As we fast approach the end of another year, do you find yourself reflecting on what you’re doing and what you’re not doing, the way you do things and the way you don’t do things in your business?
Repetition of what isn’t really working out for you is probably not the best idea.
But repetition of what is going well for you right now might not necessarily be the ideal strategy either, because things change and evolve.
What has worked during 2021 and 2022 may not work during 2023. You know about factors that impact your marketplace, right?
But have you sat down and reflected on the big questions for 2023?
All too often, SMEs (generally one- to five-man bands) are all too fascinated by the latest change on the Meta platforms, or what the heck is going on with Twitter, or where did that button go, or do I need to get on TikTok, or should I shoot my videos in landscape or portrait.
Trust me, these are not the big questions.
The big questions for 2023 are, am I clear in my strategy, do I know what my USPs are, am I aware of market trends, can I clearly and without ambiguity define my one or more target markets, do I know (without pure guesswork) what benefits my target personae are looking for from my products and services, what reputation does my brand have in the marketplace, do my Four Ps match what my audience wants, etc.
Once the Christmas madness is passed, take some time to reflect on all of this and make the right big decisions for 2023 and beyond.
How do you gain clarity?
Big Questions for 2023 – Gaining Clarity
Carry out research, sit down and look at what is going on in your market, what are ‘competitors’ up to, who tends to be innovative in products and service delivery, etc.
How often do you sit down with clients and talk about more strategic stuff than the whereabouts of your latest delayed delivery or their next order?
When’s the last time you went to a trade or consumer show, but not as an exhibitor, instead just to observe, see, learn, adapt, adopt, absorb, spot opportunities, changes, demises, what’s generating boredom and excitement?
How is your branding performing in the eyes of your target audiences?
Get thee to 2023!