This year has been unlike any other. Unprecedented. Hellacious. Tumultuous. If you feel an average year can fly by.....how has this year treated you and your business? Has 2020 beat you up, given you too many lemons, or have you figured out how to weather the storm? According to Zen Business, "the current economic climate is being compared to the Great Recession of the late 2000s."
If it feels like we are living in our own version of a history story....well, we are! Many small businesses have experienced struggle and pain since the pandemic wrecked havoc on our local economies. Since we only have 48 days left in 2020, I thought it was a good idea to share five ideas on how you can end the year on a high note.
Revisit your business and personal goals from the beginning of the year. If you established any resolutions around the new year, you may want to take some time to revisit. Although this year has been difficult, it is not too late to check some items off of your list. Maybe you wanted to organize computer files, hold weekly team meetings, or attend more networking events. Don't let the year slip away without putting forth the effort on your goals, no matter how big or small.
Set yourself reminders. If you are like me, you may find yourself getting stuck in a wheel of work. Whether that is work at home or the office, sometimes you just can't find the time for your goals. Keep a notebook, stick post-it notes in high traffic areas where you will see them often, or set reminders in your calendar to keep your goals front of mind.
Think positive. We have all experienced our own ups and downs during the past nine months and it can be hard to stay positive. To finish the year strong, find gratitude daily in the simple things. Journaling and keeping record of your gratitude will help manifest more gratitude in the future. If you don't believe me, here are 14 Health Benefits of Practicing Gratitude.
Instead of starting....why not STOP. Many New Years Resolutions fail because they require you to start doing something. What can you stop doing today that will make you feel accomplished by December 31st? If you are like me, maybe you want to stop talking down to yourself - because you are doing the best you can right now.
Make a push with marketing. End the year strong with a strategic marketing push. Since most people are working remotely, reaching people digitally is a lot easier. Leverage your organic reach on social media by posting original pictures, customer testimonials, or new products or services. When applicable, tag partner businesses and individuals to increase your reach.
No matter what we have been through, we always have the power to keep ourselves in a positive mindset. Take advantage of these last 48 days of 2020 and make the most of them for your business....and for yourself!
References:
ZenBusiness. (2020). Key Statistics for Small Business and Coronavirus. https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/small-business-statistics-during-covid-19/