From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
As we usher in a new year, the age-old question resurfaces: “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” While many of us ponder personal goals and aspirations, it’s equally important to turn this question toward our businesses. The dawn of a new year offers an opportunity for a fresh start, not only in our personal lives but also in the world of business. Here are some ideas to help guide you toward a successful year as a company leader:
- Embrace the Power of AI: Incorporate the latest tools, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to propel your business forward. AI is here to stay, and those who embrace it as early adopters will gain a competitive edge. Our team is using AI in numerous ways and I want to thank Chat GPT for aiding me with this article!
- Invest in Professional Development: Support your team’s professional growth by identifying opportunities like industry conferences or leadership programs, such as the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, West YP and YURtern for summer interns, to foster their development.
- Streamline Workflows: Evaluate your existing systems and workflows. Consider adopting new methods that enhance productivity and streamline operations. Tools like BaseCamp, Calendly, and Mailchimp can be instrumental in achieving these goals.
- Foster Workplace Fun: Infuse a sense of fun into your workplace culture. Plan regular team outings to build camaraderie and strengthen team bonds. Our team recently honed our laser tag skills at Spare Time Entertainment and the laughs were endless.
- Declutter and Rejuvenate: Start the year fresh by organizing and cleaning your office or storage areas. A well-organized workspace can boost productivity and overall well-being. Before the holidays, we organized every drawer, storage room, and kitchen in the office, and it feels so good!
- Build Influence: Leverage the six key traits of influence – authority, social proof, commitment & consistency, scarcity, reciprocity, and liking – to enhance your organization’s influence in your industry.
- Pursue Awards and Recognition: Explore opportunities for your organization to apply for awards and recognitions that boost your reputation and bragging rights. Our team and individuals collectively have won 14 awards over the last three years, and it is a moment of pride for being recognized by peers and leaders.
- Show Gratitude Creatively: Find meaningful ways to express gratitude to your supporters and clients. Consider innovative ways to demonstrate appreciation beyond traditional gestures. We are hosting a new Committee Leader Kickoff event in February and have several new social events planned for our members this year to celebrate our monumental 100-year anniversary.
- Give Back to the Community: Make community involvement a priority. This year we are involved in a Habitat for Humanity build in Valley Junction and can’t wait to work with the entire region on this important project.
- Develop Strong Social Media Strategies: Invest in social media strategies to reach new audiences and drive sales. A strong online presence can significantly impact your business’s success. Our audience has grown by 10% in 2023 with a highly focused concentration in this area.
- Uplift Your Team: Always prioritize your team members who contribute to your success. Recognize their efforts and provide opportunities for growth and development. Stay tuned for exciting team announcements this year for the WDM Chamber of Commerce ‘dream team’.
Incorporating these resolutions into your business strategy can set the stage for a successful year ahead. As we embark on this new journey, let’s not only focus on personal resolutions but also on nurturing our businesses, ensuring they thrive and succeed in the months to come. Cheers to a year of growth, achievement, and innovation!
Sincerely,
Katherine Harrington – President & CEO / West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce