Can you believe that 2017 is almost over?
NOW is the time to start drawing up and executing your end-of-year strategies. Here are the top three ways to make that happen:
#1 – Holiday Cards
This is the most important task on your to-do list. First, gather together your client list and then your vendor list. Take these two lists, a pen and some greeting cards and get to work! No, you may not send a generically branded, mass printed card. If this is your ONLY choice, then I will let it slide this once but I can assure you that your card won’t make one single mantle or card wreath. A card that is handwritten and personally inscribed by you will matter and will make a future impact. People do business with people that they like. Taking the time to thank your customers and vendors for partnering with you creates tremendous rapport.
You showed them that they matter and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
#2 – Goal Setting
Do you set personal and professional goals? If you don’t, then join the club! It is hard to find the time to set goals let alone execute them and hold yourself accountable for achieving them. But here are some interesting facts regarding goal setting:
- By writing down your goals, you are 50% more likely to achieve your goals than if you don’t write them down.
- Goals that are time-bound and detail specific are the best kind of goals.
- Sharing your goals with a friend, co-worker or family member will increase your chances of achieving your goals.
- A Harvard study suggests that 83% of the population don’t have goals.
- 92% of goals set at the new year fail by January 15th.
How can we ensure that goal failure is not in your future? Well first of all – WRITE THEM DOWN! Make a chart and create a column for daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Take some time to thoughtfully fill these in and reflect on the time, effort and money that will need to go into achieving these goals.
#3 – Employee & Co-Worker Recognition
On average, the American worker will spend 90,000 hours of their lives at work. This means that you will spend more time with your work family than you will with your own friends and family. Sobering thought right?
Well, we can talk about work life balance later but for now, let’s talk about your relationship with your work family.
- Are you attentive to their life’s details?
- Do you mark birthdays, work anniversaries and goal achievements with them?
- Do you know about their family and do you take time out to listen to their hopes and fears?
As the year comes to a close, this is your chance to schedule some connection time. Lunch is the perfect opportunity to invite an employee or a co-worker out for a casual but sincere chat.
Note: Do NOT play favorites! In fact, this activity will be more meaningful if you try to connect with someone in the office that you don’t see eye to eye.
By opening up the doors of communication and thanking them for the impact they have had on your year, you are setting your team up for a very happy and successful 2018.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like further information on these invaluable strategies.
Miri
