Good-bye 2020. Hello 2021.

From all of us at Data2Profit, we wish you a very blessed holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or other traditions. This is the season of hope. Though families and friends find it difficult to gather, there is much to be thankful for.

Life makes it hard to generalize an entire year as good or bad. We all go through personal and professional highs and lows. This year, however, it is fair to say that nearly everyone wants to put 2020 behind us! From a business perspective most leaders already have.

Attention shifted to 2021 as plans for different sales scenarios, staffing levels, spending and other critical assumptions were completed by most companies. Others, unfortunately, are anxiously waiting to see if the next round of assistance will keep their doors open.

What are you planning to do differently next year? Your company is unique and so are your priorities. That said, we identified four value-creating things all companies should do. Which are in your plan?

✔ Get a Fresh Perspective – Challenge your team to tell you something about your business you didn't know this morning. A new sales, margin or profitability analysis can amaze you by revealing insights that seem impossible.

✔ Really, Really Know Your Customers and Sales – Sales is your #1 priority. Information exists to understand your customer’s behavior and what they think of you. Once you do, marketing and sales can finally get on the same page to double sales growth.

✔ Build Financial Confidence – Learn the story behind your numbers, whether you own the business or are a manager responsible for results. You know what they are. Ask “why?” And “what should we do next?”

✔ Get Funding-Ready – If borrowing is in your future, avoid bank delays by starting to prepare your loan documentation now. Understand the drivers of your 2019 and 2020 income statements, build the case for how much you need, why you need it, and how you will pay it back.

You can create more value, using the tools and data you already own. If there is an overall theme for this year-end message, that’s it. Data2Profit is dedicated to helping leaders turn data to information and information into value. Our advice? Start small. Do not start alone. We can help.

I’m grateful for the 2020 roller-coaster. At times it terrified me. But I’ve learned a ton. Made lots of new friends. Became The Data Magician. Walked my daughter down the aisle. So count your blessings, and bring on 2021!

Lynn