Introduction

The year is just starting and to say it will be challenging for businesses is an understatement. But those with unrelenting spirits and efforts will pull through. 

With that said, two things remain true as we transition into a new year of uncertainty: You can control your thoughts and focus on the opportunities, or, you can switch to survival mode and hunker down waiting for better times to come out of your shell.

Here are 3 great ways you can generate leads for your business in the new year:

#1. Refresh Your Brand

If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to reevaluate your positioning in the market and whether or not you are on target with what the market wants from you. 

Your brand is foundational to everything you do in marketing. It establishes your core message and creative identity, and it serves as a guide for everything you do. First brand, then plan, then execute. That has always been the winning formula and it is even more important today. 

Reassess your message and position in this marketplace. This means investing in your customers to improve how you communicate with them throughout the buying process. Talk with and listen to them to gain valuable feedback and understand what their needs and challenges are and consider adding new services that will help them. 

 #2. Identify Markets and Product Trends

According to Olivia Tan, the co-founder of CocoFax, most distributors make assumptions on what products will be more popular based on their own likes and dislikes. This is a mistake that can be easily avoided. You have historical data that should be evaluated to help influence strategic direction. Listen to your clients and what they are asking for as well as events and programs they’re planning. Pay attention to retail and consumer trends. Check new products suppliers are introducing. You will get valuable insights that will help you anticipate products and decorating methods you can promote ahead of your competitors.

 #3. Audit & Update Your Marketing Strategy – Online + Offline

Now is a great time to take a look at what you’re doing in terms of marketing and assess if you are on the right track. You may already be well positioned in the market but the tactics you have in place might need adjusting, as they often do. Or maybe your tactics are disconnected and you need to fill the gaps so they produce better results. Whatever the case, taking a high view of all you have will help identify what you need to make your marketing more effective.