Setting Realistic Resolutions for your Event Business in 2019
It’s hard to believe that it’s already time to start thinking about 2019 resolutions. Take a moment to think back to your resolutions for this year — did you achieve them? Is there anything you would now change in hindsight? Were they realistic resolutions?
Setting resolutions can be tricky. We have a tendency to overestimate what we can do in a year, simply because we want the best for our business. However, creating unrealistic resolutions is an easy way to set yourself up for disappointment.
Setting Realistic Resolutions for 2019
It’s fine to think big, but you also have to stay in tune with reality. For example, when hiring a new team member, you have to realize that it may take time to see your financial investment come to fruition — but with time, focus, and hard work, trust that it will. The same goes for other major changes, like adding a new product or service, investing in a new software, or upgrading your office. These are all worthwhile resolutions, but understand the reality of the situation to avoid unattainable expectations.
Towards the end of the year, I set aside some time to sit down with my team to go over our strengths and the areas in which we could have improved. Team feedback is essential to the growth of the business. Look at your team like a product — they are selling amazing service, strong negotiating power, creative design, logistical organization, and seamless execution. We have to share our successes and setbacks in order to improve and continue to be powerhouse planners.
With that said, it’s important to understand that any business has its ups and downs. However, owning the wins and fixing the losses is essential to growth. That’s why we try to be as hardcore in our evaluation of ourselves as possible and we’re always pushing ourselves to improve and thrive on the right track. Each of us brings a different perspective to the table — we have each worked on different events and faced unique challenges throughout the year, so it allows us to all share what has and hasn’t worked.
Look to your clients for help setting your resolutions as well. Client feedback is invaluable, so take your clients’ comments seriously and look for ways to improve your services based on their feedback.
It is also a great idea to look at what events and bookings you already have set for 2019. This will give you an idea of how many more you can take for the upcoming year. Maybe you are already at or over capacity in that case it might be time to let people know you aren’t taking any new clients for the year. Or maybe you have a month or two where it is a little slower, you can then set a goal to book a few smaller things for that time of year.
Once you and your team have established solid, realistic resolutions for 2019, feel free to pop the bubbly and ring in the new year the right way—looking ahead to a bright future.
Amy Abbott is the owner of Amy Abbott Events, a premier design and event planning company based in Los Cabos, Mexico, that specializes in destination weddings. Amy Abbott Events creates an event experience that evokes emotion and exhibits the personalities of their clients, exceeding expectations every time.
