It’s almost the new year. Many new resolutions will be made. Many firms will be renewing or starting strategic planning for the upcoming year. Did you know that many firms miss the mark on their targets because they continue with their current target markets and clients, simply because it’s what they have done it in the past? Don’t be that firm. Take the time to conduct market research and get headed in the right direction. Before you start down the wrong path, conduct market research that can help you determine whether your target markets will provide an equitable return.

Imagine a software that combines the power of Excel with the convenience and cloud-functionality of Google Sheets. On top of that, this tool effortlessly links data together, making it an indispensable database. That’s Airtable.

Your Marketing Plan: If you have one, chances are your firm has invested hundreds of hours into what will be your roadmap for the upcoming year or two. But did you structure your plan with the end in mind? Did you create a strategy that can be monitored and measured? If not, a few modifications will ensure your firm’s success.

Every year, I call a variety of my clients’ clients to get their input on what impresses them in project interviews and what doesn't. While the Facilities Director of a Community College District in California declined to be interviewed, he did make me an offer I couldn't refuse. Rather than taking his word for it, he invited me to attend their next interview to experience the process myself. What I learned provided great insight into what works (and what doesn't), when your firm decides to participate in a formal interview process for a potential client job.

When I first started in this industry I worked for a large, very well-established civil engineering firm in the Intermountain Region. I was the first marketing person they had ever hired so I was fortunate to be able to set up the department and get their marketing programs put into place. One day I approached my boss, the president of the company, about establishing a Client Relations program to monitor client satisfaction.

It seems intangible among the 47 unread emails and strewn papers on your desk, but it’s a lot of the reason your business exists and keeps going: Networking. Referrals can make up to 80%-90% of new business revenues—so, it’s all about relationships. Just being great at your job isn’t enough. Developing a strong and powerful network is key to maintaining and cultivating new business and clients.