A fresh(ish) start for your business, whenever it makes sense for you
Hey there, fellow plate-spinner,
I’m gonna be honest, January 1 rolls around and we’re all supposed to feel inspired, refreshed, and ready to revolutionise our lives? When actually… we’re just trying to find the bottom of our inbox and remember how to log into all the tools we abandoned over the break.
As someone who’s run my own small businesses (and worn every hat under the sun including the single-mom broad brim), I’ve learned that the whole “New Year, New You” pressure can feel a little… forced. I’ve always felt more aligned with the winter-to-spring transition; that time when your body and soul start to stir again, slowly stretch out of short-day hibernation, and get clarity. That’s when I naturally find myself reflecting and planning.
But hey – whenever your reset happens, here’s a little encouragement to pause, breathe, and start the year (or season) with a smarter, more sustainable mindset for your business.
Here’s how:
1. Reflect on the Year That Was (The Good, The Bad, and The Burnout)
Before rushing into new plans, take a beat to look back.
What worked? What didn’t? What felt too hard or surprisingly easy?
Check in on your actual numbers, data is gold (and super intruiging). Check your social engagement, email performance, sales trends. But also check in with yourself: Which projects lit you up? Which ones drained you?
?Tip: Write down three wins from last year. Big or small. Celebrate them properly. (Oh if we must grab some bubbly, right?)
Reflection gives you clarity and that’s the key to making this year feel less chaotic and more intentional.
2. Set Clear Goals & Refresh Your Brand (Gently)
Set some SMART goals. No doubt you’ve heard it before, but make sure they align with where you want to go, not where you think you should go.
And while you’re at it, take a fresh look at your brand.
Does it still reflect your purpose? Your vibe? Your evolution? Change is more than OK!
Sometimes a small shift in your visuals, tone of voice, or content approach can reconnect you with your audience in a big way.
? Need help seeing your brand clearly again? CLS offers brand & online audits, creative direction and strategy refreshes – the perfect reset button.
3. Streamline Your Systems (Your Sanity Will Thank You)
Let’s talk about automation. Not the scary, techy kind, just the kind that lets you breathe.
Take time now to tidy up your systems. Clean up your CRM. Automate your welcome emails. Batch some content. Schedule out your social posts. The more you can set and forget, the more space you create for the big-picture stuff.
?? Not sure where to start? CLS can help set up or fine-tune your marketing automations so they actually work for you (not the other way around).
4. Build a Sustainable Strategy (Not a Sprint)
It’s tempting to start the year with a bang – big ideas, big goals, big pressure. But slow and steady truly does win this race.
Start with a simple, sustainable marketing plan:
- Set clear goals
- Choose a few content pillars
- Lock in key dates and campaigns
Then commit to showing up consistently, not constantly.
This is where CLS really shines. We can help with:
- Yearly marketing strategy and planning
- Brand refreshes and creative campaigns
- Ongoing content creation and automation
All with the goal of helping you work smarter, not harder.
Final Thoughts…
Running a small business is equal parts passion and chaos. You don’t need a dramatic reset or a full rebrand to feel back on track. Sometimes, all you need is a little space to reflect, a few intentional tweaks, and support from people who get it.
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself & make sure you reflect of all of the good stuff you’ve achieved! AND – your fresh start can start today, New Years, or when the blossoms start blooming.
We’ll be here when you’re ready.
