How to energize your business in 2021

Every January, we’re inundated with talk of “resolutions” or “goal-setting.” It’s the chance to start fresh, to get rid of bad habits and introduce better ones. It’s an opportunity to reset.  

As we all look to bid adieu to the tumultuous year we just had, 2021 offers a glimmer of hope. Yet as we’ve seen so far, most of the world is still grappling with the pandemic or other forms of upheaval. And as much as we’d all love to go back to life pre-pandemic life as quickly as possible, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that we may be living in this world for a bit longer than anticipated. 

Motivation around this time of year – whether you are returning from a holiday break or in the midst of a lockdown – can be challenging for anyone. For business owners, it’s crucial that we don’t take this as a time to put our guard down. More than ever, it’s important to think about the business and our employees. 

Let’s start by looking at the positives that have come out of the last year. 

Rather than springing back to the way you were, reevaluate what worked for your practice last year. Think about what you want to leave behind, and what you want to keep doing.  

Consider communication. We know, by now, that communication changed drastically for everyone in 2020. If Zoom has been a welcome addition to your practice, why not make sure we use it in the future for appropriate situations?  

In my personal experience, I have been able to double the number of clients I see in a day, simply because I am no longer having to commute in my car to each of them. That’s opened up a tremendous opportunity for me to focus on other ways of growing the business. 

Another tip I’d like to offer today is to start conversations about the future, no matter how far off it may seem. Despite the fact that 2020 disrupted business, it shouldn’t stop us from planning a new future.  

I’ll often hear architects saying, “The markets are very quiet,” or “There’s a downturn coming.” If you listen to that “downturn,” that can quickly become an excuse for you underperforming. You’ve got to be wary of this and take whatever down time you may be experiencing as an opportunity to improve your product, marketing and business systems. Think of this as an ideal time to examine your practice and make sure that it’s as good as can be.  

One last piece of advice: While you sit down and strategize for the year ahead this January, plan a date each month where you can sit down and revisit your strategy and goals. A monthly board meeting (which is what this is) will not only keep you accountable, but also ensure that you are routinely implementing high-level thinking about your business and where it’s heading.  

Creating a successful architecture practice requires hard work, patience and time. At Archibiz, we offer business coaching and mentoring to architecture practice leaders who are looking to build profitable and impactful practices, without all of the trial and error. To inquire about coaching, contact us directly by filling out this form, and we’ll find a time to chat about your needs and how Archibiz can help.