We're only a few days into the new year and I am ready for whatever comes for my company this year! How can I be so confident?? I always make a plan to start off on the right path so I have less to worry about AND so I can react to any ups or downs. We can't predict what the next 12 months hold for us, but we can set up a structure that will make us better able to take on any challenges. I have four areas of my business that I review and rework as needed - take a look at these parts of your business for 2023! That way we can all have a happy new year!

Financials

The big kahuna! You KNOW you need to put a strong focus on your financials, but this year it's more important than EVER. There are rumblings of a possible recession, and you want to have your business in the best position to handle that if it happens. Set up regular meetings with your bookkeeper or accountant. Regularly check your cash flow and P&L reports. Project your income and see where you may need to add some projects to fill in. To be honest, this is one of the biggest stress relievers for me!! I like to know where I stand and what I need to do to hit my financial goals. No better time to do that than at the beginning of the year!

Branding

This is also the perfect time to review your branding. Does it still fit your company? Do you need to update it or tweak it? Take time to do a DEEP review of your website! Most of the time, we forget to update our services, change the copy, or even add new photos to our portfolio. This is really THE most important place for you to focus because it's also the first place that potential clients, editors, and partners will go to see what you're company is all about. So if it looks tired and dated, or doesn't have the incredible copy and photos it needs, then this is where you may want to invest in 2023!

Calendar

Time to block that calendar! Calendar blocking has COMPLETELY changed how I do business! It's made me so much more efficient and keeps me focused when I have a big project (or two!!). First, go through and put your vacation into the calendar - even if it's just a best guess for the dates. Be sure to include the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.! That will ensure that you DO get some quality time off next year. Then put in any trade shows or business events that you want to attend. Finally, start blocking off design time, meetings and reviews for financials, marketing time, and more. Doing this NOW will save you a lot of stress later.

Organization

One of my FAVORITE things to do in a new year is to throw out unnecessary files, paperwork, and digital files. Out with the old and in with the new! All that clutter is so irritating and can really block your creativity!! Get your office organized and be sure your workroom is in pristine shape, too. Think about where you need to have organized processes and systems, too! Get your business into great shape so you're ready to tackle all those new projects and ideas for 2023!!

To help you get into a "new year" mood, download my FREE Guide to Manage Website Updates. It will help you get your site ready to WOW anyone who lands on your homepage!

Happy 2023!!!