6 Tips for Planning Ahead for the New Year

6 Tips for Planning Ahead for the New Year: Shoring Up the Foundations of Your Business 

“Don’t make resolutions without an action plan. The secret to success is right in your hands.” – J. Allen Shaw

Many people typically wait until December to start thinking about their goals for the new year. They consider what they want to accomplish and what will be most meaningful to them.

But for business owners and entrepreneurs, planning for the year ahead begins in the fall. They reflect upon everything that they’ve achieved thus far in the current year (which was the focus of last month’s blog.)

And they continue the process of laying the groundwork and planting the seeds, which they began the month prior in September. They continue building relationships with prospective clients while further deepening their already existing relationships with their valued client base.

Granted, there are still two full calendar months left in the year. In reality, however, the upcoming holiday season means that fellow business owners will begin to slow down the pace of their business in November and December. People look forward to taking much-needed time off with their families. There’s a natural slowdown in the business world.

To get ahead of this annual winding down of business transactions at the end of the year, it’s critical to get your plans in place starting now. 

So, what does it look like for you when it comes to planning your business strategy and goals for 2023? 

•     Reflect back so that you can plan forward. Do a deep dive into everything you’ve accomplished and executed in your business this year. Examine what’s worked and brought you success, as well as those endeavors that didn’t yield the results that you sought. By examining the entire year thus far, you gain tremendous insight into what direction to take your company in for 2023.

•     What are your sales and revenue goals for the new year? Having them broken down by quarter (and also by month) helps keep them achievable and motivating.

•     While it’s vital to know what number you’re targeting for your sales and revenue goals, it’s equally – if not more important – to know HOW you will achieve these goals. What products or services will you offer that provide real solutions for your customers? Will you be adding new products or services to your existing menu? And will you be removing any that you were previously known for? Perhaps your business has changed course this year and you need to create space for exciting new products and services that your clients will love.

•     Regarding your communications piece, how have you been communicating with your audience? And how often? Taking the time to examine where your audience hangs out. Know where they are showing up to network and on social media, then consistently target your efforts to connect with them where they are. Your audience, your potential clients and the people who know them need to see you show up regularly and in an authentic and genuine way.

•     What procedures do you need in your business? Go deeper into this exploration by asking yourself which procedures need to be created from scratch. What’s missing from your business that if created, would further firm up your business’s foundations? Be mindful too, that some existing processes may need tweaking. These could be gentle tweaks or more extensive edits. And yet others may need to be scrapped altogether because they’ve become outdated.

•     What systems do you need in place in your business? Perhaps you need a CRM to manage your contacts. Or a reliable project management system to keep your projects on target. Do you have a place to capture your ideas and bursts of creativity? Are you in need of scheduling software for your client communications, such as social media? Really think about what gaps are in your business so that you can effectively research the software and programs that your business needs. Take the time to research the features and benefits of each, as well as the cost and commitment involved. Signing up for software or a program and then not using it is as frustrating as not having a solution at all.

Crucially, your goals need to be measurable. Create the overarching goal and then break it down into smaller, bite-sized chunks so that they’re easy to achieve, yet also challenging at the same time.

“Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn Click To Tweet

And remember to keep your plan fluid so that it’s ever evolving. As your business continues to grow and expand, so must your planning follow suit. Keeping your strategy and goals flexible means that you can easily pivot when needed.

 What planning and strategizing have you been doing thus far for 2023? We’d love to know what you’re going to be focusing on and what exciting goals you’re setting for your business! If you need help creating a clear vision and strategy for your business, we’re here to help. Schedule a FREE 45-minute strategy session today!

Share your plans and the direction that you’re taking your business in with us. Additionally, as you reflect on 2022, what WINs have you achieved? What have those WINs meant, both to you and also for your business? Let us know how we can support you as you carefully lay your plans and strategize for a successful new year! Learn more about our mastermind program that will keep you accountable to your goals for 2023.