How do you keep your business on track when resolutions fade?
by: Kate Fitzsimmons
We’ve all been there with our businesses. January 1st each year brings new possibilities – whether it is the promise to boost your income, your vacation time, or simply increase your blog content.
By late February, in the light of a gray day, those grand intentions fade. Both business and personal.
What happens next?
It’s easier than you think.
Check off those resolutions you’ve already accomplished. Roll up your sleeves and readjust your priorities.
Is there anything left on the list to do? Is it still possible? Do you even care?
- Analyze
- Re-prioritize
- Delete
Take a moment to reflect on what you would like to accomplish in your business this year.
Keep resolutions that matter. They can give you a renewed sense of purpose.
Shedding the resolutions that are unrealistic will free your imagination.
Remember, goals for the year should not be easy – they can be a stretch, but not so far out of reach that you feel defeated just thinking about them.
When was the last time you wrote a business plan?
If the answer is never – now would be a great time to start. Just Google business plan template and you’ll find dozens of ideas. You can also try the Small Business Administration or Business.com. There is even a firm that offers the One-Page business plan for simplicity and brevity.
If you do have a business plan on the shelf, take it down and dust it off. Do a review and see what needs to be updated.
The thing to keep in mind is this – it is not so much the planning but the process that will help you meet your goals. If you don’t define them, how will you know where you are going?
Review your marketing and communication plans for the year.
This is a great opportunity to create a simple timeline to map out your marketing and communication efforts.
You can start with something as simple as deciding to update your digital presence:
- Refresh or establish your profile on LinkedIn
- Check out your Social Media pages for consistent branding
- Review and update your web content and set a regular schedule for new content
- Create relevant, downloadable content in eBooks, White Papers & Reports
Print is not dead, yet! Don’t forget to review your collateral materials.
Do you need to order new business cards?
Will you be attending any conferences this year? Planning on any speaking engagements? Promotional materials are a way to make a good first impression with a fun leave behind item or two.
If you are planning a launch of any new products – press releases, sell sheets and product placement ads can be planned in advance.
Set aside a little time each quarter to do a simple review of your goals and progress. This exercise can pay off through increased business success all year long.
If you are ready to energize your good intentions and need a little help, contact me today to discuss a jump-start on a project for two.