How will 2025 be for you?

A Time for Building Resilience and Curiosity Amid Change?

As we approach 2025, it’s clear that we’re entering a new chapter, as yet unwritten. With the recent UK budget demanding more from business owners. With the US election results creating change at speed. It's not surprising that many of us might feel uncertain.

But these changes also open doors. Opportunities to refine our approach, strengthen our connections, and step into a future that we’re prepared for, not fearful of.

Here are some thoughts on how we might approach 2025. Cautiously optimistic.

Financial Focus: Finding the Right Balance for Your Business

With the cost of doing business certain to rise, it’s natural to think of cost-cutting or raising prices. Yet, instead of viewing these as the only options, consider this: what if you saw this as an opportunity to refine our spending with intention?

Start by revisiting each area of your business, asking, “Where is my investment making the biggest difference?” This is a moment to recalibrate, not to cut back for the sake of it, but to align your costs with a purposeful plan. Where will my spending bring the most value, not just today, but in the year ahead?

Marketing: Moving Beyond the ‘Busy’ Work

Marketing, for many, can feel like a constant flurry of activity: ads, social posts, emails. But when we slow down and reflect, a more impactful strategy can emerge.

Take a moment to consider what truly worked in 2024. Were there connections that opened doors, partnerships that created new opportunities, or campaigns that strengthened client loyalty?

I've always found it counter-intuitive when people tell me they get most of their business from 'word of mouth recommendation', yet they spend the least amount of their marketing budget on it.

This is your chance to strip away the noise and hone in on the approaches that bring lasting value. Rather than pursuing more activity, aim for meaningful engagement.

Reflect for a moment on the quality of our connections and the strategy behind your marketing efforts. What if, instead of trying to be everything to everyone, you focused on cultivating a loyal client base who appreciate your unique offerings?

Be Curious About AI:

Like it or not, AI is transforming businesses. Yet it’s natural to feel some hesitation.

A seasoned copywriter friend recently shared that he would rather not venture into AI. And that’s valid. But this raises some important questions: “Why not?” and, “How might your business be impacted if your competitors choose to embrace AI?”

He has been on top of his game for years but that doesn't mean he will remain on top.

Steve Jobs urged us to Stay Hungry and Stay Foolish. Not to rush headlong into every AI tool on the market, but to approach it with curiosity.

What if there were ways to integrate AI that enhanced your work without sacrificing quality?

At the very least, understanding what’s possible gives you insight into the landscape your business will compete within. After all, even if AI isn’t for you, knowing how others use it could strengthen your approach.

Making Time for Thoughtful Planning: A Pen, Paper, and Perspective

The most impactful planning often happens away from screens and digital distractions. Set aside dedicated time, ideally with a mentor or trusted colleague, to sit down with pen and paper.

This moment of clarity is an opportunity to reflect on the questions that matter: What worked this year? What needs refining? What will help us meet the unique challenges and opportunities 2025 will bring?

Take this time to pause, be honest, and let ideas flow freely. Sometimes, a fresh perspective from a brainstorming partner can uncover new insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Ready for a Fresh Perspective? Let’s Brainstorm Together

Building a resilient 2025 begins with curiosity, reflection, and the courage to plan ambitiously. However, it's difficult to create fresh thinking with an old mindset.

If you’d like support in mapping out your strategy for 2025, reach out. I’d be delighted to join you as a brainstorming partner, helping you uncover insights and opportunities to lead to a purposeful, forward-looking plan for the year ahead.