Tik… Tik… Tik…

I have those same feelings.

Here are a few things I’m working on for 2024…

• Dive into Market Chatter: Keep an ear to the ground with regular market research. It’s like being a detective in your own industry – always be on the lookout for what’s new and buzzing or Rizzing (the new word of the year btw).

• Chat with Your Customers: Get real with your customers and/or audience. Use surveys or just casual social media chats to understand what they’re loving, hating, or wishing for. (Lorrie Lee is the very best client interviewer – reach out to her for sample questions)

• Hang Out with Industry Peeps: Don’t miss out on those industry meet-ups, webinars, or even online forums. It’s not just about handshakes and business cards; it’s about catching those trend winds early.

• Play with Data: Dive into the data ocean. Sometimes the biggest opportunities are hidden in the numbers and patterns of your own business.

• Never Stop Learning: Keep your brain hungry. Whether it’s a new tech buzzword, a management hack, or a crazy business model – learn about it.

• Seek Wisdom from Gurus: Got a mentor or an industry hero? Tap into their brainpower for nuggets of wisdom. Sometimes a virtual coffee chat can spark the next big idea.

• Experiment Like a Mad Scientist: Give yourself the green light to try new stuff. Not everything has to be a grand plan; sometimes the best ideas come from just messing around.

• Keep an Eye on the World: What’s happening globally can impact you too. So, follow international news, trends, and even memes. You never know where the next big thing might pop up. We are a B-corp – we look for ways we can serve the world with our gifts – what’s yours?

• Spy on Your Competitors (did I just say that? ;): Keep tabs on your rivals but in a cool way. It’s about understanding what they’re up to and finding your unique space in the market.

• Regular Strategy Summit Shake-Ups: Every now and then, shake up your flight plan. Markets change, customers change, everything changes – so your strategies should too.

• And last but not least – go with your gut – if you feel like you are missing out on opportunities – you are.

Do the work.

Get ahead of it – and leverage the opportunities – they are right in front of you.

As we step into 2024, ask yourself: Am I taking advantages of the unlimited opportunities in my space? What strategic adjustments are necessary to ensure you are aligned with them?

How will you take off in a brand new direction in 2024?