M a r k e t i n g t i p
The new year-in-review and new year view
Bowl games, left over pecan pie, and sweaters needing to be returned are still at the front of most people's thoughts. It's also natural at the end of December to reflect on the past twelve months' business accomplishments. Counting your wins in terms of dollars funded or dollars earned is standard. Many experts will happily tell you how you should take stock of your recent endeavors and plan for the next set. However, since most success lies off the beaten path, what better way to evaluate past performance and strategy for the future than to veer away from the typical analysis? There is more to count than dollars and deals, and more ways to inspire success and growth than simply setting higher goals.
Did you try something untried because you believed in it? Many of the greatest achievements in business started with a leap of faith. How many leaps did you take and how far did you leap in 2007? What's on the itinerary for 2008?
Did you trust your instincts when everything else seemed to contradict them? It's easy to get caught up in trends, but lose sight of fundamentals - whether it's the latest funding source or sales management pop-philosophy. Not every new idea is a good idea. Celebrate the times in 2007 when you went with your gut and were right. More importantly, recognize why you were right those times, and why you were wrong other times.
Did you listen to all the ideas of your colleagues, superiors, peers and staff? A good idea can come from anywhere. Great minds have cited their adolescent children as the source for some of the greatest ideas of our time. Did you give enough thought to the ideas put on your desk this year? Did you spend time determining how to make an idea work instead of concentrating on what was wrong with it? How can you generate more ideas next year?
What did you do to block the noise from your business so you can focus on, well, your business? Are your people fighting, are your clients asking for silly concessions, is your office too hot or too cold? Get all the clutter out of the way so everyone can stay sharp and focused on business. What can you do to block or eliminate more noise?
Did you smile and laugh as often as you would have liked? How can you smile and laugh more often when in the office in 2008? Often "business joy" follows success. People who enjoy coming to work each day are more productive, more loyal and more passionate about the business' success.
Is your team happy? Is your team happy with you? Salespeople sell better when they are happy. Processors are more productive and efficient when happy. Managers give better direction and have more ideas when they are happy. The level of happiness correlates to the level of success. And happiness doesn't always come from tangibles. Smiles and pats on the back go a long way to perking up morale.
Did you say "thank you" at least ten times each day? If not, there is work to be done. Say it in situations when it is not expected and to people who do not expect it. Show your appreciation, and it will be returned in word and deed. Remember, in this season of bowl games, left over pecan pie, and in-store credits from returned sweaters, be sure you say "thank you" to you too.
