It’s December once again; Time to reflect on the year past and time to start gearing up for the year to come. Between all of our extracurricular activities (work parties, kid’s recitals, ski trips, etc.) we begin to reflect on the Learning’s of 2015, what we did well, as well as what we can improve on. I personally undergo a Brain dump and get everything on paper… Lo and behold several sheets later.
Reflection – Maybe you implemented a new sales strategy that fostered financial growth within your company – you would do well to keep this up. Maybe you tried a new marketing strategy that didn’t hit the mark as expected – Lesson – now you have a better idea of where your marketing should focus.
Once everything is down on paper and you’ve had the time to fully reflect and digest, this would then be a good time to focus on the future of your Business and/or Career, by looking at what you need to Foster and Develop for the coming Year.
Below, I have listed 3 of my 7 top areas of focus for 2016. Please feel free to use:
1. Appreciate & Grow Customer Clientele
Appreciation – This one may be a no brainer, but it must be mentioned. Our clients are the lifeblood of our business and without them where would we be. At this time of year, I like to think about the AMAZING clients I partner with, and how I can appreciate them. I have found, that taking genuine care and going that extra mile, has always taken my business and my clients to new level, referrals is one of the top ways to grow a business.
New Clients – In anticipation for new client acquisitions, I start by reading new blogs to see trends and demands from my target market; I get a new books list ready including Journal, Papers and Specialist publications, for those of you who travel a lot for work/business check out www.audible.com , this has been a lifesaver for me, I get through 2-3 book’s a week, depending on the length, which in turn enables me to be a clued up resource for my clients, as well, as adding to the continual expansion of my knowledge and perception base.
Listed below are 3 of my top twenty books from 2015 (recommended reading for all those within Leadership positions):
- Boundaries for Leaders – Henry Cloud
- Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek
- Crucial Conversations (2nd Edition) – Kerry Patterson
If any of these business books weren’t on your radar for 2015, make sure they are on your list for 2016, you won’t regret it!
Step into Your Customers Shoes – I like to step into my customers’ shoes, and ask myself and my team, if I were our customers or a potential customer how would we view our service?, following we would then look at fresh new ideas we can bring to the table, that continually add value.
***Always think about what you can provide that is different, to build new relationships and capitalize on existing ones.
2. Spend More Time Connecting – Relationships, Relationships, Relationships……
This area cannot be overstated, Relationships are Key ‘It is not just about who you know, it’s about who knows you’. Whether you are an employee, in mid – level management, or a CEO, connecting will always be integral to your success.
Connecting – In the New Year focus on connecting whenever possible and you will be amazed by the results. Aim to connect with people on a basic human level, people want to be understood before they are willing to understand, some of my most treasured personal and business relationships started out with a SMILE at a coffee shop.
Apply the art of listening to the people you serve albeit the teams you lead; your personal/professional peers as well as the clients you partner with.
By connecting with multiple levels of your organization you are able to view how everyone interacts and handles day-to-day business. In doing this you are able to see how the business runs from a broader perspective, enabling you to have a deeper connection with your organization and the people within.
Networking – Networking outside of the company will be crucial as well. Getting outside of your organization to connect, with other professionals, may be just what you need to spark a new idea, or a different way of thinking. Connect with people in your field as well as outside, to give yourself new and refined perspective, some of my fruitful Strategic Partnerships come from same field collaborations.
3. Be Distinct
This action is of ever growing importance. With businesses constantly becoming more competitive and transparent, you may begin to find it harder to differentiate yourself.
Nowadays your potential customers have many options when searching for a service that you provide. This year make the time to take a hard look at what you are doing and what your competitors are doing. Some key questions to ask yourself are:
- Are you catering to the same Markets, how can you differentiate yourself?
- What is the difference in the quality of work delivered?
- What is Your Superpower? (we all have that special something that we are known for, sometimes it’s so innate we don’t even realize it’s our biggest asset)
- How can you improve what you offer?
- What do your clients want more of?
- What new services and products will best serve your client’s needs?
- How can you create yourself as an EXPERT to increase your Market value?
As we wrap up, always remember this simple point, you will know you have found your groove, when the competition begins to follow your lead.
Now, with our goals in focus, let’s make 2016 ROCK
Here’s to Your Success from the Quantum Change Consulting, Team.
Gita & Spenser