Editor’s Forum

There’s no better way to work on yourself and on your business than by acquiring knowledge and using that knowledge to set actionable goals.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

In the New Year, let’s resolve to learn from our mistakes and revitalize our businesses’ processes and procedures.

You may have heard the phrase, “Do the next right thing.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s safe to say many of us faced big questions about the stability of our businesses, perhaps acknowledging concerns about the viability of our personal and professional goals. Sometimes a crisis makes us realize we didn’t plan well enough from the beginning. Perhaps we relied on old, faulty procedures, promising ourselves, “I’ll work on it as soon as I get the chance.” But when a challenge arises—even something as unanticipated as what we’ve seen in the past two years—it has the tendency to reveal our weaknesses. How will we cope with these issues in the coming year?

Learn to set actionable goals

Business owners must empower team members to contribute and offer perspectives to help everyone grow together. All of us, regardless of our expertise, have seen failures and pitfalls throughout our careers. Rather than dwell on our mistakes, we must ask ourselves, “How can I do better next time?” It helps to break down larger goals into smaller ones. When life seems uncertain, goals will help lead us through. Even if your ideas seem lofty now, remember they’re attainable.

Never stop learning

During the past year, we held three KnowledgeFest events, packed full of educational opportunities for retailers, business owners, technicians and fabricators. Most recently, we were in Dallas, where we saw classrooms brimming with students eager for knowledge.

There’s no better way to work on yourself and on your business than by acquiring knowledge and using it to set actionable goals. At KnowledgeFest and in this magazine, we often mention other resources. Here are some books we recommend that will help you set goals and navigate challenges:

• Start with the Vision: Six Steps to Effectively Plan, Create Solutions, and Take Action by Steven and Rob Shallenberger

• Goals: How to Get the Most out of Your Life by Zig Ziglar • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

• The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right by Gorick Ng

• No Regrets Living: 7 keys to a Life of Wonder & Contentment by Dr. Harley Rotbart

• Tarzan Economics: Eight Principles for Pivoting Through Disruption by Will Page

You aren’t alone: Let’s face these challenges together

While the industry is thriving, we can’t assume we’ll always have customers. In order to adjust to daily changes, we must grow our skillsets, work on our businesses and plan for the future. We must be lifelong students. As you look toward the New Year, what are your goals for the future? Let us know your thoughts when we see you in Las Vegas, February 18-20, where we’ll be celebrating the accomplishments of our top-tier industry colleagues. As we move forward into the New Year, don’t be afraid to face your resolutions with determination, perseverance and a renewed sense of hope.