As we approach the end of the year, we need to consider where our business is going and any changes that need to be made for the New Year. Start with taking a look at what you may already have going on and how it’s working for your business. Then, look at what you may not be doing but know you should or need to, then start to plan that into your goals for 2016. Also consider that some things you are doing and well, you really shouldn’t be.
Know you can’t do it all
Understand that we know we can’t possibly do everything, but there are experts that can help you with your business. Consider that there are some of you (okay, us) that still want to have our hands at least into some of it, so take the time to learn enough of what you need to THEN give it away. It’s called delegation. Keep in mind that you would start with tasks/projects/items that you are more comfortable with and that obviously would benefit you and your business. Don’t forget, whatever you aren’t an expert in and you can afford to outsource it, you really need to suck it up and just do it, outsource that is. Consider the money you are wasting TRYING to do something you aren’t rocking at!
Do what you excel at and outsource the rest – plain and simple! Click To TweetThings that are important for your business
Now let’s just take a quick look at some of the things that you might have done for your business this past year, that you or your business needs or things that you are considering a priority for next year:
- Social media – social media is a great venue for your business and a manner in which you can engage with your following, potential clients, friends and current clients. Know that your clients are there, but also your competitors so it is ideal to consider social media in your overall marketing
- Email marketing – This is similar to the above (social media) but keep in mind that you aren’t always posting when your consumer is online so this is a great venue to bring it to your consumer and stay top of mind. BTW, your list is like the GOLD in your business folks. If you don’t have this, I would say, make this your TOP priority… now!
- Website – Okay, maybe the top priority is to have a website, THEN the email marketing to drive traffic BACK to your website. Keep in mind that whoever holds your website, holds the power so don’t give it away. Be sure you have your own website with your own content and product or services and you pay for your domain name (url) and your own hosting. Gold people!
- Blogging – This is a great way to put you out there as an industry expert in your field and put value in the hands of your consumer via your website, which by the way, having more content on your website makes you more available to your consumers. What? If the search engines can find you and all of your awesome content, then your consumers will be able to search for you.
- Search engine optimization – In other words, SEO is what helps the search engines find you so your consumers can find you. SEO has a lot to do with keyword rich content, titles, meta tags (description, alt tags and header tags) and links. Get to know it.
- Your personal sanity – Okay, well, this is a must at any time, but sometimes we need to be reminded. We can’t have a healthy and wealthy business if we aren’t healthy, right? Find ways to keep your sanity folks.
- Tools – Oh my, this past year I have found a tool that made my life easier. Now, know, that shit happens to good people and I went through a lot of growing pains for a few tools that I use, but in the long run, I’m still thinking I made some great decisions for tools in my business. Tools are what aid us in doing our business more effectively, efficiently and more better. Yes, I just said more better! Check out some of my tools.
- Plan B – As an entrepreneur, we are it! Be sure that you have other options or back-up for should
you get sick, a natural disaster, your computer crashes or you need legal help! - Goals – Do you set annual goals for your business? These need to be reviewed at least annually and reminder, they need to be SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. I’m such a planner but I notice it is kind of something I lack… but it will be a priority for me! (Thanks to Jackie Harder)
- Time management – Another tough one for me and many. Women have been trained to multi-task, but how is it really helping our focus on those tasks? You need to find out what works for you as far as getting your work done right the first time and well. It’s all about prioritizing and keeping your power of your schedule. I am a part of a time management group (free and paid version – also thanks to Jackie Harder) and while I am very organized, structured and the like, still know I have a lot to learn. It’s a small price to pay to take my nights and weekends back. Visit Time Tips Pro
Now, what are you currently doing and how can you incorporate it into your business? And if you are currently doing it, how can you improve? Share with us what you are going to do next year to improve your business, and make it BOOM!
Should you need any help with those goals or time management, don’t ask me… or the sanity, unless you want to go grab a margarita with me. 😉 As far as the tools, social media marketing, website management, email marketing, blogging or search engine optimization – I would be happy to assist – contact me right away to get started. No better time than the present!
~Kristen
When building a brand or a business, it’s definitely important to utilize all the tools you can use to help you. It’s so nice that most of these are free all you need is to take advantage of them.
It sure is Elizabeth… why do all the work from scratch when there are great tools to help us out!
Wow! What a great shout-out, Kristen. Thanks so much! And thanks for your comment about email marketing. I’ve gotten a lot better about that, but still need to do more. Your comment about websites is right on the money, too. If you’re investing your time and money in social media but don’t have a website to send people to, you are wasting your money. Great read! xxoo
You are welcome Jackie, I don’t take blog shout outs lightly and you are welcome… helpful reminder that the gold is in our website and ways to drive traffic back to them!
Why do I always walk away from your blogs with a long to-do list? LOL! Oh, I think it’s because you know your stuff! Good thing I’ve dedicated the next six weeks to a mini re-launch of our biz to get the important stuff done. Time management is still one of my major areas of improvement. You’ve got amazing advice, smarty pants! Now I need to implement. 😉
Ummmmm, thanks Meghan? lol Thanks for the compliment, and from someone in the industry, I take that highly. Thank you so much… get your time management in check, it will be worth it’s weight in gold!
I have an awesome diary I’ll be setting new goals in.
Unfortunately with sales dropping due to FB’s non existent organic reach, I am not out sourcing a lot any more, so I’m a busy working mama again.
That’s great Sonya, I hope you are able to Boom your Biz again… and actually, I know you will!
Thanks for the ideas. As my business closes in on its one-year anniversary, it’s amazing to me how much has changed. My focus has sharpened, my skills have improved (and continue to do so) and I’ve outsourced where I can afford it. I’m looking forward to a great 2016!
You are quite welcome Carol. 1 year? Awesome. I’m into my 3rd right now! Yes, and a lot has changed here too! We will ROCK 2016
Thanks for the great list of things to consider and do, Kristen. You always offer very clear and succinct steps to get where you want your business to go. As I do several different things in my life, it’s important to set up a structure so that my time is utilized most effectively to include them all. Happy and memorable holidays to you!
You are quite welcome Bev, I surely try to provide value in an easy to understand manner
I am not in a business per say. I want to grow my blog readership next year so that I can work toward publication as an author. Social media will play a large role in that growth. thanks for the tips.
I can understand that Mary… but you have a readership, so that’s essentially your biz. As an author or artist.. you will want to grow your following on your blog AND your social media.. to grow your brand – YOU!
All great info, but the one that hits home with me the most is “Know you can’t do it all.”! I’m one of those who likes to have my hands in everything and what I don’t know, I like to be told how and do it myself. Letting go of control and delegation are on my resolution list for 2016.
Yes Linda… we as small biz owners TRY to do it all because of funding, but consider the time and money cost factors. Let go and delegate the time and money sucks! lol
I definitely need to do more outsourcing. The time consuming things are just not helping me get where I need to be.
Yes ma’am. Let me know if you need any help Liz!
I am taking the last few days off this year to reflect and plan. After 5 years of working on my own I am finally going to set up goals and have realized that I can’t do everything on my own if I am going to be successful.
Awesome Stacey, we need to recoup ourselves so we can reevaluate our businesses.
I always lov reading your blogs as they point me in the right direction. This year I have a few things to focus on and new ones to learn and implement. We are starting our 3rd year online e-commerce, and couldn’t have gotten this far without the support of some special people.
Thanks Roz, so glad that my blogs have provided such value. Congrats on your anniversary… seems like the biz is going well! Glad to have met you!
Great article, Kristen…and definitely I need to review stuff for next year, to do it all better. 🙂
Thanks Katarina! You are well on your way!
I need to focus on time management. Only so many hours per day to work with, so I need to find a way to make the most of it, especially since I have a full-time job outside of blogging!
Girl I know that is true. Time management is key, especially with women! Thanks Sandra!
We all need to have our time management down Sandra… even with a FT (or not) job outside of blogging. 😉