Clear the Clutter and Plan for Next Year

2021 is almost over. Big sigh of relief, anyone?

While it has been a topsy-turvy year for most of us, we’ve also learned a lot along the way, done things differently, and perhaps readjusted some goals and plans.

Now that the year is drawing to a close, it’s time to tie up the loose ends and give ourselves some breathing space before we launch into the new year, which will no doubt bring challenges and victories of its own.

So, here are some of my favourite tips for clearing away the clutter and getting my vision of the new year in place.

1. Get the books up to date

You need to know where you stand financially before you can plan for the coming year. So it’s a good idea to face the dreaded bookwork and have it all up to date before the holidays. Besides, you’ll enjoy the holidays more knowing that you don’t have to face it when you go back.

Once you have a clear picture of your financial position, you can start to think of the goals and plans you have for the coming year. Do you feel that your business is sustainable the way it is now? Or do you need to make some adjustments? Can you do the things you’d like to, or do you feel that you’re working hard but getting nowhere?

One of the most common mistakes small business owners make is to undercharge for their services, which brings me to my next point.

2. Check your pricing

Is your pricing adequate compensation for your time, expertise, and expenses? Are you making enough to cover the “background costs” such as superannuation, health care, insurance, retirement plans and other “hidden” expenses?

While we all want to be fair to our clients, it’s important that we also look after our own needs. If you haven’t given yourself a price rise in a while, the best time to do it is at the beginning of the new year. The time to plan for that is now so that you can give your clients time to adjust to the new pricing.

3. Talk taxes with your accountant

While absolutely no one enjoys tax time, it can actually be less stressful if you talk to your accountant mid-year. This year has been an unusual one as far as tax goes, so if you received any financial assistance because of the pandemic, it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re on track for the end of the financial year and don’t receive any nasty surprises.

Even if things are going smoothly at the moment, your accountant may spot something that will help at the end of the year. Small tweaks can make a big difference when they happen early enough.

4. Revamp your digital presence

Is there something you know you absolutely should do to make yourself more visible or more approachable on social media or in the digital world? Is your website looking tired? Do your social media profiles need some attention?

Now is the time to prepare for 2022 and a fresh new digital presence. With so many people discovering new therapists and other professionals online (especially during the pandemic), you can’t afford to look unprofessional or allow your digital profile to languish in obscurity. Hire someone to do it for you if you must, but get everything up to date to begin the new year.

5. Plan your holidays

Most people expect that their therapist will take some time off over Christmas and the New Year. Anyone who’s worked around that time will know that things are often quiet as people spend time away or doing other things.

So no one is going to find it unreasonable for you to take some time off. But you need to plan it now so you can let your clients know when you will or won’t be available. They will appreciate the notice so they can plan around it.

6. Review your business goals or set new ones

Did you set goals for 2021? How successful were you in achieving them?

The end of the year is the time to revisit the things you planned to do at the beginning of the year. Did you hit some or all of your goals? Or did you fall short?

Let’s face it, 2021 wasn’t a very kind year! It was more challenging than ever for businesses to hit their goals with all the events happening in the world.

So, if you fell short of your goals, don’t beat yourself up. But don’t ignore it, either. It’s important to understand why you didn’t reach your goals and what strategies you can put in place to reach them in the coming year. Don’t give up; just reset your course and continue to strive for the things that are important to you.

The past year may have seen a change in the way you do business or your focus on a particular area. If that’s the case, it’s perfectly fine to discard goals that no longer serve your purpose. Set some new goals that are more aligned with your current direction and move on.

7. Touch base with your clients

Your clients are the lifeblood of your business. Your continued success lies in their hands because, without them, you wouldn’t have a business.

So it’s important to get in touch at the end of the year, thank them for their support, and ask if there’s some way you can serve them better in the new year. One way to do this would be via an anonymous survey. Or, for customers you’d like to win back to your business, you could offer a discount on a consultation or service that you offer. There are many ways you can engage with your clients, and sometimes it only takes something small to help them feel good about you.

Clear the clutter, enjoy a break

By tidying away the loose ends and preparing for success in the coming year, therapists and you can enjoy a break both mentally and physically, knowing you’ll be able to pick up again where you stopped. It’s essential for your health and wellbeing and the success of your business.