2019 is just about 10 days away – and some are wondering where 2018 went. Yes, time seems to be moving faster and faster, but as a business owner, the only way to get ahead of the curve is to think outside the box, NOW.

Waiting until January 1st to get your 2019 business strategy in place is a day late and probably a dollar (or two) short. And while the holidays are in full swing and your time is crunched, there is at least one process you should complete ASAP. They are the 4 principles of growing a successful business.

1. Define your big vision. The big vision, mission and purpose are critical so that everyone is on the same page. As the CEO of your company, getting clarity on the vision is your job. What are you goals? Who do you want to serve? Why? What is the mission and purpose? If you have a team, you may want to share the process, or at least the outcome, with them.
2. Plan the bold moves. Once you have your big vision, it’s time to create your overall business strategy and bold moves. No company ever became a huge success without making bold moves. Some may seem risky, others naturally obvious, but bold moves are what drive the company onward and upwards. Think outside the box and ahead of the curve for your industry. How can you differentiate yourself?
3. Be brave. There is nothing easy about being an entrepreneur. Nothing. It takes courage, tenacity, grit and more. Fear doesn’t hold the most successful back. They find a way around it, over it or through it. When you know what you want and why you want it, bravery comes easily.
4. Dare to be YOU! Take a stand. Dare to be you in how you show up, how you present yourself, and when you share your perspective. Not everyone will agree – and in fact, you’ll probably have those who want to challenge you. But that’s ok. That’s how you stand out in the crowd of “sameness”.

So – take a moment this holiday season. Maybe grab some hot cocoa and a blanket and sit by the fire. But find time to review and celebrate your past year and plan for the future. Come January 2nd, you’ll be glad you did and have a plan to immediately begin implementing.