As 2024 comes to a close, you might feel the pressure of unfinished goals. The holidays are approaching, elections are around the corner, and distractions seem to multiply. But here’s the truth: instead of getting caught up in what you didn’t finish this year, now is the perfect time to shift focus and start planning for your 2025 success.
Here are some thoughts from the owner of SBMS Media, Nicole Crocker
Why Year-End Planning is Crucial for Growth
Have you ever wondered how seven, eight, or even nine-figure companies continue to stay on top year after year? It’s not magic—it’s meticulous business planning. Every year, successful companies look back to assess their wins, their challenges, and the opportunities ahead. This annual business planning isn’t just a task on the to-do list; it’s the driving force behind sustainable growth.
In 2025, your business could be thriving—or, like so many others, stuck in the same spot as last year. The key difference? Intentional business planning.
Don’t Just Focus on One Area—Look at the Whole Picture
Here’s a common mistake many business owners make: they focus solely on one aspect, like marketing or sales, while neglecting other critical areas such as operations, accounting, or human resources. But long-term success requires optimizing every department. A good place to start is by conducting a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) across your entire business. This process helps you uncover what’s working, what isn’t, and where your real opportunities for growth lie.
Not sure how to begin? This is where hiring outside expertise can make a world of difference.
The Power of Outside Expertise: Why You Need Help to See What You Can’t
One of the biggest advantages large companies have is access to high-level experts like CEOs, CMOs (Chief Marketing Officers), and COOs (Chief Operating Officers). But what if you’re not ready to hire a full-time executive? That’s where fractional executives and business consultants come in.
A fractional executive is a high-level advisor who works with multiple businesses, providing the same strategic insight and guidance as a full-time C-suite executive—but without the hefty price tag. Whether it’s a fractional CMO to guide your marketing strategy or a CFO to help you navigate your finances, having an experienced advisor on your team can make a huge difference.
When you bring in an expert, they can help you identify hidden issues in your business that you may be too close to see. Sometimes the thing you think is holding your company back is just a small distraction. By having an outside perspective, you can focus on the big opportunities that will truly propel your business forward.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Started
You might be thinking, “But I still have three months left in 2024!” While that’s true, these last few months are the perfect time to start laying the foundation for next year. Planning isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time to reflect on the past year, set new goals, and build a strategic plan to achieve them.
Now’s the time to start thinking about who you need on your team, what services you may want to outsource, and how you’re going to make 2025 your best year yet.
Take Action: Your Next Steps
If you’ve never worked with a business coach, attended a planning workshop, or hired a fractional executive, now is the time to explore those options. Don’t go through your business planning alone. Consider attending a group coaching event or workshop in your area. These events give you the chance to actively plan your business with expert guidance while networking with other business owners.
Growth Club is a great place to start, where you’ll spend the day planning your business growth alongside a group of driven entrepreneurs. You’ll have the chance to connect with business coaches, fractional service providers, and others who are committed to helping you succeed. These group workshops are not about getting a sales pitch—you will be spending actionable time planning with intent.
And if you can’t make it to Growth Club, take the time to search for a similar event in your area. Look for workshops that cater to small business owners and offer practical, actionable insights into business planning.
2025 Is Yours for the Taking—If You Plan for It
Don’t let distractions take away from the potential success you could achieve in 2025. Start planning now. Get the help you need, take a close look at all areas of your business, and build a strategy that will carry you into the future. Success doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you make the decision to plan with purpose.
So take action today. Your 2025 success starts now!
