Out with the old – in with the New Year

It seems like someone pushed the fast forward button and soon it will be the new year. Some of us would rather forget that 2009 ever happened and are ready to start with a clean slate. It is always good to re-energize and get motivated for the new year, however this past year taught us many lesson that we can bring forward to create a successful new year!

Right Size
All of us had to take a hard look at our budgets and make every penny count. Keep this focus as you plot out next year’s expenses. Monitor your inventory levels and carry the items that are continually moving. Work with your distributor rep for staggered payment terms and discounts for pre-payments. Try to keep a just-in-time inventory level by rotating your shipments and only buying what you need when you need it. This right size methodology also applies to your staff. If you business has decreased, right size your operations to fit your service levels. Having stylist or receptionist sitting around is costing you money. Chart hours and appointments levels to find the right mix for your business. Make it a priority to track these areas and adjust as needed with seasonal flows.

Innovate
Doing the same thing gets the same results. This year creativity counted. Stay inventive by developing new promotions, events, and other marketing related ideas. If you need help coming up with creative promotion ideas, reach out to our experts! We are happy to assist in cause-related marketing events, promotions ideas from ready to go gift sets, postcard ideas to seasonal packaging. The mission is to create interest and captivate your clients to keep your business top of mind.

Positive Attitude
I’m a firm believer that positive energy brings positive results. Worrying, fearing doom and gloom, or dreading each bill only makes things worse. Being proactive with a defined plan for success will ease the worry and keep everyone on the same page. If your team has high energy and makes you atmosphere positive, clients will pick on up that and enjoy their experience more.

Celebrate
Everyone seems to feel they have to work harder, longer, and smarter. Take time out to celebrate achieving small goals such adding a certain amount new clients this month, or obtaining a set goal for pre-bookings or retail sales. Celebrations don’t have to be extravagant. Order lunch in, go on a coffee run, or giving out a few gift cards are all simple ways to show appreciation. Tracking smaller goals will keep you on the right path for your larger targets. Recognizing your staff's hard work helps keep them motivated.

Carve out some time to think back on the lessons you and your business learned this year. Plot out your goals and promotional plans for the new year incorporating the steps above. Remember we only see the light when we know darkness. Use last year as your spring board for success in 2010!