2018 is here! Let the recommitments to greatness begin! Before you hail off into 365 days hard work and success, there are a few things you may want to be sure you have to guarantee you’re ready.
A Bomb Team
If you plan to blow up, you’re going to need to surround yourself with the best! Take a minute and really write out your business process. Start at idea and creation to purchase and follow-up. How many different jobs did you discover you’ve been doing on your own? Try to get as many willing people in those positions as possible. It’s completely fine if you can only afford one. Having others as a part of your process will not only give you a greater capacity for work, but it will give you fresh ideas, thoughts, and criticism (embrace it).
A Refreshed Brand Image
Now is the time to determine if you need to spruce anything up. Even if you don’t execute it now, knowing that there, for example, is a major website overhaul coming in a few months may change how you promote your business. Ask yourself if you’re happy with your current logo, headshots, etc. If you’re happy with everything, ask yourself,” what will make me stand out even more in 2018?” Remember, you are about to see an onslaught of updated brands and new brands! How can you put a little shine on your brand’s image and presentation to ensure you’re still competing?
A Mentor
Whether this is your first year in business or your thirty-first, get a mentor. January is actually National Mentor Month. So, this is the perfect time to find someone in your field or industry, or even that you just identify with, who has the resources and skill set to help guide your career to positive places. Mentorship is such an important aspect of running a business. Entrepreneurs are naturally self-starters and often don’t ask for guidance. Remember, you don’t know everything. You can’t possibly know everything. A mentor can tell you where they’ve been, what mistakes they made, what lessons they’ve learned, who can help you, and more. You don’t have to talk to them everyday for the mentor relationship to work. Whomever you ask will likely be thrilled that you thought of them and do all they can to help you be successful.
A Trust Information Resource (or 2 or 3…)
Everything about our lives is constantly changing. As a business owner, it can be extremely difficult to stay up-to-date on the latest changes, not only in your industry, but in other aspects of running your business. There is no way to know all the changes to the new tax laws, the latest Google ranking details, or the latest Facebook algorithm updates. It’s always a good idea to identify early where you will pull your information so that you aren’t winging it every time something changes or you need guidance. For marketing and branding, Fire Starters, an upcoming One Degree membership, is a great resource. If you’re a solopreneur or entrepreneur who isn’t in a position to outsource your marketing strategy and planning needs, Fire Starters, will give you access to marketing information constantly at a comparably lower cost than hiring a marketing company full time. Joining Fire Starters, and services like it, can help you stay on track and keep you informed as quickly as you work to maintain and grow your business.
(Want to find out when Fire Starters membership opens? Click here to be notified.)
A Scheduled Break
I bet you didn’t see that coming. Right now, in January, decide when you’re going to take a break. You may not be in a position to take a vacation, or may not even want to. But, you must remember, in order to operate at your best, you have to take time to reset. A few hours every week are great for keeping your sanity. However, planning a weekend, a week, or even 2 weeks of unplugging is important. If you have a family, plan a time that you don’t have to say the words “mommy’s coming, give me one sec, almost done.” Give yourself the break you deserve and need to sustain the amazing business your are building.
Do not live your life in 2018 as a small business owner without these things. They may seem simple enough to overlook today. But, having them in place will save you time and money throughout the year.
Happy New Year!
Jacqueline Jones