Revitalizing Business Strategies for the New Year Ahead
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Chapter 1: Embracing a Fresh Start
As we transition into a new year, the goal is to launch both personally and professionally with vigor. Amy Hampton, a newly established web, graphics, and instructional designer, emphasizes the importance of preparation in her startup. Specializing in calligraphy and lettering, she is committed to improvement rather than perfection.
In her journey, she sought insights from seasoned entrepreneurs Ivana Taylor and Iva Ignjatovic, both assessing their businesses for the upcoming year. Taylor, the founder of DIYMarketers, aims to alleviate the overwhelm faced by small business owners, while Ignjatovic offers expertise in marketing and strategy.
Hampton approaches her endeavor with caution, stating, "I prefer to take my time to ensure everything is in order." Drawing from nearly thirty years of experience, including running a freelance web studio since 2007, she is poised to launch her new website following a hiatus due to personal circumstances.
Section 1.1: Gradual Momentum
Both Taylor and Ignjatovic agree on a measured approach to starting the year. Taylor mentions, "I take the week before the new year to prepare, then gradually implement my plans." This caution is supported by statistics from Best Small Business Loans, which indicate that 66 percent of small businesses struggle with financial issues.
"I will build momentum this year," Ignjatovic adds, emphasizing the importance of a steady pace.
Subsection 1.1.1: Adapting to External Challenges
With ongoing challenges from a pandemic, Hampton expresses gratitude for her vaccination, especially considering the health of her family. "It's a relief to have virtual meeting technology, though it's not quite the same," she notes.
Taylor plans to balance her business and household duties, while Ignjatovic states that her work pace is contingent on her clients' needs. After completing her graduate studies, Hampton is ready to resume her work, stating, "I'm excited to reopen my web studio and explore new creative avenues."
Section 1.2: Prioritizing Customer Connection
In their efforts, entrepreneurs recognize the support of their clientele. A NerdWallet study revealed that 31 percent of small business owners who closed temporarily due to COVID-19 credit their reopening to customer loyalty. This motivates Ignjatovic to enhance her processes for better service.
"It's a fresh start," Hampton declares, having set up a new workspace and established a 12-week planning method. She is also dedicating time to online networking and utilizing available resources. Taylor is revamping her email tools and diversifying her content.
Chapter 2: Organizing for Success
"I'm cleaning up my workspace and am now debt-free," Ignjatovic shares, highlighting her desire for predictability in business. "Protecting your calendar is crucial," Hampton advises. "We can only manage our responses to uncontrollable events."
Taylor is focusing on her video series to streamline her content creation. "I have my videos ready; now I need to transform them into engaging content," she says with a chuckle. A Forbes survey indicates that 78 percent of small business owners recognize technology's significant role in their operations.
"There's too much uncertainty to predict accurately," Ignjatovic remarks, stressing the need for vigilance to catch early signs of significant changes.
Section 2.1: Innovation and Family Balance
Many business leaders aspire to realize their creative projects. "My priority is launching a new website," Hampton confesses, noting it's overdue. Taylor aims to strengthen her customer outreach, stating, "I’m dedicated to understanding my audience better."
Successful entrepreneurs also value family time. According to Luisa Zhou Live, 58 percent prioritize evenings with loved ones, while 55 percent keep weekends free for family.
Section 2.2: Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Business owners understand that effective financial management is key to securing their futures. "To stay competitive, continuous learning is essential," Ignjatovic emphasizes, particularly regarding technology's evolving role in small businesses.
Hampton looks forward to embracing new aspects of her business, including social media and blogging. "The landscape has shifted since I became a freelancer in 2007, and so have I," she notes.
Taylor, who is running her own jumpstart program, reports significant success in improving email engagement, with open rates skyrocketing from 25 to 80 percent. She shares insights from her experience, including a post titled "Office 365 Marketing Features You May Have Missed."
Section 2.3: Strategies for Enhanced Productivity
Maximizing productivity remains a top priority for businesses. "Develop a strategy that suits you and your company," Hampton advises. "Many exhaust themselves trying to keep up with others. Determine what is 'enough' for you and plan accordingly."
Taylor echoes this sentiment, advising to focus on one outstanding element and refine it before exploring new ventures. "For marketing, I suggest a simple structure: one strategy, two tactics, and no more than three tools."
However, it’s also essential to unplug from work. "We need to step back and recharge," Ignjatovic asserts, noting the importance of mental wellness.
Staying focused is a mental exercise. "I find clarity in concentrating on a single strategy and two tactics," Taylor explains. Ignjatovic trusts her instincts, stating, "I don't follow a strict plan; I adapt as needed."
Hampton, too, embraces a flexible approach, taking each day as it comes and refining her objectives. "I aim to utilize my resources wisely, and we all share the same hope at the beginning of a new year."
About the Author
Jim Katzaman manages Largo Financial Services and has experience in public affairs within the Air Force and federal government. Connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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