For the past 3 years, I’ve scheduled myself a day or two of a business planning intensive at the end of the year. I can’t even begin to explain how helpful and instrumental it has been in helping me grow my company, Parker Management. Whether you are a service-based business, a product, an influencer, an aspiring entrepreneur or even an employee looking to take things to the next level- I hope you can find some inspiration and motivation in this practice.
SET THE FOUNDATION:
This is where it is important to get clear on what you are doing. If you already own a business or you know the business you want to start, then the next steps will be easy. If you are looking to get more clear on what you want to do and where you want to go in the new year, then I would start with something like this first: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O64k2QvZwa8
NOW START HERE:
I like to get all the thoughts pouring in before I do anything. Before I start any planning, I like to listen to podcasts and read. While listening to podcasts and reading, I always have my favorite notebook with me to write down any thoughts and ideas that come to mind.
Download 3-5 business related podcasts: A few podcasts on my list this year are The Goal Digger Course Creation episode, The School of Greatness Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success with Guy Raz episode and Girl Boss Radio: Lessons on Scaling a Company and Growing a Team episode.
Grab a new, inspiring book (or two): My pick for this holiday break is Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly. When going for business books, I personally like to go with stories from entrepreneurs that I admire and love. Some books that I love (and I’ve linked below) are: Magnolia Story, A Place of Yes, Thrive and You Are A Badass.
NEXT UP:
Once I get my mind flooded with ideas and thoughts, now it is time to plan.
I first like to write down my top goals for the year (i.e. double the company profit, hire 2 new employees, relaunch website). Under each one of those goals, I will then write out HOW I can and will do that and what my timeline for each goal is.
Then comes the master to-do list. This list is a pain in the butt, but it is so important. I can’t even describe how good I feel when I tackle a lingering to-do list. Who’s with me?? It feels SO dang good. My master list for example has a big range of tasks. (Find a good entertainment lawyer, update website imagery, create more website freebies, organize google drive/desktop folders, update employee handbook…. you get the gist!).
ORGANIZE:
I think the hardest part about setting goals and achieving them, is that we don’t have the structure and routine in place to make sure these things happen.
Here is the hard truth: we all have shit. Kids, work being busy, family things, pets, you name it… you cannot let that be your excuse to not getting things done. It takes serious planning and organization, but I promise you that you can get it done. Creating more of a routine for myself has given me a chance to feel a lot less overwhelmed this year and I’m so grateful for it.
These are a few of my favorite resources to help you get organized:
+ Jenna Kutcher Productivity Tips
DREAM:
I am big believer in manifesting and dreaming BIG. Since I am very much a visual person, every year I create a vision board. I write out big lofty life goals (business and personal) for the year, cut out pictures and words from magazines and I place that board somewhere I can see it often (which is typically in my office). I can’t even begin to tell you how incredible it is to look back on what you have there only to see how many things came to fruition. For anything that didn’t happen, I never get down on myself for it. Instead, I reevaluate to see if it still something I even want and if so, what can I continue to do to get there? I am a firm believer that if we don’t ask for it and/or think we can have it or do it, it won’t be yours. You have to shift your mindset and believe that YES. YOU. CAN. Even the things that feel impossible, don’t short change yourself.
OTHER RESOURCES:
These are some of my very favorite resources when I need some inspiration and motivation.
Sheila Gray Thrive- This is our actual business strategist and I have to say, having her around this past year was one of the absolute best decisions I’ve made for our business.
MuchellaB- Her videos are so good, I love her accent and I’m always inspired by her.
Goal Digger Podcast- I just love Jenna. I find her content extremely relatable and very informative.
Him + Her Podcast- I actually really love this podcast and I think they interview some great people on here.
Tony Robbins- I feel like he is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I happen to really like him. Whether it is watching YouTube videos or listening to podcasts, I feel like I always walk away motivated.
Cheers to all the success in 2021! xx
