7 To-Dos to Check Off Before 2019

3...2...1... Happy Almost New Year!

Goal setting season is upon us. Resolutions are looming and the success of your business next year can depend largely on how you wrap up the next few weeks. It's a heavy task with all the festivities and subsequent lack of focus, but if you prioritize a few key things, you'll set yourself up for success.

1. Plan your gifts and donations

'Tis the season! Make your own nice list and include the people who have been important to your business. Consider clients, vendors, and co-workers and plan to give a token of your appreciation for their help and loyalty this year. It's also a wonderful time to choose a local charity and make a company donation. It's a great thing to do for obvious reasons, but it also doesn't hurt to get a little brand recognition and a tax reduction!

2. Audit your tech tools

Technology is mission critical to the success of your business. Do you have everything you need to hit the ground running in 2019? Perhaps there was something you could have benefited from this year? Make sure you're using vendors that are true business partners. Make sure they're on the leading edge of innovation, putting you ahead of the competition and helping you deliver unprecedented service to your clients.

3. Evaluate your digital persona

As an agent, you yourself are a brand. Make sure your personal brand is reflecting your values and the type of service you can offer prospective clients. Now is a great time to spruce up your social media profiles, update your headshot, and skim through all the content to make sure everything is in line with your brand goals.

Not sure what to share? Check out our tips in this video:

4. Prioritize your education

Did you put a priority on professional development this year? If so, great! Keep doing what worked and reevaluate things that weren't that beneficial. If not, make that a focus for 2019. It's amazing what inspiration the right conference or coach can bring to your business. Research some opportunities that would be a great fit for your 2019 goals, and make some plans!

5. Assess your 2018 business plan

Too many people create their goals for the new year without taking a long hard look at the past year. Review your critical metrics from 2018. Regardless of if you hit your goals in certain areas or not, what do the numbers say about your performance and priorities? Use this information as a starting point for sales forecasting and building a very realistic and actionable plan for next year.

6. Build that 2019 business plan

Now that you have a real understanding of last year's performance, it's time to put a plan together. Make sure you cover all aspects of your business: marketing campaigns, potential hires, specific sales metrics, technology investments and events. Associate SMART goals with each aspect and build out timelines to keep yourself accountable.

7. Enjoy your holiday time

This time of year provides built-in time to celebrate with those you love. Take advantage! Focus on your to-dos before the whirlwind begins and soak in your quality time with family and friends. Disconnect from your business a bit, enjoy yourself, and mentally prepare yourself to hit the ground running in January.

To view the original article, visit the BoomTown blog.