It’s never too late to learn how to plan for the new year. If you’re not a fan of planning, you’re not alone. However, planning is vital if you hope to surpass your sales goals in 2023. Planning is how we can look to the future while using what we’ve learned thus far.
As a creative entrepreneur, one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success in 2023 is to create a business plan. The past two years have been difficult for all business owners, but by having a plan and confidence in your abilities, you can make 2023 a great year.
Use this new year as an opportunity to assess your strengths and weaknesses so that you can capitalise on your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses. Utilise new ways of doing things so that you can stay ahead of the competition and continue to grow your business.
As you have gained experience, you may have found that your original offers or services no longer fit your goals. It is common to refine your target audience or broaden your reach to clients who can better afford your services.
Pivoting is a natural part of business growth, but planning can help avoid any unexpected bumps along the way. Here’s how you can revamp your business planning for sales growth in 2023.
The most challenging aspect of business planning is setting aside time to do it. Many entrepreneurs spend the majority of their time in Q3 and Q4 working hard to bring in clients for the remainder of the year. While they are trying to create an exceptional client experience, they may adopt an “I’m so busy” mindset that makes it difficult for them to sit down and plan for the future of their business.
As we approach the New Year, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on our goals for the coming year. Too often, entrepreneurs keep their goals in their heads without ever writing them down, much less revisiting them on a regular basis.
Taking the time to create a roadmap for your business can help you stay on track and achieve success in the year ahead. By setting specific goals and checking in on your progress quarterly, you can make sure you’re making the progress you need to reach your long-term objectives.
If you want to achieve success, you need to take action and stop making excuses. This can be difficult, but you have the strength and confidence required to take the first step.
In order to develop a plan for your business in 2023, set aside some time in your calendar specifically for this purpose. 1-2 hour blocks at least once a week in December will give you the opportunity to focus on your ideas and set realistic goals for the year ahead.
There are three key areas you should focus on during these sessions:
1. Review your current pricing strategy. Are you charging the right amount for your services? Are you being too aggressive in trying to sell more services? Take a step back and reassess what you’re offering and how much it costs.
2. Identify potential new clients. Are there sectors of your industry that are growing rapidly? Are there any new trends that you can explore with potential clients? Networking is one of the most important aspects of business growth, so by identifying new potential clients, you’ll be well on your way to 2023 sales goals!
3. Expand your reach. Have you considered expanding into neighbouring cities or countries? Are there any new technologies that could be used in your business? By expanding your reach, you’ll be able to serve a wider range of clients and grow even faster!
Business planning doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll have moments of genius and periods where you feel creatively blocked. That’s why it’s essential to have a running list of ideas on your computer, phone, or notepad. That way, when you have a great idea, you can jot it down and revisit it later during one of your business planning sessions.
If you’ve ever told yourself that you’ll do something for your business but then continued to push it to the bottom of your to-do list, you’re not alone. Business owners are incredibly busy, and it can be difficult to prioritise ourselves and our businesses.
To get the most out of your business planning sessions, remember to hold yourself accountable. This might mean rewarding yourself after your session wraps (for example, by treating yourself to your favorite restaurant) or having one of your team members keep you honest. Whatever motivates you, integrate it into business planning.
By planning for the future, you can ensure that 2023 is a great year for your business.