President's Message - December 2022
Are you ready for 2023? With all the activity that constitutes the end of a calendar year in our businesses, our organizations, and our personal lives, it’s hard to put in the time to prep for a new year.
However, an hour a week dedicated to setting up your first quarter activities could give you the kick-start you’ll need in January to buffer what is shaping up to be a volatile year. I’ll be doing these things to set up before January 1 to make for an easy 2023 return to work. They might help you too.
- Making travel plans. Did you get one of those coveted PRC registrations? If so, make your travel plans. February 1 is going to be here before you know it. And while you are at it, make plans for any other conferences you are attending in the first quarter. If you are worried about the costs of having to alter arrangements after the fact, purchase refundable tickets and reservations—it will be cheaper than waiting until the last minute.
- Reviewing your firm’s business plans. Whether your business is starting a new fiscal year or already a quarter in, now is a good time to review how its going or where you might be headed for 2023. What’s changing and how should you be adapting?
- Drafting your communications plan. And your backup plan. If you are in a marketing communications role, think about how to handle difficult announcements about lay-offs, project stoppage, or conversely growth and expansion in an environment when our clients are struggling. Your communications plan needs to be flexible enough to pivot.
- Studying up on your markets. January and February will see any number of events focused on state of the markets. Start doing your market research. You’ll have a better understanding of which events to attend, where to put emphasis on pursuits, and questions to ask your clients about their business. New to market research and don’t know where to start? SMPS SFBAC has you covered. We’ll have a virtual panel program in January!
What will help you get off to a great start in 2023? I’d love to hear from you.
Laurie Lumish, CPSM
Director of Marketing & Business Development, Degenkolb Engineers
[email protected]
President, SMPS SF Bay Area Chapter
