Are you up for it?
As we’re about to ‘close shop’ on 2017 and welcome in a whole new trading year, it’s only natural that we take stock of our lives and businesses and consider the challenges that lie ahead.
And let’s be brutally honest here – the future for the citizens, and business owners, of planet Earth has never looked more daunting.
I don’t need to remind you of what the challenges and risks are – increasing terrorism, climate change and the natural disasters it brings, an unpredictable US president vs the DPRK, the war against pollution, the fight against prejudice, inequality, poverty – it seems that we are battling on every front.
Businesses also have major issues to deal with. I’m not referring to the inevitable changes that will come with the new government (I’m sure that the increase in the minimum wage, for example, can be accommodated through other measures) – rather, the wider forces that are at work out there, and the everyday challenges that come with business ownership.
Increased competition, digitalisation, engaging with younger consumers, compliance issues, retaining profitability, sustainability – 2018 will bring with it familiar trials and tribulations, and new ones. So my question is: are you up for it? Now is the time to take stock of where you’ve come from with your business, and where you’re heading to for the next 12 months and beyond.
Make a plan; I’m constantly surprised by the number of businesses that don’t have a written business plan or marketing plan.
Seek advice. If you don’t already have a mentor, get one. Or if the current arrangement’s not working out, get another one.
And get inspired. Fire yourself up. There’s inspiration aplenty on the following pages, including our cover story on The David Awards supreme winner Heart Saver.
Meantime, if you can, enjoy some extended family time over the Christmas break to recharge the batteries. After some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, come back fighting in the New Year.
Merry Christmas from the team at NZBusiness and paˉnui hari (happy reading!)