Seven Suggestions for the Last Seven Weeks
It is hard to believe, but we have just seven weeks before the end of the year. By now, most business owners (with the exception of retail stores) know how the year will end. And, while the numbers are lower than years past, owners seem to be looking forward with optimism.
With glimpses of the recovery taking hold, business owners seem to believe success in 2010 will be their reward for surviving 2009. I love the optimism, but I also know it needs to be supported with more than hope.
If you want a piece of the action in 2010, you need to start now. In the last seven weeks of 2009 you need to build a foundation for your success next year. Don’t wait for January. It will be too late! So what should you be doing in the last seven weeks of this year? Here are seven ideas, implement just one a week and you will be far ahead of your competitors by January 1.
- Dust off your business plan or write a new one.
- Design new marketing material. Even if you don’t print anything till early next year, you will be ready.
- Take a class, learn something new you can use next year.
- Expand your contact circle. Check out three new networking groups.
- Call five past customers just to check in.
- Make some news! Introduce new employees, host an event, launch a new product or service, and tell someone!
- Audit your website. Is it time for a change? Do you need an overhaul, or just a few tweaks?
These are my suggestions, do you have others?
Come back tomorrow as my guest author, Robby Slaughter shares some of his end of year strategies.
Thanks for this tips. We always want to make sure that we are carrying the momentum of the end of the year (our busiest season) into the new year. Your suggestions makes me feel that we are on the right track.
So far this month we are 4. Joined a new networking group, 5. Made plans to send thank you gifts to our best clients in 2009, 6. Were featured on WISHTV Angie’s List segment on how to find a holiday photographer, 7. Just updated our website to include our wedding photography.
We will make a point to score 100% on your list by the end of the year. Sure would like number 3 to be on how to increase your SEO.
Thanks for the great articles. Sorry I have never posted anything before now, but I do enjoy reading them.
Amy,
Thanks for taking the time to post a few of your thoughts. I think you are definately on the right track. Congrats on the TV Segment. Do you have a copy of it or a link to it on your website?
And looking for SEO help, there are a number of folks offering great programs. Check out Brandswag ( http://www.brandswag.com) and Deep Ripples ( http://www.deepripples.com) as a starting point.