The months at the end of the year have a tendency to run together. Amidst the changing seasons and year-end deadlines, October seems to run into November and before you know it, December and the new year are right around the corner. Finding ways to stay productive and efficient during those fall and early winter months can be overwhelming. Deadlines are often looming and there is a pressure to set goals for the new year.
How can you properly prepare for 2019? Here are a few tips:
Establish Priorities
Take a moment to review your ongoing projects at work. Are there any that require completion either by end of year or early in the following year? What about items you’ve had on the back burner for an extended period of time? Consider tabling anything you have yet to touch in the last eight months. It’s likely there are more pressing projects that need to move up on your priority list OR new projects that may prove to be more relevant.
Being able to re-evaluate where and how you are spending your time is extremely valuable, especially during the busier times of the year in your office.
Plan Ahead
Networking plays a big role in business and attending events is often the best way to connect with a variety of individuals from diverse industries. Block off some time over the next month to look at various events calendars for 2019. Make note of any events that interest you, and if registration is available, take advantage while your schedule is still most flexible. Planning ahead of time allows you to make the most of the opportunity – i.e. Who else might be in attendance at this event? What do I want to take away from this programming? How can I share the takeaways of this event with my team?
Many organizations have already announced some of their 2019 events. For instance, the Chamber’s Annual Meeting is set for Feb. 7, 2019 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center’s Battelle Grand Ballroom, where over 1,100 community leaders will come together to talk inspiration and business. Here are a few resources for event resources in Columbus:
Be Informed & Goal-Oriented
What are the biggest hurdles/opportunities facing your business in 2019? It can be helpful to set time aside to think through what your business should focus on in the coming year.
Finding ways to best prepare your business in areas like talent and workforce and public policy is important. The Chamber will host a Post-Election Forecast on Dec. 4 to discuss topics like healthcare reform, medical marijuana, and trade and tariffs, as well as what businesses can anticipate in the coming year.
It’s also the ideal time to find new ways to better yourself for your business. What is driving you each day at work? What are the tangible goals you’re using to measure your success? Utilizing task management tools and engaging in opportunities for furthering education are both useful.
No one knows what 2019 may bring, but your business can be more prepared by taking advantage of the steps listed above. Establish your priorities, plan ahead, be informed and set goals. What other ways are you preparing for the new year ahead?
— The Columbus Chamber of Commerce offers news, information and other resources that are free and available to all businesses at columbus.org. —
