The Leader's Checklist for 2020

Who wouldn’t love to be able to see into the future to know what lies ahead?

While we still can’t look into a crystal ball to reliably predict the future, one thing seems clear— while 2019 was a year of great MOMENTUM, 2020 will be a year of innovation, creativity, transformation, and shift; I call it the year of ‘MILESTONES’

The momentum and progression of technology is moving more rapidly every year, creating advancements we can’t even imagine yet--turning our cultural evolution into a revolution.

Leaders who aren’t open to change and don’t acknowledge the impact of how much technology will continue to disrupt the status quo, could find themselves facing some serious challenges or getting left behind altogether as we launch into the new decade. That’s why it’s more important than ever to prepare for the year ahead in order to ensure your future success.

HOW TO GET PREPARED FOR 2020?

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE ?

Develop and increase your social media presence - This is more crucial than ever. It’s now common practice for anyone you may be meeting with to look you up on social media before you ever meet. So if your presence is lacking, it’s like you don’t even exist in the eyes of the younger generation. Your LinkedIn profile for example, should be about more than just your resume--it should be about sharing your professional mission, vision, and direction. My experience has taught me that people are much more interested in knowing what you’re about and where you can take them. Choosing the right key words to convey your purpose is also critical. Instagram is fast becoming a great advertising tool to promote your business visually—so learning how to develop impactful visual content that tells your story is vital. Depending on your target audience, being an active part of the conversation on Facebook continues to be a mainstay of visibility, and Twitter is becoming like a group text. 

TURN CUSTOMERS INTO ADVOCATES ?

Customers expect more information and attention than ever. Everyone likes to feel important and be treated like a VIP. They want to know their business matters. For example, someone you do business with once becomes a customer. Once they become a repeat customer, if you communicate and create an ongoing connection, adding positive value to them, they ultimately become a client. By being responsive to their needs, and providing your best service, you create a positive experience that makes them feel valued. The key here is not selling, it’s serving. Soon they are no longer just your client--they become your advocate. Make it your first milestone goal for 2020 to be the year you turn your customers into advocates and watch your business grow.

STAY INNOVATIVE ?

Innovation is a MUST--Things are changing so rapidly, you must keep up with the latest technology or risk being left behind. The recent unveiling of Tesla’s new cyber truck is a great example of this. Elon Musk is a leader with an open mind, known for shifting and disrupting the status quo. Although some critics find the appearance of his latest new vehicle awkward and unattractive, it’s unique and innovative, which is intriguing potential buyers. Consumers are registering fast to buy it, and can’t seem to wait to experience it. While its ultimate success remains to be seen, the cyber truck represents another new era in automotive technology and buyers are clearly eager to take it for a ride. The future is here. Leaders must always be looking for new ways to apply technology.

GO VIRTUAL ?

Use more video conferencing - In 2020, technology will change the workplace even more, so it’s time to up your game now. Sharing presentations and taking meetings by video will become more common. There will be less need for travel as people become more comfortable with utilizing online videoconferences, and sharing video presentations on apps like ZOOM, Go to Meeting, Facetime, and Skype. If you aren’t using them already, now is the time to learn.

BE A FORWARD THINKER ?

Leaders see and do things before others -- Forward thinking is preparing to not only avoid pitfalls and failure, but to also achieve growth and success through innovation. Forward thinkers are change agents, entrepreneurs, and courageous people with a mindset open to MINDSHIFT. There are always new ways of doing things better. Even the best cannot always stay the best. Leaders with true forward thinking ability bring the future into the present.

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE ?

Automate as much as you can --  2020 is the year to simplify your life. Become laser focused. Don’t let your inbox and your direct messages rule your life! Manage your life better by utilizing the auto-reply function for your e-mail. Set up a time schedule on auto respond and let people know what time of day they can expect your response. After that, learn to manage your distractions and stick to your schedule. STAY AWAY FROM COMPLICATING YOUR LIFE BY FOCUSING ON WHAT MATTERS THE MOST.

DELEGATE MORE ?

Hire an assistant - No matter how talented you are, no one can do it all. 2020 is a year for you to stretch yourself as a leader and do some things you’ve never done before. To do that, you need to focus on a few key things you do best, and delegate the rest. When you’re on a mission, you need help. Hire an assistant and allow yourself to stay focused on what’s most important.

CREATE A FUNNEL ?

As a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader, it’s important to  create a funnel of contacts to offer your services to. Create a landing page or website where people can not only find out about you and what products and services you have to offer, but can sign up to get more information and stay in touch. This funnel should be made up of your e-mail list, your VIP list of contacts and clients, and ‘your tribe’—a group of your closest contacts that you have regular, ongoing communication with, because people only buy from people they know and trust. Feel free to check out my simple landing page; www.farshadasl.com

SERVING COMES FIRST ?

In 2020 sales and success is no longer  just about selling, it’s about serving. People have more access than ever to choose who they do business with, and they crave VIP service like never before. Computers can facilitate just about any transaction. But it’s our job as leaders to provide the human touch. This is what will differentiate you in the marketplace. As leaders, our job is to connect, care and make the customer feel special. Computers don’t do that, people do. If you aren’t providing a high level of service, you won’t be able to stay in business.

BECOME A GREAT COMMUNICATOR ?

The best communicator wins - While it’s true that Millennials and Generation Z may be more adept at technology, they are not necessarily the best at real communication. Effective communication is all about connection, not just clicks and likes. It’s about understanding needs, personalities, and touching the heart. As a leader it is critical to understand how people think and how you make them feel. As that kind of real communication continues to fade away with the rise of e-mail, texting, tweeting, and the younger generations entering the workplace, those with superior communication skills will be in demand and have the advantage. Become a great communicator on a human level and people will respond and appreciate you more.   

2020 will challenge you to do things you’ve never done before in a whole new way. Organizations can no longer afford to be top-heavy. Management bureaucracies destroy productivity and milk the creative juices out of even the most ambitious people. Your people are your most important asset. People’s trust, cooperation, and absolute devotion to the cause comes from the environment created by the leader. Are you creating the right environment as a leader? Are you building up the confidence in people? What are you going to do differently in 2020 to serve and support your team members better?