It’s the first week of the year and we’re all back to hustling. But before anything else, it’s not proper for a solopreneur to immediately enter the workstation and return to last year’s daily routine after taking a break from the holidays. That only leads to an early burnout.
You must strive to keep your enthusiasm up as you do business this 2022. One way to do so is by starting the year right with these simple tips.
1. Clean up
Review all digital and paper files from last year as well as apps and programs in your gadgets. Delete and throw away what you longer need or isn’t important. Be careful not to trash documents that you’ll need for filing your taxes.
2. Improve communication
Create a new communication system where your clients and business collaborations can contact you based on the nature of their needs. It’s confusing to use one email address, phone number, or social media account to talk with everybody. Set one account for receiving complaints, another for orders, and one for marketing.
3. Have a makeover
This strategy only applies if your business has been around for years. Improve your logo. Use another color scheme. Upgrade your app or website interface. You can also redesign your physical store if needed.
4. Create a positive work-life atmosphere
Running a business can be stressful. I’d be lying if I said it’s all sunny days. There are a lot of things that would cause a solopreneur a lot of stress. A few examples would be an inconsistent in and out schedule, lack of knowledge on how to address rude customer behavior, and a messy workplace.
If you’ve been dealing with these problems since last year, you must find a way to eliminate or fix them before you start operating again for the next 12 months. Start by waking up early to arrive early at work, setting an alarm to remind yourself to call it a day, reading tips on dealing with upset customers, and tidying up your workplace regularly.
5. Revisit last years plans
So you’ve made some good plans weeks or months ago for your business but they got ditched for various reasons. Just because they’re from the previous year doesn’t mean they should be forgotten forever. Read them again and assess if executing these plans is still viable this 2022.
If they still are, then include them as one of your first priorities this year. Don’t forget cleaning up comes first.
6. Create buzz
What makes January one of the best months for marketing is that the customers’ minds are still fresh from taking a break over the holidays. So seize the opportunity to introduce a new product or service while your competitors are still figuring out how to start their business year.
7. Start easy
Getting busy right after taking a break is not a great way to start your year. Never do multiple things at the same time. You’ll only exhaust yourself before this year reaches its second half. You must start relaxed. Finish one task at a time. If the first agenda is cleaning up and you’re done with it, proceed to prepare your shop to execute last year’s almost-ditched business plan.
Then do a business makeover before informing your customers about the different communication lines to use for their concerns. Learn strategies on dealing with your stressors last year and remember them well. And finally, market the new things in your business to potential leads and existing customers before officially opening your shop for the year.
Seeing your competitors scrambling to resume operations after the holidays? Don’t pressure yourself. Take a deep breath, write down your game plan, and work at your own pace. No matter how fast your progression is, remember that slow and steady wins the race.
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