seen ourselves less as vendors and more as partners, collaborators, sometimes even digital therapists (because yes, tech can be overwhelming!). We’ve always tried to meet our clients where they are, simplify the complicated, and create clarity out of chaos.

With AI now in the mix, our role is evolving again—this time into educators and explorers. We’re not just using these tools; we’re helping others understand and embrace them. And honestly? That’s been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

So here I am. Twenty-some years into this digital adventure.

Still learning. Still adapting. Still amazed.

Amazed that we’ve come this far. Amazed that we’re just getting started. And amazed that technology—the very thing that keeps changing the game—is also the thing that keeps helping us win it.

Thanks for reading a bit of my story. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the changes, just know: you’re not alone. The key is to stay curious, stay open, and surround yourself with people (and tools) that help you grow.

Let’s chat!
If you’re curious about how AI could support your business, want help navigating your marketing strategy, or just want to talk shop over a virtual coffee, I’d love to connect.
[Book a call with me here.]

Let’s explore what’s possible—together.