As we near the end of there is so much to do. Rushing to finish work, just taking some time to shop etc makes it hectic.
And then if you are lucky take a breather for a few days or longer.
This time of the year is also when we reflect and often refocus on what we want to achieve in both our personal lives and with our businesses.
Some of you may make minor tweaks, others may make major overhauls to increase the sales and profits of your products or services next year.
For me I will be making some changes to what I offer and how I offer them as well as finally upgrading to Headway 3.
One thing I know next year will be exciting and challenging which is always the way with the marketing of brands.
And that is what makes it fun.
At this time of the year there are also many articles on predictions as to what will be hot, must do or what will happen.
The only prediction I am making is based on observations over the year:
- Markets are getting increasingly crowded.
- Too many small businesses are what I call generalists.
- Standing out is getting harder when it should be.
- Change will continue to be a constant.
- Information overwhelm is still alive and kicking
- People and business owners are also feeling uneasy hear and read what they ‘should” do with the marketing of their brand.
So my prediction is the way to have success with the marketing strategy for your brand will be by embracing specialisation and simplicity which I will expand on next year.
As this is the last post for the year, I would like to thank you for reading, adding insightful comments and support through sharing the articles through social media.
I wish you and your families all the best for a wonderful Festive Season and terrific New Year.
If you have a few minutes add your predictions for 2012.
Hello my friend. Your observations are right on the mark! Bingo! Now the only 3 things in life we can be certain of are: 1) death, 2) taxes, and 3) change! Here’s to “embracing specialisation and simplicity” and a prosperous 2012. Thanks to you for always being there for me
Julie Weishaar recently posted..The 16th Way to Leverage Your Linkedin Account
Hey Julie,
Thanks back to you for your support and friendship and of course your videos. Have a feeling 2012 will be great.
It better be LOL
Julie Weishaar recently posted..The 16th Way to Leverage Your Linkedin Account
What Will You Focus On In 2012? | M4B Marketing…
This time of the year is also when we reflect and often refocus on what we want to achieve in both our personal lives and with our businesses. There are many posts on predictions I have only one for 2012 based on observations over the year….
Susan, I think some of those predictions are spot on. And I think I will be focusing more on specialization. Become more of a logo and brand identity designer as opposed to just a designer. I’m already thinking of how best to do that. I’m even considering updating my own brand for something more fitting with what my goals are. My only prediction is that facebook will start their dive into mediocrity. They’re too big and once that happens decisions are made that start to make the product close to being done. I may my way out in left field, but that’s what I think. Great knowing you another year, Susan. I hope we can work together soon.
Dennis Salvatier recently posted..What Does a Seasons Greeting look like?
I think that could be a great opportunity for you Dennis especially with your talent. If I can do anything to help just let me know.
Interesting prediction about Facebook and you may be right. It has been a pleasure knowing you as well Dennis and I hope we can work together as well.
I think 2012 will see some interesting shifts in the online business models.
With more and more people entering the space trying to carve out their niche, it will become hugely important to specialize as you say.
I’ll be watching mobile & apps with interest this year. When Rovio (angry birds fame) deliver 10 billion monthly ad impressions, its an arena that can’t be ignored.
Thanks Susan for putting out great content this year. Looking forward with interest to see what you bring us in the new year.
Merry Christmas
Jackie recently posted..A Walk Down Memory Lane & My Christmas Present To You.
Hi Jackie,
I agree with you about mobile and apps especially as more software comes out that makes developing them even easier for those of us without technical skill.
Thanks for your kind words and look forward to more chats and laughter with you next year.
Merry Christmas back to you.
Hi, Susan.
“the way to have success with the marketing strategy for your brand will be by embracing specialisation and simplicity”
Love this line from you, because I totally agree. Although I am not really that entrenched into the marketing side of 3D renderings except for writing posts on our blog and doing my rounds of blog commenting, I still believe that specialization and simplicity are the key. Specialization, on our part, is not so hard to do anymore because we are really centered on 3D renderings, but it may be the simplicity that we have to work on. We need to change directions on how present what we can do to our target market.
Thanks for the wonderful thought, Susan. I may even include it in a coming post.
Enjoy your holidays!
Kim Davies @The Rendering Company recently posted..Friendly Mondays – Christmas Wishes and Greetings Across the 3D Rendering and Blogging Worlds
Hi Kim,
Feel free to use it any time and with many things in marketing it doesn’t hurt to look at an idea such as simplicity to get the attention of your target market.
Let us know how your company goes and you enjoy your holidays too Kim
Embracing our specialisation and exercising simplicity are indeed the best ways to move forward in the coming year, Susan. That is sound advice indeed.Thank you for always being a great source of wisdom.
Happy Holidays to my friend, enjoy!
Wes Towers@Melbourne Graphic Design recently posted..How to Find Good Print Based Graphic Designers
Hi Wes,
Sorry for the late reply my friend.
Thank you for your kind words, really appreciate them and an early Happy New Year to you
Hi Susan!
I can’t but agree with you on the point of changes. Modern life is so changeable that you can’t be sure in tomorrow morning. Thus the change is really constant.
P.S. See you next year. Happy holidays!=)
Waiting for the coming new year, we have too many expectations. I needs to learn more about the online business and become to be more professional. So make effort and win more traffic.
Susan, I believe you’re right on when speak about “embracing specialisation and simplicity”. With the huge increase in competition that we’re experiencing, it’s becoming more important to follow the old adage of going “an inch wide and a mile deep”.
As for predictions, I’m keeping an eye on Google+. It certainly has not had the impact that was anticipated but I wouldn’t rule it out yet. As Google leverages their impact on SEO, I think it’s going to become increasingly important to establish a presence on their network.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..4 SEO Tips to Optimize your WordPress Blog
Hi Sherryl,
Hope you enjoyed your Christmas.
You make good points about Google + especially about SEO and I agree with you. Should be an interesting year.
Being true to one self and focus on what goal you have been set for your life is one of the key for success in business. I think lots of new thing will be shifted this coming 2012.
Susan, as others remarked “specialisation and simplicity” are a very wise course! I look forward to more of what you have to say on this topic in 2012. I am not good on predictions, but I will say that the need to build strong relationships with clients is especially important in this competitive business climate.
Take care, and Happy New Year.
Leora Wenger recently posted..Highlights of 2011 on Websites for Small Biz
Hi Leora,
Building strong customer relationships will be a key factor for success so thank you for adding this.
Thanks for your comments and I look forward to you sharing more of your thoughts in 2012.
All the best for a terrific New Year.
Hey Susan!!
Yes you right the strategy change from time to time we had to update the strategy without updates the business timeline goes down.
Cheers Happy New Year
Rizwan Sultan recently posted..Crohn’s Blog
Happy new year to you too Rizwan
Hi Susan! This year I will be more focused on the project for the year and on content marketing. I also want to learn new strategies to help me get through with the ongoing project.