It’s the 1st January 2019, how are you going to make this year count?
What’s on your personal and professional New Year’s Resolution list?
If you’ve not created yours yet, here’s just a few ideas to get you started.
1. Network more- Get networking & create meaningful relationships
Join a new business organisation or networking group. Locally we have a vibrant offering including, Monahans business breakfasts, Hartham Park Connect events and not-for-profit networking groups like Business Wise in Swindon and Business Growth Group (BGG) in Melksham. The Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub is a great resource for what’s going on locally too.
In January The Business Exchange is launching a Young Entrepreneurs group, find out more here.
2. Work smarter- Achieve a work/life balance
Delegation is key to a healthy work/life balance. Concentrate on what you are good at and let someone else do some of the other tasks. Why not use a virtual PA? Make use of organisations like Boatman Admin Services or PA To GO to get on top of your to-do list.
3. Improve your confidence- Invest in yourself
Learn to tame your ‘inner tiger’ and do things you never thought you could at South West Business Growth Summit. A one-day event at Bath Racecourse on Friday March 1, aimed at business owners and managers. International keynote and motivational speaker Jim Lawless will take to the stage to give you a “shrewd, inspiring and practical blueprint to doing things you never thought you could do.” Delegates will leave having chosen and committed to an exciting objective that they would’ve thought impossible before entering the room.
AND if you fancy getting your name in the media, attend Fiona Scott Media Consultancy’s PR course in February.
4. Give back – Do good things in 2019
Why not become a mentor or volunteer for a local cause? Swindon-based Youth Adventure Trust is currently looking for volunteers, find out more here and for more volunteering opportunities go to: www.yourcareyoursupportwiltshire.org.uk/services-directory
5. Get healthy – Take on a personal challenge
Why not take part in Swindon Half Marathon (September 22, 2019), get fit and do something good at the same time by fundraising for a local charity. Find out more here.
6. Improve your corporate image
Begin 2019 by auditing your corporate image both on and offline. Throw away scruffy clothes and shoes and have a re-think about how you want to be perceived personally and professionally when representing ‘brand you’.
Do all of your social media profiles use the same headshot for example? Consistency breeds trust and will help to grow your following. Also, think about the photo you’re using. Is it professional? Is it recent? Does it give the impression you would want to give to a potential client or new employer? We have previously worked with local photographers Paolo Ferla and Lis McDermott who specialise in hero headshots.
7. Grow your social media following
Share, comment, blog and retweet with purpose in 2019. If, like me the new productivity feature on your iPhone is freaking you out, making you think more about how you’re spending your time online, why not get some social media training and make your time spent online count? Local social media company Naturally Social deliver training and e-learning courses to make you more socially savvy.
8. Create a marketing plan
Make sure your marketing is joined up this year. Spend time reviewing and if necessary refreshing your corporate identity. This includes adverts, business cards and banners for business shows.
Why not contact one of Wiltshire’s design professionals to give your brand a boost in 2019? Jazzbones and Juicy Design are just a few experts who can get you started.
If you’ve signed up to exhibit at a regional business show like South West Expo (July 4 2019) or Get Connected Expos (various dates) make sure you communicate your attendance via social media and via e-newsletters on the run up, building the messaging into your marketing communications plan.
9. Use video
90% of consumers indicate product videos directly inform purchase decisions AND companies utilising video content experience a 41% increase in traffic through web searches compared to others who don’t include video in their content strategies.
At the Business Exchange we’ve partnered with some of the region’s most talented film directors and producers to create engaging video content for your brand. Find out more by getting in touch.
10. Increase sales – Welcome new customers
Advertise with us! Swindon & Wiltshire’s dedicated, independent, business-to-business magazine.
We have a 56% business owner / director level Reader Profile. We reach the key decision makers – the data proves it. Watch our animation and find out more here. Our February/March magazine will include an A to Z Guide to Business in Swindon & Wiltshire and it costs just £50+VAT to be included. Please get in touch to find out more.
Wishing you a happy, heathy and prosperous 2019.
