One thing I have learned to love and appreciate is the importance of planning. Usually I start my business planning for the next year in Nov. Then, I work on the finer details of my plans in Dec.
Now that December is here, I am ready for the next level of my plans. Business growth plans and the marketing plans which go along accordingly.
People who see me out and about usually comment on my organization of everything I do. In part, 
it starts with an old school approach: I simply use a good old fashioned weekly calendar. I actually hate spending money on a calendar (I think they charge too much)… but, each year I am glad I invested into one. In fact, I get a good one (so I spend a bit more.)
With all the technology out there- I know I could be ‘up with the times’ but a physical calendar works for my kinetic learning style. Also I never have to worry about a battery going out and losing all my data.
My calendars need to have a very good cover as this is used daily and it travels out and about with me. This years calendar I chose is a nice lavendar covered one. The store did not have preferred deeper purple… so lavendar it is. I know this is goofy- but I have to like looking at the calendar since I use it every day. 🙂
I must say, I was pleasantly treated to a good upsell at the check out counter. Rarely do I see a sales rep do a good upsell so it was a treat for me to be the recipient of a perfectly excuted one!! LOL! The gal checking my lavendar calendar out at the cash register said “Since you have such a nice purple calendar… you need a purple pen to to with it. I just happen to have one right here. ” I smiled and asked her if it had purple ink. She said “Yes!” and did a perfect demonstration. She then handed me the pen and paper to write on. I did, and I bought.
She had no way of knowing that I used to always write important things in purple ink. It had been a long time since I had a pen like that.
So- how does this tie into my year end planning: its’ simple. I now have my purple calendar, my purple pen to go along w/ my purple glasses, desk lamps and other accessories. Although purple is my personal favorite color- you will find that I actually love many colors that are jewel toned. I use color very wisely – depending on my need and environmnet.
To wrap up: if you love purple, here’s what some say about your personality. This one fits me pretty well:
Purples are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority.
Have some fun and be sure to pencil in time before the end of the year to do your planning. Good leaders and good marketers know how valuble this quiet time is. It’s an investment into your future.
If you need help with marketing planning so what you do is effective, I can help. I’ve done simple 6 month at a glance ‘yellow pad’ plans- along with agency level 3,5, 10 year and exit strategy plans. Businesses need to plan now more than ever before to create profitablity short term and long term.
Happy Planning!
Debbra
Filed under: Leadership Development, Marketing Consultant, Marketing Firm, marketing plan 
