Let me preface this by saying that it’s not your typical holiday greeting.
In fact, it may seem BAH HUMBUG, but stick with me to the end. 🙂
What prompted me to compose it is TIME magazine’s cover and headline for its December 14 issue: The Worst Year Ever.
It stopped me in my tracks and got me to thinking: Is this really the worst year ever?
In some ways, yes.
In other ways, no.
2020 forced me into unwanted circumstances and caused a great amount of anxiety, but I’ve remained healthy.
2020 derailed plans and projects, but I’ve been able to spend more time at home, learned to appreciate things I took for granted, and focused on a big project to grow my business.
To celebrate the end of 2020 – in lieu of holiday parties and community festivities – I’ve embraced the “season of giving” and kicked it into high gear by donating toys, supporting fundraisers and volunteering for local organizations.
In the image below, I’m delivering winter supply bags to homebound seniors.
Which leads me to the second part of this message: getting ahead. No one can predict how 2021 is going to go, but we do have power over how we approach it. Don’t sit back and wait; put wheels into motion now to help you get started with a bang!
🔶 Take some time off from day-to-day operations and focus on the big picture. The saying is true: If you want to grow, you must work ON the business and not IN the business.
🔶 Host a brainstorming session with your team, fellow business owners or yourself! The best way to gain clarity and prioritize ways to move your business forward is to write down your ideas and goals.
🔶 Send a customer survey to determine if there are new products or services you can offer, a better way to provide customer service, or get testimonials and referrals.
🔶 Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to guide your path throughout the year. This is the #1 marketing tool every business needs.