2017: A quick look back

A person's eyes are visible in a rearview mirror from the car interior, with a blurred 2017 city street scene in the background.

Take a look back. You can do it!

As we move into 2018, it’s never a bad idea to look back at what 2017 showed us as business owners. I know, for me, I ask myself questions to help evaluate what worked and what didn’t. An important part of any planning process is analysis, and no business owner or nonprofit organization is immune.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you plan out your marketing efforts in 2018:

(Side note: If you are completely overwhelmed by the thought of planning out the year, see my post on Marketing Microplanning. It’ll save you the anxiety!)

  1. Did I achieve the goals I set for 2017?
  2. What do I consider my biggest success for the year?
  3. What would I do differently to achieve different/improved results?
  4. What is most important for my business in 2018? (Increasing clients? Improving income? Both? Define this in detail as best you can.
  5. What kind of time/investment/commitment am I willing to make towards my marketing efforts? (This one is HUGE. Know your limits. Know your strengths. Know your goals!)

Focus your efforts.

Take stock in your professional reality. How much are you willing to sacrifice or commit to when it comes to growing your business? Remember, if you aren’t marketing your business, you can’t possibly grow it.

The holidays provided me the opportunity to buff the lens of my business, and really dive into what I am looking to achieve. I am stretching myself and asking more of my clients to increase their success.

How are you shifting your focus this year?

What are you implementing that is new or different. Leave a comment below or shoot me an email and let’s share our ideas and thoughts. I would love to help clarify your vision! One strategy session or consult could really add value to your marketing plan and can be a great first step in the implementation of your vision.

Here’s to a great 2018!

sherrables