Four Steps for Success in 2020

There’s an ancient Chinese proverb you may be familiar with: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is NOW”. This saying reminds us that if we want success and growth in the future, the best time to act is now. Everything we “plant” today can grow with the right care and attention.
 

With 2020 just around the corner, what could be a better time to start planting the seeds for your business success in the coming year? Now is the time to revisit your goals; take stock of your successes and what you can do to create more; review what’s not bringing success and determine how to do less of it.
 

We’ve developed a simple planning process to help you start planting now. And as a bonus, look for our special offer.
 

Your four-step business planning process

Setting up business goals for the coming year doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be broken down into four basic steps:
 

1. Think about the past year
Take an honest look at the highs and lows of last year. What was working for you and what didn’t work so well, and why? What tactics are worth continuing? What should be dropped? What new actions could be taken?
 

2. Envision the coming year
Once you have a clear picture about last year, cast your mind forward to what success looks like in the coming year and beyond. The vision you once had for your company may have changed. In 2020, is there a specific number of clients and a sales target you want to reach? Are you launching a new product or service? Do you need to reposition to leverage your success with a new target audience? Are you working too hard for the results you’re achieving? Or do you have broader goals you’re aiming for? Success means something different to everyone. Your specific vision will guide you.
 

3. Create and execute your plan
Once you know what you want for your business in 2020, you can develop the strategic initiatives to get there. One strategy is to set weekly and monthly ‘milestones’ that break down your long-term goals into smaller, more attainable ones. You could set launch dates for certain initiatives. Another tactic, to drive accountability, is to establish a system for reporting back to your team or to key individuals.
 

4. Monitor through metrics
A business phrase I’ve always loved is, “What gets measured gets managed.” What key metrics would help you measure and manage your business success? The number of new leads you bring in? The percentage of leads converted? The average sale value of those conversions?
 

These four steps are the seeds to plant now to reap the rewards you envision for 2020 and beyond.
 

What about your clients?

Keeping your own goals in mind, what can you do now to help your clients prepare for 2020? Are you aware of what’s truly on their minds? What they are experiencing? What are their current challenges? What obstacles can you help them avoid or manage better next year?
 

At Impagination, we’re attuned to what our clients need to set them up for success, including helping them to focus on their own clients. For example, our best clients in Wealth Management are constantly listening and providing up-to-the-minute knowledge, experience and proactive guidance to address the needs and queries of their best clients through regular communications, including newsletters, website articles, social media posts and in every conversation. They count on Impagination to help them avoid costly blunders, and to keep them 5-steps ahead using best practices saving them precious time and money. We provide support in brainstorming new ideas, as a sounding board for those ideas, helping clarify their future vision, and ensuring they have a motivated and accountable team.
 

To learn more about preparing for 2020, and helping your clients do the same, we invite you to sign up for one of a limited number of complimentary 30-minute consultations we’re offering before the New Year.
 

Book yours today… and start planting!