Start planning for 2017 now – Don’t wait until next February
It never fails. Every year, around this time, some businesses start preparing for next year while others want to put it off until “after the holidays.” It also never fails that those who start planning early for the next year always have better next years than those that put it off until “after the holidays.” Most people don’t want to be bothered thinking about 2017 while they are still in 2016, waiting for the holiday shopping season. But, now is exactly the time of year to work on how to make next year more successful.
Begin with thinking about all the things you did well and want to build upon from this year. Next, work on a list of things that did not go so well or were complete failures, look for a way to change the execution or eliminate the waste. Third, think about who your best customers are and how you are currently reaching them and influencing their purchase plans. Fourth, analyze what you stand for as a business and a brand. And lastly, consider how you are communicating with your customer base, both current and future, and what the message is – now ask does that reflect the brand image and the target customers for my business? From here, you can begin to plan your internal strategy for 2017 and then your communication strategy for next year.
Look for opportunities to have a clear communication strategy. Look for vendor/supplier partners, in this space, who can help you achieve your goals and make your life easier, rather than harder. Talk to people who know what they are doing and will give you solid, honest advice. Not sure where to start – you can ask us. Call Connie Hayes at 806-748-2404 or call me directly at 806-748-2405. We can sit down with you and help you plan your coming year, look at what is working and what is not working, talk about your brand strategy, customer acquisition strategy and your communication strategy. And then we can help you come up with a plan of execution to make 2017 better than 2016.
Christopher E. Fleming
Chief Revenue Officer & General Manager
Ramar Communications, Inc.