Here's How You Win 2021

I’ve always found New Year’s to be challenging because we all have to start over. 

This is even truer in my industry. In sales, your numbers are reset to zero. While you still have a pipeline that transfers over into the New Year, you’re basically starting all over again, because now your new sales = $0. But beyond work, it can feel overwhelming to have to rev yourself back up in your career, personal life, and relationships—especially given the turmoil we’re experiencing.

So, what can you do about it?

Many of us wanted 2021 to be the year that solved all the issues we're seeing in the world. January is proving that it probably won't be. We're still navigating a pandemic, political turmoil, and the everyday challenges of being human. It’s easy to get caught up in the #newyearnewme madness, but I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to.

2021 isn’t some magical year that will take away the problems of the past. We are all going to continue to experience events and turmoil that are out of our control. This mindset puts the control and the power out of our hands and into the unknown. Instead, we need to change the narrative. It’s really #newyearsamesh*t. The only variable that we truly have control over is our own choices and actions in response to external events and distress.

If you want to win this year, your strategy should be simple: Don’t wait for anyone or anything else to solve YOUR problems. Create your own solutions. Be responsible. Author your life. 

From a sales perspective, this is actually simpler than some of you may think. Look to the numbers and data. If you haven’t been numbers-oriented thus far, I would encourage you to start tracking your sales dials, client meetings, and overall dollars sold. This will allow you to analyze where you should be spending your time, and how much time you need to spend on activities to reach your goals. If you have these numbers, look back at the past year and how much you sold. Divide your number of dials by dollars sold and you'll know how much a dial is worth to you. The same goes for meetings. So when you set your goal for this year, you will know how many more dials and meetings you will need to make to achieve your goal.  

Many of us across the industry are lacking connection because of COVID. We aren’t going to our regular meetings and trade shows anymore, which can make it hard to network and advance in our careers. We don’t have to rest on our laurels and accept this stagnation, though. 

There are so many opportunities for digital connection and networking. Whether it be reaching out to someone over LinkedIn, to having zoom calls with your colleagues, to a socially distant cup of coffee or lunch, it’s possible to build meaningful connections in COVID. In fact, in order to advance your career in the middle of a pandemic, I’d argue it’s crucial. 

Take advantage of the digital landscape instead of letting it limit you. The companies that are surviving this pandemic and thriving are those who made a swift pivot to understanding how to leverage digital marketing, eCommerce, and social media. Increasing your digital presence can help you grow your business and your opportunities as we continue to navigate quarantined living. 

And this can be simpler than you think. 

The video series I did last fall unexpectedly helped me grow my network and I received a lot of positive feedback from my peers about it. Something as small as a reoccurring video series on Instagram could help you elevate your digital game and experience the growth you want. 

The last piece of tangible advice I want to leave you with is probably the most important: 

Make a plan. 

At the top of a new year, it can be easy to get stuck in the ideation phase of things. Many of us make goals, resolutions, and even vision boards to envision how we want to expand and grow within the next year. But we can fall off and fail in the implementation phase, which is the most important part. Identify your end goal and work backward—map out a strategy that will help you achieve it, and set measurable milestones to keep you on track

In 2020 we saw a lot of loss. Personally, I experienced so much change, as I’m sure you did too. But even in the midst of this turmoil, I’m still committed to growth. I think we all are. Everyone wants to see positive change at every level of our society. The first level I encourage you to start with is you.

Remember that you can change the world. By taking small, daily steps to change yourself, and by committing to be a blessing to others. 2021 may not have all the answers we hoped it would, but you do. You have everything you need to live richly—in 2021 and beyond. You just have to intend it and tap in.