It's 2018... Now What?

Last year's gone, now we have literally a blank slate for 2018 to be creative, extend our Brand's reach, and grow.  So, what's next?  If you are anything like me, you started this process during the past couple of weeks when the world kind of slowed down a bit.  Now, it's time to get it all together.

For me, it all begins with doing a Brandscape - where are you positioned in the industry?  Be it a small business, mid-level or High Flying Corporation, your Brand is always the starting point for drilling down in to what you want to accomplish for the year.  Did you gain or lose market share, improve or lose your social relevance, expand or shrink your target audience?  How did your marketing fare in relation to your Brand messaging?  Was your digital content a positive or negative asset to your year?

Once you look at these factors along with the ugly mathematical truths,  I typically look to how best to make simple, attainable changes that will have a quick impact to the bottom line.  I then establish goals - both reasonable and stretch - that will motivate me to improve.  Then, I write down a formal plan of attack including the dreaded SWOT analysis - Strenghs, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats - which will define where I go this year.

Y'all, it's a blank slate, set a plan and attack the new year!  Best of luck!