It’s hard to believe that 2015 is nearly over. And, gosh, what a year it has been!
SO much can happen in such a short space of time. I always tell my clients to acknowledge how far they’ve come, so it’s kind of my job to do the same and to set some goals for the year ahead.
At the end of 2014, I wrote my first year in review post. I gave you an inside look at my achievements and my plans for the year ahead.
Today, I’m going back to that post to bare it all. Did I achieve what I set out to achieve or did I fall flat on my face?
2015 year in review
I started the year off with excitement. I had formed some great partnerships that I wanted to keep building on. I had a couple of new clients lined up for the first couple of months. And it seemed like I would have to hustle a lot less.
I felt much more confident in where my business was heading. I wasn’t as worried about finances and I decided that my key word for 2015 would be…
purpose
When you’re just starting a business, it’s difficult to turn down opportunities. Even when they aren’t fully aligned to your vision. You become so desperate to make it work that saying ‘no’ seems like a ludicrous idea.
In 2014 I treated every offer as a learning opportunity, and because of that I was working on a couple of things that didn’t quite fit. So in 2015, I vowed to ONLY say ‘yes’ to opportunities that really fit into the bigger picture.
I got to say ‘no’ a few times and it felt REALLY GOOD!
what I accomplished
I committed to growing my business by:
- continuing my one-to-one support and meetups
- opening a private online community to offer weekly live support
- partnering with at least one more entrepreneurial program to deliver coaching
- running monthly workshops and webinars
- designing a group program for launch in Q4
Apart from the launch of a group program, I hit all of those targets. The reason I didn’t launch the group program is purely down to a lack of time (more on that in a minute).
I haven’t run my year end numbers yet, but I know that I have more than doubled the revenue targets that I set for myself.
what I learned
On one hand, I’m SUPER proud of where my business is at now. But on the other hand, I’m starting to exhibit some early symptoms of burnout.
I succeeded in only taking on opportunities that I felt had ‘purpose’, but I said ‘yes’ to too many of them! I feel into the trap of believing that business is only feast or famine, and so I took on as much as I possible could so I could build up my bank balance.
To protect myself, I got greedy.
Those who follow me around on social media will know that I haven’t been in London much. I’ve spent 110 days away on business this year and a good chunk of those have been in the second half of this year.
Although I’ve had a great time and I’m grateful for the experience, in reality it means that my days are really long and, on the limited days that I am in London, I cram in a bunch of meetings, errands, and tasks just to try and stay on top of things.
My sleeping is so erratic and I am tired. So, so tired.
Plus there are a bunch of things that I still want to do in business which I’ve had to put on hold simply because there isn’t enough time in the day to do it all.
what must change
I MUST take a step back and recharge. Back in February I wrote that “I didn’t start my business to have a life where I really don’t have a life”, yet that’s exactly where I find myself today.
My relationships have suffered, my well-being has suffered, and, if I’m being really honest with you, I’m not very happy.
So I’m taking a month off. No meetings, no emails, no social media, no planning, no hustling. I’m pretty sure that my brain won’t switch off entirely, but I’m going to let ideas percolate and vow to not take any action.
I believe that everything will still be here when I get back in January. And I believe that with some rest, I’ll be in a much better position to move into the next phase of my business.
over to you
What have your learned about business in 2015? Share with us in the comments below.
2015 was actually a rebuilding year for me and my firm. It was a year that involved some adjustments to merger, which led to an evolving culture. Additionally, a major processing conversion that created forseen delays in business, yet will serve to increase revenue and efficiency in 2016.
I refer to 2015 as the year of Sacrifice. As an established office we knew that we needed to raise our standards. Thus, we set about creating an environment of successful people. Unfortunately, this meant weeding out the folks that were not committed to providing the level of production, service, and “backbone” as I refer to it. In my opinion the term, “backbone” refers to the mindset and commitment to do whatever it takes to be successful while adhering to the highest morals and ethics. We decided it was unacceptable if anyone did not embrace the same commitment to success.
Thus, as 2015 was the year of Sacrifice, 2016 will be the year of Growth. Growth in the number of high caliber associates working towards a common goal. Growth in the acquisition of talent in the major areas of our business. Namely Teaming, Marketing, Education, and Coaching.
When a business is able to sustain a period of Sacrifice as it builds an infrastructure that is cohesive and focused the future looks bright. That brightness will yield the growth we need to thrive in an ever changing and evolving society that demands this growth be present in order to earn business.
As we continue to update our standards we shall thrive and be viewed as a powerhouse of talent that truly cares about its people and their families.
I have done a switch off before so as to prevent burning out. Actually, it never solved it after I switched back on.
It’s like there’s no way to get unburned out when you get there.
But I’m impressed and will see if I’ll try a full month switch mine has only been weekly…
Amazing post so much to learn from
Bravely posted Danielle, enjoy your well deserved and wisely decided upon month off.
I spent a year taking TreatNOW from a prototype to a fully functioning app.
It’s been a rollercoaster year, I’ve had incredible support from old and new friends, I’m really proud of how far I’ve got. But it’s not far enough, I’m facing an uncertain start to the year with lots of choices to make and need to bring in some income fast. Even if it means doing some consulting or working part time. If anyone would like some one to one sales training, including cold calling let me know.
I’ve worked myself close to burnout, I’ve had deadline after deadline, weekends evenings… to the point my body has put its foot down. I’ve been suffering from shoulder pain for the last month and it’s probably no coincidence I can barely use my phone with my right hand!
I’ve taken a week off over Christmas and it’s been essential. Time to reflect, relax and spend time with loved ones.
I’ve learnt I’ve got to pace myself and stop treating running my business at a sprint and more like a marathon.
I’m excited about 2016 now.
Good luck everyone