The January calendar is up, and you’re feeling energized, ready to make 2014 great! But what about those New Year's marketing plans? How can you be sure to keep them this year when so many people don't? Perhaps taking a different approach will bring different results. So here are a few suggestions from all of us at Xzito:

• Tip 1: Look Back To Get Ahead. Think of where things were a year ago. Chances are that you’ve accomplished a lot. Why not list the highlights of the previous year and share them with your staff? They are real proof that goals can be reached.
   
• Tip 2: Take Inventory. Defining your skills allows you to set resolutions that are specific to your assets. Play to your strengths. If you’re a “people person,” resolve to attend a networking event every month. If you’re a motivator, create weekly staff meetings to boost morale. On the flip side, remember that this is not a wish list. Don’t set marketing plans for yourself that you don’t have the resources, budget or staff to fulfill.
   
• Tip 3: Make It Real. Replace vague resolutions with specific ones. Instead of “I want to have a great year in sales,” set marketing plans that are measurable. A better resolution might be, “I want to increase sales by 5% every month for 2014.” Suddenly, the requirements for reaching that goal become much more defined and attainable.
   
• Tip 4: Write It Down. We know of one marketing professional who writes three specific goals every January numbered in order of priority. She chooses her favorite font and makes the point size large enough to be read from a few feet away. Then the document is printed, framed – yes, framed! – and kept on her desk for all to see. Giving goals this kind of “respect” can be a powerful motivator. 
   
• Tip 5: Anticipate Obstacles. You resolve to stay at the office an hour later a few times a week, but you run out of energy at the end of the day. The solution? Arrive an hour early in the morning! As with any of the decisions you make, a well thought out resolution is an attainable one.
   
• Tip 6: Put Time on Your Side. Once a marketing plan is contained within a specific time period, it takes on a sense of urgency. That is one of the best motivators for accomplishing tasks! In general, marketing is a deadline-driven world, so why shouldn’t your marketing plans be given deadlines too? When you say, “I want two new accounts by April 1st,” you can almost hear the clock begin to tick.
   
• Tip 7: Take Care. It sounds like a cliché, but when you get enough sleep, eat less junk and get even a little exercise, you perform with more energy, clarity and focus. And that’s good for reaching goals.

Achieving your marketing plans – even small ones – gives you motivation. And when you’re motivated, you reach goals. Think big, but start small. It won’t be long before you are feeling purpose-driven and powerful in the new year!