Happy New Year!

Happy 2008! Well, here we are in a brand new year, a blank slate waiting to be filled with what I believe will be victories, successes, breakthroughs and joys.

It’s hard for me to believe it’s 2008. I can so vividly remember the start of this new millennium and the Y2K hysteria leading up to it. Before the clock struck midnight, I was pulling money out of the bank, stocking up on canned goods and bottled water and waiting for the massive computer crash that was predicted.

Thanks to careful planning from the tech community, Y2K went off with barely a glitch.

I’m pleased to say that the dawn of 2008 was not filled with any angst, only joyful anticipation. It’s a year that is fresh, new and filled with possibilities. We begin the year with another 12 months of wisdom and life lessons to help guide the way. The challenges and victories of 2007 continue to feed us with knowledge. As we look back we know what to do to continue moving forward.

As you look back over 2007, assess what went well. What were the positive things that you did that contributed to your business? How can you increase that in 2008? Are there systems or processes that will help you? Focus on the positive and resolve to do more of it to get even greater results in 2008.

Who were your best customers in 2007? Increase your efforts to your best customers; let them know how much you value their business. Why are they your best customers? Identify the common traits to refine your ideal client profile. You can then use that information to target more customers just like them.

What marketing channels worked well for you in 2007? Do more in 2008. Even in downturns the companies that are consistent in their marketing efforts, increase their market share.

What was the greatest thing that happened in your business last year? Use that great success to set an even bigger goal. Set a goal that scares you and then break it into smaller goals that can be attained throughout the year. Keep challenging your business and yourself. You are only limited by your own beliefs.

I look forward to celebrating your successes in 2008.