If you've been at this solo thing for a while, you may not feel that burst of inspiration you'd hope for heading into the new year. But think of this fresh start as a time to reinvent and reinvigorate your business.
Here are five simple ways to breathe new life into your business.
1. Take stock of and celebrate your past successes
This one might seem obvious, but think about it — when was the last time you took the time to sit down and focus solely on celebrating yourself?
Being a business owner isn’t easy. You deserve a moment to set aside your day-to-day work and revel in all your past accomplishments. Take some time to look back at what you achieved in 2022. What worked well? What projects are you most proud of? Is there anything you'd like to continue doing in 2023?
By celebrating your work, you reaffirm that being a solo is where you’re meant to be right here, right now. Feel that reinvigoration and excitement and hold onto it for the year ahead.
2. Refresh your work space
Could a change of scenery help give you a burst of inspiration? Maybe you rearrange your office, or add a new painting or piece of decor. Even just cleaning and reorganizing your desk can spark new energy into your business.
Make wherever you do your work your happy place — a place you’re excited to enter every day. You could add some chic photo frames with pictures of you and your loved ones. Or add some natural elements like indoor plants (bonus: studies show that nature can boost both productivity and creativity.)
3. Do the same with digital decluttering!
Even just organizing old file folders and decluttering your space can bring a breath of fresh air to your business.
Do you really need that Word document circa 2015? Chances are, no.
Carve out some time to declutter your digital files. Delete any old documents that no longer serve a purpose to you and your business.
And if you happen to be reluctant to delete photos from your camera roll, now’s a good time to do so. You really only need to save one or two of the best shots from that photoshoot with your dog, and that screenshot of the Italian restaurant menu can probably go. By getting rid of photos you don’t need, you not only free up mental space, but storage as well.
Other ways to digitally declutter are to unsubscribe from newsletters you never read, clear files off your desktop, delete the contents of your downloads folder and get rid of unused apps.
By doing any or all of these things, you can reduce stress and improve your personal productivity.
4. Get clear on your offerings for the upcoming year
Looking back at your 2022, are there certain projects or areas of your business that filled you with dread? Did you absolutely love something new and different you took on?
Take these feelings into consideration as you evaluate your services for 2023. Once you narrow down what it is you want to do for the year … like more pitching and less social media management … be sure to communicate these things clearly with clients. This may also mean refreshing your website as well.
As you take stock of the services you offer, this could be a good time to raise your rates as well, if need be. If you choose to do so, though, clearly share this information with clients as soon as possible.
5. Schedule a coffee chat with a fellow Solo
Your peers have a wealth of information to share. And so do you!
One of the best ways to get excited about your business again is to spend time with someone in the same boat as you.
Schedule a meetup, either virtually or in person, with fellow solos to swap goals and help each other start the year strong.
Hint, hint: Joining Solo PR Pro is a great way to meet fellow business owners!
Want to join Solo PR Pro? Solo PR Pro Premium membership only opens for enrollment a few times a year. Membership is currently closed, but you can sign up for the waiting list to be among the first to find out when we reopen.
Image via istockphotos | Credit:Dilok Klaisataporn
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