Time to Rethink, Reevaluate, and Ready Up for Next Year!

Hello, lovely readers!

It’s that time of year again. The holiday lights are twinkling, the coffee shops are rolling out the peppermint-flavored everything, and we’re all pretending we’ll get our holiday shopping done early this year (right?).

But for us in the business world, this season brings something even more exhilarating (or, dare I say, terrifying): End-of-Year Strategy Review Time. Yes, it’s time to sit down, grab some caffeine (or something stronger), and take an honest look at what worked, what didn't, and where we’re heading in the new year.?

?So, Where Do We Start?

First things first—data doesn’t lie. Let’s pull up those charts, graphs, and endless spreadsheets to see where our hard work actually paid off, and where we might have been, well… spinning our wheels. Was that social media campaign really worth the hours of brainstorming? Did our email marketing efforts drive conversions or just fill up inboxes??

And let’s be real here—if you’re spending tons of money on service providers but the ROI is looking more “meh” than “wow,” maybe it’s time to ask yourself, “Who’s really winning here?” Are they making money while you’re left with nothing but stress and invoices? Because, friends, that’s not a partnership; that’s a one-way ticket to Frustration Town.

?Time for Some Honesty About Partnerships ??

This is the time of year when we get to be brutally honest with ourselves. It’s like New Year’s Resolutions for business owners. We need to look at every aspect of our strategy and ask some tough questions:

- Is my team the right team? Are they as passionate about your business as you are? Or are they just clocking in and out? A successful strategy isn’t a solo effort; it’s a team sport. And if you’re playing soccer with people who’d rather be playing chess, well, maybe it’s time to reevaluate.

??

- Am I in honest partnerships with those who support my marketing? Look, we all know it’s easy to get charmed by fancy pitches and sleek presentations, but at the end of the day, you need partners who will be in the trenches with you. Not just giving advice from afar or selling you services you don’t need, but genuinely supporting your vision and growth.

- Are we running blind or with a strategy? It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but let’s not forget the bigger picture. Every post, every email, every campaign should serve a purpose. And if it’s all feeling a little scatterbrained, that’s a sign we need to regroup and refine.

?So, What’s the Solution?

And that’s exactly why I created The Darl. Over the years, I realized that too many brands were stuck piecing together strategies with random partners who didn’t quite “get it.” They were hiring on autopilot, relying on agencies that saw them as just another client rather than truly understanding what made them unique.

At The Darl, we do things differently (We break the rules). We’re not just here to check boxes and churn out generic strategies. We’re here to partner with each of our clients—fully, intentionally, and with a commitment to seeing the whole picture. Because here’s the truth: you deserve a team that’s as invested in your brand’s vision as you are.

You need someone in your corner (or an agency like ours!) that aligns with your values, understands your brand at its core, and is dedicated to bringing out what makes you special. That’s what sets brands apart in this crowded marketplace. It’s not about following the herd; it’s about standing out, and that only happens when your strategy is as unique as your brand.

If you’re ready to go beyond surface-level strategies and invest in a partnership that guarantees you stand out, it might be time to connect with us.

Aim to make 2025 the year you break the mold and achieve the kind of success that others only dream about.

So here’s my challenge to you as we wrap up the year:

1. Take a hard look at your data.

2. Review your partnerships.

3. Ask yourself if your team and strategy align with where you want to go.

And if you’re ready for a partner who’ll truly be in it with you, well, you know where to find me. ??

Wishing you the ability to make smart decisions, strong partnerships, and a wildly successful new year ahead! ??

Xo,

Lara