Another new year is here. Maybe 2020 was a disaster for you or maybe it was better than you expected.
Not every year can be as smooth as Joss Stone when she sings a classic. I wish it could, but it is not.
Last year, I wrote an article with a few predictions, and honestly, it turned out pretty well. But here is the secret about predictions: You have to make them general enough to come true.
As we head into the year 2021 I thought I would drop a few recommendations for the year to come. Take them or leave them. You may agree with some or you may vehemently disagree with them.
Here are six tips that I am leaving to you for the New Year as we enter 2021.
Nevertheless, one thing you can’t disagree with is that Joss Stone is going to be a legend one day. What a voice!
1. Be flexible.
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is to be flexible. In fact, one person said on Facebook today that he doesn’t think he needs a planner in 2021.
I wouldn’t go that far.
Calendars and planning have always been about reaching goals and hitting milestones. Thing is, plans can get discarded quickly when things go wrong.
Staring at aggressive sales goals and get a life-changing illness? Put those goals on the shelf.
We had to adjust in 2020 as many of our clients saw how their business disrupted in a major way.
Be Flexible.
2. Add eCommerce to your business portfolio.
You will need to sell something. It helps make some semi-passive income.
When I say add eCommerce to your portfolio, I don’t mean start building them for your clients, although, that might be a good idea too.
No, I mean create an eCommerce site for yourself.
It can be a niche site or a site you use to sell your own products.
What products?
Your products. Consider creating products out of checklists and templates. Sell them.
You don’t have to put a hefty price on them, but something that a user will have to pay for.
This does two things.
First, you make some money. It may not be enough to live on, although it could. However, you sell a few of those and you put some money in the bank. It adds up.
I earned $2300+ this year selling something that I use when I write website copy for customers. I created it once and sell over and over again.
To be sure I have to update and manage the sales flow, but it is a lot less than doing a project.
The second thing that happens is you create perceived value with your customer.
Often customers want to pay for something in a lower amount to see how it is working with you, even if that is downloadable.
Digital Marketer calls it a Tripwire.
Set up your eCommerce to sell them with the click of a button.
So go ahead, make something to sell. It might be a book, some templates, or a simple productized service.
3. Build your network (with the right people).
When you build a network, build it with the right people. Some people will only connect with you so they can get something out of the relationship. Sometimes you can smell it a mile away, other times it’s not so easy.
You want to create a relationship with someone who will reciprocate because they value you.
How many times has someone asked you to do something and you did. Then, later, when you need something, they are nowhere to be found?
After a while, you learn who you can lean on. Network with those types of people.
4. Find a group of people who will help you be better.
In the past year or so, some of the most successful people I know are either part of a great mastermind group or use an effective business coach.
That isn’t something easy to jump into because they often cost a lot of money.
There are, however, paid groups you can become part of which will serve a similar role.
I have joined two paid groups for freelancers in the past few months. I expect to see good results, but I know it will take some time.
The key is to have a group who will encourage you and spur you on to success.
5. Don’t read more books.
Yep, I said don’t read more books. But wait, I thought we were supposed to learn!
Don’t read more books, but go back and read the best books you have already read.
So many veteran business owners will talk about reading and rereading their favorite business books and the insight they continue to gain.
There are several reasons to reread a book and this article gives us many.
We learn new insights when we read it again. Further, it gives us a chance to assimilate the information into our lives and our businesses.
Ben Settle refers to it as his 10X rule.
“IMHO, it’s better to consume the good ones 10x’s (at LEAST).
“Not only do you get a DEEP understanding of the subject, but you also get tons of new ideas, solutions, and lots and lots of “fodder” for your ads, products, articles, blog posts, emails, etc.”
So, don’t read new books. Okay, you can if you want, but maybe reread one again in 2021.
I’m not telling you to not read tons of books. Never do what someone else tells you to do just because. Do what works for you.
I am, however, suggesting that you consider re-reading a book or two for a second time. Maybe more. Perhaps ten (okay, I am still working on that).
6. Focus on standing out.
Standing out seems narcist. I know, because I have thought that. Thing is, I thought if I did a great job and was well-liked people would come to me.
That is a myth.
You can attract people to you, but you need to stand out. You need to position yourself differently.
How do you differentiate yourself from 10K other WordPress designers?
Differentiation comes in different forms including your target market, your product or service, and your personality.
Learn how you can stand out from your competition. The good thing is you probably don’t have to invent anything. You likely already possess your differentiation.
Wrapping it up
So what do you think? What are you looking forward to in 2021?
Do any of these tips resonate with you? Let us know in the MainWP Users Facebook Group.
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