By Stephanie Aanstoos, Account Executive
If you were to look back over your goals for 2012, did you accomplish all that you set out to do? Whether it was the best, the worst or somewhere in between, it’s time now to look ahead and plan for an outstanding 2013. New Year’s resolutions are a great way to prepare for success both personally and professionally, but the key is to keep them! The following five rock solid ways to keep your resolutions will ensure you achieve your goals as you charge ahead to the new year:
1. Think outside-the-box. Instead of relying on what has worked in the past, ask yourself ‒ would a different method garner better results? Don’t forget about or disregard traditional media, but do recognize that in the digital age in which we live today, the possibilities are endless. Oftentimes, digital technology can transform the way we think about traditional media. Kodak’s social media integration with a digital billboard in Times Square is a great example. For the New Year, make one of your continuous goals to go above and beyond what your clients request, and always propose new creative ideas to them ‒ you may get more business for suggesting something they never considered. For a little inspiration, try these 10 exercises to get the creative wheels turning.
2. Invest time in SEO. Don’t make it difficult for people to find you or your messages ‒ many search engine optimization techniques are simple to implement yourself. Three main factors of SEO include access or crawlability, content and reliability/dependability. This means ensuring your website and the content on it can be easily read by search engine spiders; repeat important keywords numerous times throughout the site, especially in fresh content; and use link building with credible sites relevant to your business. These steps will raise help raise your website in the organic search results, so traffic is driven to your site. Put Whiteboard Friday on your weekly calendar.
3. Stay Organized. When you’re busy multitasking and juggling projects, sometimes the hardest thing can be to stay organized. Taking time to develop a good organization system can save you a lot of time in the long run and ultimately help you better serve your clients. The start to the year is a great time to get organized by clearing your inbox, going through all those papers on your desk and finding a place for everything. Plan to take time at the end of each month to spruce up and keep your organization in check. Here are five apps to keep your digital life in order for 2013.
4. Be more effective with social media. The key to social media is having a plan. Rather than hopping from network to network, trying to maintain a presence on the multitude of options that are growing still, choose the most beneficial ones and focus on them. With the networks you select, develop a specific strategy for each. Some cross-postings are fine, but the exact wording of the message should still be tailored to the network. Be aware of changes in your target audience as online social networks continue to evolve, and regularly reevaluate which to use. Subscribe to the Social Media Examiner daily blog.
5. Be active in your community. Beyond your online community or social networks, real-life community involvement is vital. Networking events or professional organizations are great, but getting involved in community service can be even better. Committing to improving the community in which you live, work and play will not only make you look good and meet more people, it will make you feel GREAT. Pick a new cause in 2013 and jump in with your coworkers by your side. Explore community service opportunities via VolunteerLeon.
Saying what you going to do is easy, the hard part is actually doing it. Now make a plan, and stick to it! Or, at least try to make it to two weeks this year…
