As January 31 approaches, think about what you’ll do better or differently in 2016. Aside from (re)commitments to eat healthier, travel more, learn a new language, or go skydiving, you’re probably hoping to become a better marketer.
Since this will be my first year (in a while) as a full-time writer, consultant and trainer, most of my professional goals are about building relationships. But I’ll share a few others—two are always on my list regardless of my job or position, and one is related to my new career status.
1. Make education a priority.
I plan to actually attend some of those free webinars offered by MarketingProfs, American Marketing Association, Cision, Marketo, HubSpot, LinkedIn, NetBase and others. (I usually register and don’t attend.) I might even take an online class, read a few more books, or send my self to a workshop.
2. Step outside my comfort zone.
I love writing, creating, teaching, coaching, planning, strategy and other “word-related” things. But I’m not as excited about numbers. I have worked with Google Analytics, but it’s not fun for me. So this year a plan to push through and learn more about web analytics and other “number-related” things.
3. Redefine my brand.
I’m working with a residential and transitional treatment facility for severely emotionally disturbed youth that is now offering counseling services externally to community youth. Although they could help children any behavior related challenges, they’re best at helping kids with severe issues. That’s where they can make the greatest impact. Similarly, I can perform a number of marketing related services, but what am I best at? This is how I will redefine my brand.
What are your goals for 2016?
Will you step up your social media game? Learn a new skill? Hire a much-needed marketing team member? Set the bar a little higher in terms of marketing creativity and execution? Develop a full-blown digital media strategy?
Whatever it is, don’t think you have to do it all at once. Ten years ago when I started teaching, I had no formal training in social media. (Who did?) I thought, “If I’m teaching advertising, PR and writing, I need to know this!” So I exposed myself to social media, little by little. I read articles, watched YouTube videos, and attended webinars and workshops.
You can use a similar approach when taking on a big project or learning a new skill. If you want to be a better writer, start by reading Eats Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss. It’s educational, fun and an easy read. Next, subscribe to the podcast, Grammar Girl Quick & Dirty Tips for Better Writing. (It’s free!) Or sign up for Ragan.com’s PR Daily, which often includes short articles on writing.
Attend a webinar or workshop, or hire a writing coach or editor—whatever you’re comfortable with. Start small and work your way up to bigger steps. After all, making small, gradual progress is better than making no progress.
You can also start by breaking those big projects into smaller steps. When I decide to paint a room (which I dread), I’ll spend weeks mulling over color choices and looking at rooms on Houzz.com. Next I pick up paint chips and swatches. After choosing a color, I buy paint and supplies. Days or weeks may pass before I actually start preparing the room—cleaning, moving furniture and taping (before I learned to “cut in” with a brush). Now I’m ready to paint and it’s not as daunting because I’ve already done so much of the work.
Whatever you want to accomplish this year, don’t let procrastination or intimidation stop you. Take a baby step or two…soon you’ll be on your way to achieving your goal!
Good luck and I wish you a productive, fun and prosperous new year!