Hi Reader,

Usually many of us, at this time of year, would be knee-deep in analyzing our business performance for the year that's ending and setting goals and strategies for the one that's soon to begin.

But, if you're like me, the chaos and uncertainty of what our world will look like in 2025 (and beyond) is making strategic planning kind of tough.

What will the economy look and feel like next year? Will significant tariffs be imposed on foreign imports? What social and cultural issues will galvanize our audiences and how will they impact buyer behavior, loyalty, and messaging? What, if any, changes to local and federal laws and regulations will make it easier or harder to maintain established business practices?

If these and similar questions have been swirling around your brain, too, here are some suggestions for how to prepare and plan given all the unknowns.

Show the Love

Now more than ever your customer experience and messaging is key to building an engaged and supportive community of customers:

• Focus on delivering outstanding service
• Invest in community-building, which matters more than ever
• Clarify your mission and values and plan for public statements of support for the communities you serve
• Be real and be there in words and in deeds
• Check out Squad Goals for suggestions on how to foster belonging for your customers

Plan for the Plot Twists

Have a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C and D) ready:

• Know what expenses you could cut if needed
• Keep a list of backup suppliers—especially if the much talked about tariff plan goes into effect
• Stay flexible—Our ability to pivot more quickly than bigger businesses is still a superpower
• Diversify your revenue streams and/or audiences to reduce risk and maximize returns
• Check out Diversity Is Key for insights on how to strike the right balance

Invest in Your Network

• Join industry associations and participate in local business groups
• Forge mutually beneficial relationships with other business owners
• Nurture your existing connections with regular outreach
• Lend your expertise freely to support the people and things you care about and believe in
• Check out Put 'Er There, Pardner for some guidance on how to get started

Listen, the key to thriving in 2025 won't be about predicting the future perfectly - it will be about building a business flexible enough to adapt to whatever comes our way.

And, remember, together we can help each other thrive no matter what the future holds.

​Reach out to me, if you' d like to talk specifics about your business strategy and plans for the new year.

We've got this!

PS - If you missed it, last week I confessed, I Am Not OK.
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Your success is our strategy!

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