Five Professional Resolutions for 2017

It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is coming to an end and it’s time to wipe the slate clean and start a brand new year. Many people look at the beginning of the new year as a time to hit the restart button and start fresh with new goals and resolutions. With 2017 less than a week away, you’ve likely already thought of some resolutions you’re hoping to keep throughout the year. They may be things like getting back to the gym, or calling your Mom more, but what about resolutions that pertain to your professional life? If you haven’t compiled a list, we got you covered.  Here are five professional resolutions for 2017 of professional resolutions for 2017, here are a few to get you started:

Set New Goals

Whether you are setting goals for yourself at work or setting goals for an entoqmzwnd3thu-helloquenceire company, it is very important to know exactly what you want to achieve so you can create a strategy. Take some time to think of the goals you set in 2016 and what you did to accomplish those goals. If there are some you didn’t successfully achieve, adjust your strategy and brainstorm ways in which you can meet those goals in 2017.

With a new year comes new goals, so write down what you hope to accomplish as well as how exactly you hope to do so. Some goals may be large and some may be on a smaller scale, but either way write them down and revisit your list regularly to track progress throughout the year.

Step Up Your Social Media Game

Most likely, your company already has accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and possibly Instagram and Snapchat. Just having profiles on these sites, however, isn’t enough. Have you run any targeted campaigns? If not, now is a great time to put together an awesome campaign and use your favorite social media sites to promote your company. Organic traffic can be great, but paying for targeted advertisements can take things to a new level by getting your ad in front of the right eyes. Social Media ads can be adjusted for your budget, and are well worth the investment.

Another great way to step up your game is to start engaging more with consumers as well as other people in your industry. Social media is a great platform to easily connect with the people who are buying your product as well as build relationships with other thought leaders in your field.

Manage & Leverage your Personal Brand

Not only does everything you purchase have a brand, but so do you, and in today’s digitally connected world, your personal brand is more important than ever. In the upcoming year, take time to look at yourself and understand your strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, etc., as these are all part of your own unique brand. While everyone has a brand, not everyone manages and leverages it for their own personal and professional success. No matter what your job is, what you say and how you build your personal brand is valuable to your success within your environment.

The most important step in building your brand is being authentic. Your personal brand should reflect your true self, and “faking it until you make it” will not do you any good. A personal brand will also benefit from a strong online presence and a solid network of professional and personal connections. There is a personal brand attached to you no matter what, and whether you manage and strengthen your brand is up to you.

Keep Learning

No matter how much you know about your industry, there will always be room for learning. In a world that is rapidly changing and adapting due to technology, we must understand that there will always be more that we can learn. In your professional life, it is extremely important to stay up to date on the latest trends and changes in your industry. In 2017, make it a priority to keep furthering your knowledge on a regular basis. You may decide to simply read more or get certified in something you have been wanting to know more about, regardless of how you do it, never stop learning.

zajstp1nb88-alex-holyoakeTake Time to Disconnect

In a world where pretty much everything we need is on our cell phone, it can be hard to get away from work. Finding a balance between work and the rest of your life can be hard, but is crucial to your success and happiness. For many, it may feel like you never truly stop working. While it is often great to get your emails and other information directly to your phone, there has to be a point where you disconnect and step away from the job. In 2017, make it a point to give yourself a break and step away from work in order to recharge and destress. Use evenings and weekends to take some time for yourself, and only work during these times when it is necessary. I know this is often easier said than done, but even a little break can make a world of difference.

It is hard to believe that 2016 is just about over, but the start of new year is an exciting time to focus on new goals and opportunities. While you think of the resolutions you have made in your personal life, don’t forget the professional resolutions you have made or will make in the next few weeks. These are just a few examples to get your list started for 2017. Now get the champagne ready and toast to an incredible and successful new year!

About the Author

Cailyn_Chrystal_ProfileCailyn Chrystal is a Project Manager at 898 Marketing.  Cailyn develops strategies and manages implementation of content through social media channels for 898 Marketing and it’s clients, as well as optimization strategies for websites and content. Cailyn is a native of Youngstown, Ohio, and a graduate of Duquesne University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications.