The end of the year is in sight. You’ve wrapped up the last sales you can count on for 2015 and are headed to the finish line. Just like races in years past, this one has included ups and downs, great customers and some unexpected challenges.
As you prepare for next year, Promotional Consultant Today shares these resolutions from small- business owner Maya Ahluwalia to make your 2016 a year of business success.
Say yes to everything. Whether it’s a night out with friends or the next networking event, you should take every opportunity to get out there and shout from the rafters about your business. You never know who you are going to meet; that person might help you get to the next level. Show your passion for your business.
Criticism really is constructive. Hearing criticism is never fun, especially when it is about something that you have put your heart and soul in. As hard as it may be, do not take it personally. It is not a personal attack on your creativity. Use the critique to learn from. What can you do better? How can you improve?
Take a moment and be grateful. You are lucky to have so many amazing people in your life, whether it is your friends, your family or your partner who have been so supportive. Or maybe people that you haven’t thought of in years have come out to commend you for what you are doing. Be thankful for those people and find a way to return the favor any way that you can.
Be proud of yourself. You did it! You have done something that most only just dream about. You have taken the giant leap to shape your life and career to be exactly what you want it to be. Applaud yourself for all of your accomplishments, big or small.
Creating your own schedule to run a small business has many perks, including taking a mid-day break to hit the gym or go for a run, but it can also lead to the pressure to work round the clock. Treat yourself like your best employee and give yourself a break. Take the time you need to relax, put the phone away and turn off the computer. It’s OK to not be working all the time; you will still have a successful business if you aren’t working at every opportunity.
Happy New Year from the team that delivered Promotional Consultant Today to your inbox in 2015. We look forward to many more digital deliveries in the coming year. If you have any suggestions or comments to help us, please send them to ppb@ppai.org.
Source: Maya Ahluwalia is the designer behind Crusoe Jewelry, a fashion jewelry line inspired by nautical motifs, but interpreted into stylish designs. Crusoe Jewelry is created for the fashion-forward consumer with an appreciation for quality with an artisanal approach. In addition to creating Crusoe Jewelry, Ahluwalia is a marketing consultant with expertise in jewelry, fashion and luxury. Clients include Michael Aram Jewelry, Shawn Ames Fine Jewelry, Wells House Bed & Breakfast and the LOU Lookbook App.