When you hit December, it’s tempting to ease back on the accelerator as you slide into summer holiday mode, so now’s the perfect time to keep your focus and prepare for 2019. If you put in the work this month, you’ll be able to enjoy the seasonal fun and be ready to hit the ground running in 2019.
How can I get my business ready for 2019?
Reflect and record
Firstly, it’s great to take a moment to reflect on how you’ve done in 2018. Did you exceed expectations in terms of growth or profit? Did you do well in some areas but get let down in others? If you had a business plan in place with key goals and objectives, take some time to add in your outcomes so you can track your progress against your intentions.
Be grateful
Your staff are critical to your success, so if you have a team around you, don’t forget to acknowledge their contributions to the business. Come together to celebrate and reflect and let them know how important they are to you. You really want your people to return to the business in the New Year feeling valued and energised.
This also applies to your customers and members—without them you’ve got nothing to reflect on at all! Be sure to make them feel like a valued part of your community, whether it’s through an email message, a special discount, a member event or party or something else altogether. Your efforts to recognise and thank your customers will go a long way!
Focus on 2019
Think about the year ahead and what you’re keen to achieve. Think about how you’d like to do things differently to 2018 and what worked well and what you’d like to build on. Set your business goals so when you return in 2019, you have a plan and you know how you’re going to achieve it. It’s always a little difficult to muster the enthusiasm after a summer holiday so if you put your plan in place now, you’ll be set to pick it up and deliver when you’re back on board. Even write your to-do list for the first week so you know exactly what you need to do from week one.
Clean up
De-cluttering before you sign off for the year is so important. Do your filing, clear out your inbox, tidy up the office spaces and try to get your paperwork up to date. Coming back to a messy, cluttered space will drain your energy from the moment you step through the door whereas a clear space will have a positive impact.
Rest up
Taking a break from business can be hard to do, but if you can carve out some time, use it well so you feel rested and invigorated from the time you spend away.
Book a meeting with your PaySmart BDM
If you need another brain to work with you on your 2019 plans, talk to your PaySmart Business Development Manager about getting together to bounce some ideas around.
Contact your local PaySmart Business Development Manager today.
