The first week of 2017 should be about reflection. It’s all about a fresh new start.
Yes, I know you are busy. We all are…but you must give yourself some “me time” if you want 2017 to be be your best year ever!
You need to give yourself time in a quiet place to strategically reflect upon your business and ask some serious questions. Once you’ve answered these questions, ask your senior management team to do the same. Then plan a strategic meeting to discuss the answers and develop an action plan for each of them.
- What were our top 3 accomplishments in 2016 and why were these successful?
- Can we replicate or improve upon these accomplishments?
- What is the most efficient use of your time to drive the business?
- What resources are we underutilizing?
- What can we stop doing because it’s really not a good use of our time or resources?
- What are five ways we can improve the profitability of the business?
- What new strategies or tactics can we implement that will maximize our results?
- What processes or departments within our business are under-performing?
- What past or current relationships could we more fully leverage?
- Which customers should we spend more time with?
- Do we have any employees who are underperforming? Why are they still here?
- What other industries could provide us with innovative best practices?
- Where are the hidden opportunities within our business?
- Who can we form strategic partnerships with that will help grow our business?
- How can we get a greater return/payoff using the least amount of money, time, risk, etc.?
- How can we be more effective, more productive?
- What two things can we start doing tomorrow that will improve the business?
- What suggestions from our customers should we pursue first?
- What one thing can you personally change, and hold yourself accountable to stick with, that will improve your effectiveness in 2017?
I look forward to sharing more actionable insights with you in 2017. I enjoy your feedback on these weekly insights, so feel free to respond.
Best wishes to you and your family for a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Henry