5 Strategies I'm Implementing to Transform My Business This Year

"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." - Arnold H. Glasow

Starting a new year often feels like unwrapping a brand-new toy, full of potential and excitement. But the greater gift may lie in reflecting on the past year to understand what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve. As founders and business owners, this reflection can be a powerful tool for growth. Today, I want to share three wins from last year and five specific strategies I'm implementing this year that have already made a positive impact on my business. Let’s dive in!

Win #1: Hiring a Full-Time Marketing Coordinator

Last year, my business grew by 62%, which more than doubled our revenue and workload. Amid this growth, I realized the importance of focusing on marketing while managing client work. I hired a full-time marketing coordinator to take charge of our marketing efforts. This decision was pivotal. Having a dedicated person to oversee marketing activities has not only freed up my time but also ensured consistency and quality in our marketing strategy. This shift allowed me to focus on the long-term vision and business development, which is crucial for sustained growth.

Win #2: Upgrading the Marketing Process

I massively upgraded our marketing process by working with Smart Alpaca Marketing. This overhaul included refining our messaging, identifying ideal client types, and launching a new website. We introduced a content calendar that schedules podcast episodes, blog posts, and emails to maintain consistent communication with our audience. Utilizing tools like AirTable to manage workflows has been a game-changer, allowing us to track and execute our marketing plans efficiently. This structured approach has significantly enhanced our visibility and client engagement.

Win #3: Launching the Podcast

Launching the "My Good Woman" podcast was a long-term dream come true. It required focused effort, new skills, and a significant time investment. This podcast aims to elevate women in leadership by sharing their stories and insights. The journey to launch it was arduous but rewarding, providing a new platform to connect with our audience and share valuable content. The podcast has become an integral part of our brand, showcasing our commitment to leadership and business excellence.

Strategy #1: Planning on Fridays

Planning has never been my strong suit, but I've adopted a new approach inspired by Ashlyn Carter from Ashlyn Writes and Laura Vanderkam’s book "Tranquility by Tuesday." Instead of planning on Sundays, I now dedicate Friday afternoons to plan the upcoming week. This shift has allowed me to protect my family time and start the week with a clear, actionable plan. It ensures that I’m prepared for the week ahead, setting realistic goals and aligning my tasks with long-term objectives.

Strategy #2: Focusing on the One Thing

I’ve embraced the concept of focusing on one key priority each day. This approach combats my tendency towards shiny object syndrome and helps me maintain progress and mental clarity. By identifying the most critical task that moves the needle towards my goals, I ensure that, despite the daily chaos, I accomplish what’s most important. This strategy has helped streamline my efforts and enhance my productivity.

Strategy #3: Day Theming

Day theming has been revolutionary for managing my diverse responsibilities. Each day is dedicated to a specific area of my business: Marketing Mondays, Podcast Tuesdays, Repurpose Wednesdays, Get Her Done Thursdays, and Finance Fridays. This method allows me to fully immerse myself in each area without constant context switching, improving my focus and efficiency. Day theming has also helped in identifying areas for delegation, further optimizing my workflow.

Strategy #4: Documenting Everything

Documentation has become a cornerstone of my business strategy. Initially, I found it tedious, but now I see it as essential for efficiency and scalability. We’ve built a comprehensive documentation system using AirTable, covering project management, marketing, client onboarding, and team training. This ensures consistency in our processes and allows new team members to get up to speed quickly. Documenting our processes has significantly reduced context switching and improved overall productivity.

Strategy #5: Playing the Long Game

Finally, I’m focusing on the long game. I’ve outlined a 10-year vision for my business and life, which I review daily. This practice keeps me connected to my long-term goals and ensures that my daily actions align with my broader vision. By dedicating time each week to work on long-term projects, I’m steadily progressing towards my ultimate objectives. Balancing immediate tasks with future aspirations helps maintain perspective and motivation.

Reflecting on last year’s successes and challenges has been invaluable. By implementing these new strategies, I’m excited to see continued growth and success in my business. I hope sharing these insights helps you in your entrepreneurial journey. Here’s to a productive and transformative year ahead!