I don’t know about you, but I’ve never had much luck keeping my New Year’s resolutions. Sure, I start out with the best intentions—exercise more, save more money, learn something new—only to give up or forget about them by the time February rolls around. That’s why this year, my only resolution was not to make any resolutions.
Still, the arrival of a new year brings an opportunity for a fresh start. A chance to take stock of what did or didn’t work the previous year and set new priorities and goals for the year ahead. Which is why, as you gear up to kick off new initiatives and take on new projects, be sure to get your ducks in a row first to ensure the coming year is a productive and successful one.
Here are some ways to start the new year right:
Tackle that project you put on the back burner last year.
Between critical initiatives and pop-up emergencies, it can sometimes be challenging to make much progress on long-term projects. But now that folks are back from their holiday break and ready to go, it’s time to get back on track with any projects or priorities that were put on hiatus last year.
Prepare for the unexpected.
What would you do if you were suddenly inundated with work, needed specific expertise or experience, or had to quickly fill an absence on your team? Rather than waiting until you find yourself in a bind, take the time now to develop a relationship with a reliable, versatile freelance designer. That way, when things get crazy—as they often do—you’ll be ready with a go-to creative partner you can count on.
Revisit your brand style guide if it’s been a while.
Your brand style guidelines support your marketing efforts and help build brand equity by ensuring visuals and messaging are consistent and cohesive across all channels and platforms. You should plan to review your brand guidelines at least once a year or whenever you launch a new product, service, campaign, or initiative. So, if you can’t remember the last time you took a look, now’s a good time to dust them off. (If you don’t have a brand style guide, that likely means your brand identity is all over the place—so invest in one!)
Review your content everywhere.
Your marketing is constantly going through changes. You may have recently rebranded, targeted new audiences, or updated key communications points. If it’s been a while, now would be a great time to review the messaging on your website, social media, and the rest of your digital and print marketing materials. It should be consistent and up-to-date, and the tone and language should reflect your brand. (Here’s where that updated brand style guide would be handy!)
Do a clean sweep of your office.
This is one of the easiest projects you can take on in the new year. A clean office is not only inviting, but it can also reduce stress and increase productivity. Clear out the clutter by cleaning up paper piles and getting rid of old computer monitors and furniture you don’t use anymore to free up space. Then, get organized by reviewing all of your systems and processes to determine which areas need tidying up.
Are you ready to take on the new year?
If you want to get the year off to a successful start, forget the resolutions and instead make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row before things get crazy —and you know they will! And if you need mission-driven, engaging print and digital design that inspires action and delivers results—let’s connect!
Infinite Blue Creative provides creative design services to busy education, nonprofit, and small business marketing communication professionals.
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