Bah! Humbug! Tis the Season to Strategize Before the Holidays

Feeling like Ebenezer Scrooge at this time of the year? Is it because the annual marketing plan is looming over you? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. As I recently discussed on M&M Global, pulling together your plan now is easier as your achievements and challenges of the past year are still fresh in your mind.

 

Make Your Wish List and Check it Twice

Now is the time to take your own holiday inventory and review what worked/didn’t work over the course of the year to help inform your wish list for the year ahead. Look back at this year’s strategic marketing plan to determine if your tactics aligned with your goals established for this year.

For instance, what were your achievements as they relate to lead gen, sales and brand recognition? Were the goals met or not? If not, reassess the reasons why.

 

12 Budgets Busted…11 Product Recalls…10 Unhappy Customers

What were the largest threats to your organization over the last year? Financial, product, customer, etc.? Regardless of the type of threat, take some time to establish a framework for collaboration as it relates to risk management across your entire C-suite. Set processes that address risks in both a clear and concise manner – and without a minute to spare. Remember, a unified team is the best defense when it comes to thwarting threats to your organization.

 

Start the New Year Off Right

The day after New Year’s Day – January 2 – is almost here. Rather than dwell on your strategy over the holidays, use your time now to think about how best to implement your marketing strategy once everyone is back in the office. Do you have the right tools, resources, teams and timelines in place to be successful?

Be gentle on yourself and your teams as you will likely encounter a few bumps along the way. The most important thing is to remain aligned and flexible as an organization. Understand that like Ebenezer, you and your organization can use this opportunity as one to awaken your marketing strategy in the year to come!