2021: Looking Ahead

2021: Looking Ahead

Planning for next year’s goals may seem pointless after a year when so many of our plans have been completely canceled.

It’s been a tough year in many ways but it hasn’t all been bad. These pauses to our normal activities can provide a chance for innovation.

This was a year of opportunity for people who had a toolbox full of options and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.

We noticed that the folks who fared best were primarily those who had strong programs going into the year. They had been doing what they needed to do and had built a solid foundation for everything from marketing to employee training.

So we're inviting you to take a moment and look ahead to 2021.

Are you adapting?

First let's look back. Did you come through 2020 with flying colors? Or are you barely dragging yourself across the finish line glad to be in one piece. Either way, now is time to assess where you are currently, and plan where you hope to be a year from now.

“Because this is the way we’ve always done it” really doesn’t apply when absolutely everything has changed. Customer expectations have been altered, perhaps forever.

So what does that mean for small business owners? When we’re forced to change the way we’ve always done things, it creates an opportunity to look at it all from a new perspective.

Set some goals.

Are you doing all you can to reach your goals?
No matter what your goals might be, these 4 Quick Questions will help frame your plan to reach them in 2021.

1. What is my current situation?
   Take stock. What’s going well? What could be improved?
2. Where do I aspire to be?
   Detail your vision for what each aspect of your life should look like.
3. What are the steps to get there?
   Pick the first 3 things you could do to start bringing this vision into reality.
4. What tools or resources do I need to help me get to the next step?
   List the tools you need to help you achieve the steps you listed above.

We hope this is a useful starting point to help you take those first baby steps toward making 2021 a year of accomplishment.

If you need help, PISTN is here to help you review and plan. We can assist in assessing your marketing program and recommending tools to drive sales. Talk it through with one of our experts to see if there are options you hadn’t considered.