New Year’s Resolutions for You and Your Small Business B Y TO M I R M E N
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O R I G I N S of New Year’s resolutions, which were primarily religious in nature, date back to the ancient Babylonians. Today almost 40% of all Americans are estimated to make resolutions annually, despite the fact that their failure rate is a whopping 88%. The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is based on the failure to achieve a stated goal – for instance, losing 25 pounds. But the real success, I believe, results from acknowledging a needed area of self-improvement. Execution of your plan to achieve your desired results can be refined through trial and error over time. So don’t give up on identifying areas of self-improvement just because you’ve come up short in the area of execution. Here are sure ways to succeed: » Identify areas requiring self-improvement. » Implement a common sense approach to achieving your goals. » Make yourself accountable to a trusted friend.
... consider supercharging your potential for success by becoming accountable for your resolutions to a trusted friend, mentor, or co-worker Want to stretch yourself just a bit further in 2021? How about combining your personal resolutions with those of your small business? Just like yourself, your small business most likely can benefit from resolutions focusing on its financial health, well-being, and its relationships with customers. Ask yourself
these questions for starters: » Are you managing your small business or is it managing you? Identify possible areas for healthy future growth, and invest time implementing a well-thought out plan for success. Try delegating routine tasks to co-workers to free up the needed time. » Can your customers and prospective new clients differentiate you from your competitors? Don’t expect great success in a generic marketplace. Identify those areas where you can successfully differentiate your small business and then implement a marketing strategy to educate existing and future new customers. Like personal resolutions, success with business resolutions begins when you identify areas of improvement and then implement an achievable plan for succeeding. But consider supercharging your potential for success by becoming accountable for your resolutions to a trusted friend, mentor, or co-worker. Happy New Year!
Do They Know It’s You? AS
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EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE December 2020
W E M O V E toward 2021, I encourage you to make time this season to unplug, engage with family and friends, and allow yourself to step back from the busyness to enjoy the holidays (whatever shape that may take this year!). This can also be a great time to evaluate how you and your business (or your role within your profession) present yourself in the marketplace – whether online, via social media, or in print. We frequently hear about “branding consistency” and its importance. So… what is it, why is it important, and are you doing it? For example, if your truck is yellow, your business card green, your street sign pink – all appearing inconsistent and disconnected – then it may be time to update your marketing materials, website, and company gear. Logo, fonts, color palette, tag lines, and overall look and feel are just one part of your story, but it makes a big impact in conveying consistency, professionalism, stability, and TRUST! According to experts in the field, one of the primary goals of recognized branding is to gain customer trust. In order for customers to trust you, they must feel like they “know” you,
and to know you, they have to be aware of your business’ community presence. To recognize and remember you, a consistent message and image (how you are recognized and perceived) are needed in a manner that reinforces your expertise, capabilities, stability, and character. Simple, right? Think of why you choose certain brands or packaging at the grocery store. It may not be apparent, but there is a reason – as this awareness and recognition is often processed subconsciously. Perhaps you grew up with this brand in your home, the label may have appeal, or you have seen hundreds of advertisements that have made an impression. The first step is simple – if a potential customer, who doesn’t know your business, were to see your website, business card, vehicle, apparel, FB page, and any other promotional or marketing material, would they recognize it’s the same business? Evaluate how your business is presenting itself, and ask others for feedback. If you find yourself in the “needs work” category, there are local resources available to help, professionally and affordably, that will enable you to put your best self forward as we begin 2021.
