Too often we spend the beginning of the year thinking of all we want to do. Goals we want to meet, sales numbers we want to hit. We frequently forget that the first step in any pursuit should be education.
If we’re hoping to level up, we have to start with the mind.
Action is a crucial function. But action guided by targeted learning has the potential to move the needle much faster.
As you roll through resolution-making season and step into February, you might want to consider upping your know-how in these areas.
Virtual Technology
In 2020 we were all moving as fast as we could to make do with what we knew when in-person became an impossibility.
And while Skype meetings and remote working were fine, for some businesses, it wasn’t a long-term solution equivalent to what they were able to do in person.
So whether you are looking for the new frontier of live events or needing a new communication and organization system for your remote team, it’s time to let go of the rushed reaction to lockdowns and start actually trying to innovate in this space.
Schedule some time to do software demos, consider the equipment that might enhance distanced interactions, and trial new tech that will change the future of your industry.
Race Relations
Whether it’s getting a firmer grasp on history, taking courses in anti-racism, or gaining a better understanding of systematic failures working against specific demographics, a part of your job as a business owner is to create a space that helps improve the world.
In 2020, many who had been neglecting to engage in difficult conversation found themselves inadequately equipped for the challenges of addressing a tragic and trying time in our nation’s history. Business owners alienated audience members, exposed their shortcomings, and fumbled to pick up the pieces after botched, empty attempts at support.
Recently, we talked about how MLK Day couldn’t be another moment where brands participate via a single social media post only to ignore the issue all other times of the year.
And so if you’re serious about being an ally, building a business welcoming to all, and growing something that has a social impact beyond your day-to-day business operations, then take that urge seriously with education.
There are courses and books for starters, but businesses really serious about creating impact could consider one-on-one coaching, business consulting, and partnerships in areas where your business is lacking.
Personal and Professional Health and Wellness
The past year was a landslide of physical, psychological, and spiritual illness. Most were just doing what they had to to survive the year. Fear, stress and poor physical health suddenly became more detrimental than ever.
Frankly, we don’t know a single human who left the past year unscathed. Everyone suffered to some degree.
And while the state of the world may not be within a small business owner’s control, their personal health and aiding in the health of their team is!
We know in our hearts that we can’t perform at our best when our mental and physiological health is compromised.
So begin to study the ways in which you can be your strongest and how you can adapt your business to best suit and support this. Is it possible to provide employees with virtual exercise programs as a perk? Does the health insurance you offer support for mental health services? Can you achieve the same results in a 4-day work week versus a 5-day work week with some intentional planning? Thus giving you and your employees more time for rest? At a bare minimum, are you able to allow your employees some peace and quiet during off working hours so they can sleep and be restored for the next day?
You must first be educated in the areas that contribute to personal health. Then you can work on implementing it into your business. With a better functioning body and brain, you’re bound to perform better.
Financial Preparedness
Without a doubt, small businesses were hit harder than any other type of business. While the Amazon’s and Walmart’s of the world increased their wealth by billions, small business owners were left depending on the CARES Act to survive, taking on unexpected debt, and having to make overwhelming choices about how to operate.
Not uncommon to small businesses, many were operating on thin margins already that simply can’t afford months on end without revenue.
If you just barely skated by in 2020, it’s time to look at finances a little differently. Aside from looking at areas to cut costs and increase profit on existing products, it’s also important to insulate yourself with multiple streams of income. Do you have passive income coming in? Are there digital products you can build so that you have online-only offerings? Can you earn based on your recommendations of other people’s products? Do you have a local opportunity that doesn’t rely on long-distance supply chains and out of the country manufacturing?
Thoroughly examine all the ways in which you can not only add income but add as many means of making money virtually as possible.
While we learned some hard lessons in 2020, we can take ownership in 2021 but working to insulate ourselves and our businesses through intentional education.