As the dog days of summer come to an end, it’s time to start thinking about things soon to come.
New Year, New Plan
While it might not be the end of 2021 just yet, fall is well on its way—and you know what that means. September 30th marks the end of the 2021 fiscal year, so it’s almost time to turn over a new financial leaf. And with the New Year not far behind (okay, a few months behind), there’s no time like now to start thinking about the future of your business.
2020 was a challenging year for everyone, and 2021 was only marginally better. Still, there is a silver lining on the horizon. Despite a less-than-fantastic year, it’s absolutely possible to finish out 2021 on a high note.
How you end the year sets the stage for your future endeavors. It’s important to finish the way you start: with determination, drive, and excellence. You don’t want to slow down at the finish line! That’s why we’re helping you tee your business up for success in 2022 with a few of our top tips.
Making It Happen
So how can you finish strong this year?
1. Update your portfolio
Now is an excellent time to take stock of the past year. Take a few moments and consider what your business did well in the past year. What was accomplished, and how was it accomplished? How did you use your abilities to excel and problem-solve? What sets you apart from others in your field? The contents of your portfolio should prioritize quality over quantity, and much like writing a good resume, it helps to be specific and direct.
2. Do some self-reflection
This is an opportunity to consider areas that might benefit from some improvement. It’s important to celebrate your successes, but it’s equally important to reflect on the areas in which you’d like to become better. Rather than criticizing yourself, this is an exercise in self-evaluation and goal-setting. Taking this time to reflect will help you plan for the future. Know where you are so you can see where you’re going!
3. Plan ahead
Now that you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your business, you can reassess your strategy. When you’re busy, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but take some time away from current business to consider your strategy for the upcoming year. You can adjust your existing plan if you need to—or even start fresh. Do some brainstorming on your own, or you can do a group brainstorm to get feedback from your other team members.
4. Ask around
Don’t wait for the new year to start cultivating leads and relationships. Try asking your existing clients for referrals: they can link you up with others who may have the same business needs. If you go into the new year already equipped with a roster of fresh leads, you’ll have a leg up on the competition.
A new year brings with it new goals and new opportunities. Why not get a head start on 2022? And if the workload is already ramping up, remember that professional office solutions are always close at hand at My Annapolis Office.