With just two weeks left in 2022, now is a great time to start focusing on your business plans for the new year. 

I don’t know about you, but in the past, I would wait until New Year’s Day to start focusing on the things I wanted for my business. And all that ever did was leave me with half-thought-out plans that I never stuck to.

If you want to create plans that stick, don’t wait until January 1st to get to work, save yourself the stress of last-minute planning, and put your ideas down on paper right now! 

For the past few years, I have been using the month of December to help me create new year goals for my business and it has changed the game for me! 

BENEFITS OF EARLY PLANNING:

1. You are able to start the year off fresh with new ideas and new plans for success. No more wondering what you can do differently, you have a plan and a purpose in place!
2. It frees you up to take the last week of the year off to enjoy your friends and family. Your goals have been set, your plans have been made, and your schedule is clear to enjoy the holiday season. 
3. It allows you to get organized both mentally and physically so you can start January 1st off with purpose and productivity.  

Business plans for the new year will look different for each and every entrepreneur, but there are a few things I believe every business owner should be focusing on to start the year.

5 BUSINESS PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR:

1. Show up consistently

 

This one is tough! It seems so simple to say, “show up consistently” when we already spend so many hours a day online, but what are we doing with those hours? Are we scrolling funny reels or creating our own that lead to our business? Reading our friend’s inspirational posts or are we writing our own? Admiring gorgeous photos from our favorite accounts or working to create our own beautiful grid?

I know you open your social apps multiple times a day. We all do! But in this new year, I want you to be creating content that leads to your brand every single time you open that app or inbox. Get in the habit of posting daily, showing your face as often as possible, and talking about your business like it’s second nature! We can’t talk about our brand once a week and expect people to remember us. We have to be consistent and it has to be daily. 

 

2. Connect and collaborate 

 

Get yourself out there in the new year! Be in the business of making friends and working together to build one another’s brands. You know that account you absolutely love to hear from? That gal on the internet that you just feel connected to? Stop simply consuming her content and begin to connect with her! Show up in her DM’s and begin building a friendship that leads to a partnership! Make it a goal to make one new friend a week and plan to participate in at least one collaboration per month! 

 

3. Meet with your business weekly

 

Much like meeting a friend for coffee, I want you to start meeting with your business at least once a week. It can be at the start of the week, the end of the week, or even the middle. The day is not important as long as you do it weekly. 

Sit down and check in with what’s working, what isn’t, and what you want to start implementing. Look at your numbers, your conversion rates, and your sales. If you feel like the work you’re doing or the time you’re spending isn’t converting, stop what you’re doing and make a new plan. 

 

4. Learn a new skill

 

Are you writing monthly newsletters? Sharing your content through a podcast? Showing up in a weekly blog post? Posting reels and going live? 

Whatever you aren’t currently doing for your business, stop using the idea that you don’t know how as an excuse! Pick one thing each quarter and commit to learning to incorporate it into your business. Whether it’s learning how to navigate WordPress, better understanding SEO, or simply creating your own graphics, don’t be afraid to learn the new skill and use it to help grow your business. 

 

5. Make time for yourself 

 

You may feel like you don’t have the time for this or that it won’t help to move your business forward, but I have to tell you, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your brand! 

Each week plan at least one thing for yourself. It doesn’t have to be fancy or cost you any money. Sure, spa days are lovely, but so is napping with your kids. Whatever it is you need each week to feel fulfilled and full to the brim, make time for it, no matter what you may have to sacrifice to make it happen! 

 

And that’s it! A top-five guide to creating business plans for the new year. As you work through these goals, I am certain you will uncover more personal goals for yourself. Don’t be afraid to add them to the list and build the ultimate plan for dominating life and business in the new year! 

What are you planning for your business in the new year? Connect with me over on Instagram @mkoehler and join The Direct Dish Community so we can chat more about life, business, and everything in between!