For most businesses, mid-November through the end of December is usually a 
slower time. This is both a welcome relief *and* a wonderful opportunity for you to work ON your business rather than just IN your business. 
With that in mind, if you are a new business, here are five things to consider between now and December 31st:
1. Do you have boundaries?
Boundaries are simple a way for you to say ‘yes’ to yourself and your business. By honoring yourself you earn the respect of your clients.
2. Do you know what you are going to charge and why?
It is important that you be solid in your decision to charge a certain price. If you waffle on this important piece of your business you set the tone with your clients that they can bargain rates with you. The ‘why’ part of this question is important for YOU only, as you do not (and should not) feel you have to justify your rates. Just be sure you are solid in your reasoning. It will come across to your client without you having to say anything.
3. Do you know who your ideal client is?
If you don’t know who your ideal client is, how can you expect to be successful? You can’t be all things to all people. Determine who you enjoy working with, and what you enjoy doing. The more specific you are, the better your results will be.
4. Do you have a website?
There really is no excuse anymore for not having a website. If you are not web-savvy either use a template based website or think about hiring someone to create the website for you. The blog platform is a very popular format today. I know several savyy VA’s who can help you create one if you need help. Get in touch with me if you need some names.
5. Do you have a marketing plan?
Like a business plan, this is an important detail! How do you know where you’re going if you don’t have a plan or a map? It’s like getting dressed up with no place to go. Take some time and lay out a plan.
If you answered yes to all of the above questions, kudos to you! Here are an additional five questions you should consider as you move into 2010:
1. Do you have specific, measureable goals for 2010?
Without specific, measureable goals anything you achieve will be fine, but it is really? Make the goal a bit of a stretch. If it’s too easy you won’t do it, and if it’s too hard you won’t do it. Find a happy middle ground and go for it!
2. Have you identified your opportunities?
In looking at your business, do you know where the opportunities for continued success lie? If no, now would be a good time to take a look.
3. If you answered yes to above question, do you have specific plans to capitalize on those opportunities?
Again, without a plan anything you do is fine. You don’t need to write a short novel for your marketing plan. If you can do it in a couple of paragraphs or pages and it works for you, then run with it. Call it done and move forward!
4. Have you analyzed your success in 2009 so you can continue to capitalize on those strengths in 2010?
You should always know what is working for you and what is not working for you. Always.
5. Does your 2010 calendar have a day set aside each quarter where you are analyzing and planning?
You should have at least one day each quarter where you work ON your business. Plan a day out of the office where you can let the creative juices flow. Don’t limit yourself! Write everything down. You never know when a crazy idea may be the perfect idea!
Drop me an email and let me know how you are doing on these questions. Have fun answering them, and may you come up with something crazy!
You are free to use material from the Bridging the Gap ezine as long as you include complete attribution, including live website link. The attribution should read: “By Cindy Hillsey of Virtual Partnering. Please visit www.virtualpartnering.com for additional information.”
