I went to a new body class once and was terribly disappointed. I didn’t get one. Of course, I didn’t do the work and one class does not a new body make, but now is the time when we make all those New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by February. So, how about instead of making a resolution, how about we get down to business and just get organised? We’re talking about a planned and purposeful start to 2025 – the kind that sets you up for success. Sound like Nirvana, but you just don’t have the mental load to deal?
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t jump in your car and start driving without knowing where you’re going, would you? (Unless you’re into those spontaneous road trips, which is cool too, but you get the point.)
Starting the year with intention means less stress, more focus, and a smoother ride throughout the year. It’s about setting yourself up for success, not scrambling to catch up.
Here’s our five-step guide to getting your ducks in a row
1. Review last year’s hits and misses
- Time for a little reflection. What worked well last year? What fell flat? What did you learn?
- Don’t be afraid to get analytical. Dig into your website analytics, social media insights, and sales data. The numbers don’t lie! And actually, analyse them – what are they telling you? Don’t make the mistake of looking at averages dig deep for nuances.
- Celebrate your wins and learn from your mistakes. This is about growth, not self-flagellation.
2. Set some objectives (and make ’em SMART)
Ditch the vague goals. “Increase sales” is soooo last year. Get SMART instead:
- Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
- Measurable: How will you track your progress?
- Attainable: Is it realistic?
- Relevant: Does it align with your overall business goals?
- Time-bound: When do you want to achieve it by?
Big TIP here – Don’t try and do too much.
3. Create a content plan
- What’s the story, morning glory? What do you want to achieve with your content? Are you trying to build brand awareness, generate leads, or become the go-to expert in your field?
- Who’s your audience? (Hint: it’s not “everyone”.) Get specific about who you’re trying to reach. What are their pain points? What keeps them up at night?
- Map it out. A simple spreadsheet or content calendar can work wonders. Plan out your topics, formats (blog posts, videos, social media updates), and publishing schedule.
- Work in advance – spend a day or two writing posts that cover 80% of your content
4. Embrace the face to face
- It’s not just about who you know, it’s about who knows you. Get out there and connect with other businesses, industry leaders, and potential clients.
- Think beyond the stuffy networking events. (Unless you love those, then go for it!) Online communities, webinars, and even good old-fashioned coffee dates can be just as effective.
- Be a giver, not just a taker. Offer your expertise, share valuable resources, and be genuinely interested in helping others. The good karma will come back to you.
5. Don’t forget about YOU
- Burnout is a real thing. Make sure you’re prioritising your own well-being. Schedule time for breaks, exercise, and activities that bring you joy.
- Sharpen the saw. Invest in your own professional development. Attend workshops, read industry publications, and learn new skills.
- Delegate and automate. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Free up your time and mental energy by outsourcing tasks or using technology to automate processes.
Bonus Tip:
Don’t forget to break down your big goals into smaller, more manageable chunks. It’s less overwhelming and helps you stay on track.
Here’s to a cracking 2025!
A little about Spinifex
We get it – planning can be a bit of a drag. But trust us, it’s worth it. And if you need a little help getting your head around it all, you know who to call. (Hint: it’s us. 😉)
Call us, one job will be ticked from your list. Let’s chat!
