By Craig Spooner
Believe it or not, the new year is upon us, and with it comes resolutions, strategies, and goals. An important aspect of goal setting is reflecting on where you have been and where you would like to go. Before you start setting your marketing goals for 2017, stop and reflect on 2016.
- Use the Power of Data
You are likely already paying attention to your marketing data throughout the year to help guide your decisions. That said, use the end of the year as an opportunity for deeper dives into your annual data. Developing a deep understanding of your marketing metrics will help you set better, more realistic goals for 2017.
- Celebrate Wins
Don’t keep your 2016 wins to yourself! Build confidence and trust among your colleagues and clients by sharing your successes and thanking those who helped you achieve them. Plus, make sure to set similar goals for 2017 based on your 2016 achievements.
- Be Honest about Losses
It doesn’t do you or your organization any good to ignore your 2016 losses. Losses aren’t necessarily an indication of failure. For example, if a new and innovative idea didn’t quite take off, mark it as a lesson learned. After all, if you never try anything new you will never gain a win either. Being honest about losses will also lead to a better understanding of your organization or your customers, and better goals for 2017.
- Reflect on Professional Development
Chances are you grew as a marketer in 2016. Make notes of your professional development. Start with things you learned, events you attended, connections you made, etc. By taking stock of your growth, you will see what you can accomplish in one year, and work toward the same or better professional development in 2017. Evaluate the years work and the content you were able to deliver, and set benchmarks for your goals in 2017 using your marketing content calendar.
- Question Yourself
Ask and answer tough questions about your marketing in 2016. Where did you succeed? Where did you fail? What should you do differently moving forward? Are there actions you need to replicate or eliminate? Are there any skills or knowledge you wish you had that you need to develop for 2017?
In the busy world of marketing, it can be challenging to make time for reflection, but it’s worth it. If you take these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to meeting your marketing goals for 2017.
Thank you for sharing!
