Who wouldn't love to be able to see into the
future to know what lies ahead?
While we still can't look into a crystal ball
to reliably predict the future, one thing seems clear- while 2019 was a year of
great MOMENTUM, 2020 will be a year of innovation, creativity,
transformation, and shift; I call it the year of 'MILESTONES'
The momentum and progression of technology is
moving more rapidly every year, creating advancements we can't even imagine
yet--turning our cultural evolution into a revolution.
Leaders who aren't open to change and don't
acknowledge the impact of how much technology will continue to disrupt the
status quo, could find themselves facing some serious challenges or getting
left behind altogether as we launch into the new decade. That's why it's more
important than ever to prepare for the year ahead in order to ensure your future success.
HOW TO GET PREPARED FOR 2020?
·
SOCIAL
MEDIA PRESENCE ✅
Develop and increase your social media
presence - This is more
crucial than ever. It's now common practice for anyone you may be meeting with
to look you up on social media before you ever meet. So if your presence is
lacking, it's like you don't even exist in eyes of younger generation.
Your LinkedIn profile for example, should be about more than
just your resume--it should be about sharing your professional mission,
vision, and direction. My experience has taught me that people are much
more interested in knowing what you're about and where you can take them.
Choosing the right key words to convey your purpose is also critical. Instagram is
fast becoming a great advertising tool to promote your business visually-so
learning how to develop impactful visual content that tells your story is
vital. Depending on your target audience, being an active part of the
conversation on Facebook continues to be a mainstay of visibility, and Twitter
is becoming like a group text.
·
TURN
CUSTOMERS INTO ADVOCATES ✅
Customers expect more information and
attention than ever. Everyone likes to feel important and be treated like a
VIP. They want to know their business matters. For example, someone you do
business with once becomes a customer. Once they become a repeat customer, if
you communicate and create an ongoing connection, adding positive value to
them, they ultimately become a client. By being responsive to their needs, and
providing your best service, you create a positive experience that makes them
feel valued. The key here is not selling, it's serving. Soon they are no
longer just your client--they become your advocate. Make it your first
milestone goal for 2020 to be the year you turn your customers into
advocates and watch your business grow.
·
STAY
INNOVATIVE ✅
Innovation is a MUST - Things are changing so rapidly, you must keep up with the latest
technology or risk being left behind. The recent unveiling of Tesla's
new cyber truck is a great example of this. Elon Musk is a leader with an open
mind, known for shifting and disrupting the status quo. Although some critics
find the appearance of his latest new vehicle awkward and unattractive, it's
unique and innovative, which is intriguing potential buyers. Consumers are
registering fast to buy it, and can't seem to wait to experience it. While its
ultimate success remains to be seen, the cyber truck represents another new era
in automotive technology and buyers are clearly eager to take it for a ride.
The future is here. Leaders must always be looking for new ways to apply
technology.
·
GO
VIRTUAL ✅
Use more video conferencing - In 2020, technology will change the
workplace even more, so it's time to up your game now. Sharing presentations
and taking meetings by video will become more common. There will be less need
for travel as people become more comfortable with utilizing online
videoconferences, and sharing video presentations on apps like ZOOM, Go to
Meeting, Facetime, and Skype. If you aren't using them already, now is
the time to learn.
·
BE
A FORWARD THINKER ✅
Leaders see and do things before others
- Forward thinking is
preparing to not only avoid pitfalls and failure, but to also achieve growth
and success through innovation. Forward
thinkers are change agents, entrepreneurs, and courageous people
with a mindset open to MINDSHIFT. There are always new
ways of doing things better. Even the best cannot always stay the best. Leaders with true forward thinking ability
bring the future into the present.
·
SIMPLIFY
YOUR LIFE ✅
Automate as much as you can - 2020 is the year to simplify your life. Become
laser focused. Don't let your inbox and your direct messages rule your
life! Manage your life better by utilizing the auto-reply function for
your e-mail. Set up a time schedule on auto respond and let people know what
time of day they can expect your response. After that, learn to manage your
distractions and stick to your schedule. STAY AWAY FROM COMPLICATING YOUR LIFE
BY FOCUSING ON WHAT MATTERS THE MOST.
·
DELEGATE
MORE ✅
Hire an assistant - No matter how talented you are, no one can do
it all. 2020 is a year for you to stretch yourself as a leader
and do some things you've never done before. To do that, you need to focus on a
few key things you do best, and delegate the rest. When you're on a
mission, you need help. Hire an assistant and allow yourself to stay
focused on what's most important.
·
CREATE
A FUNNEL ✅
As a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader,
it's important to create a funnel of contacts to offer your services to. Create
a landing page or website where people can not only find out about you and what
products and services you have to offer, but can sign up to get more
information and stay in touch. This funnel should be made up of your e-mail
list, your VIP list of contacts and clients, and 'your tribe'-a group of your
closest contacts that you have regular, ongoing communication with,
because people only buy from people they know and trust. Feel free to
check out my simple landing page; www.farshadasl.com
·
SERVING
COMES FIRST ✅
In 2020 sales and success is no longer just
about selling, it's about serving. People have more access than ever to choose who they do
business with, and they crave VIP service like never before. Computers can
facilitate just about any transaction. But it's our job as leaders to
provide the human touch. This is what will differentiate you in the marketplace.
As leaders, our job is to connect, care and make the customer feel special.
Computers don't do that, people do. If you aren't providing a high level
of service, you won't be able to stay in business.
·
BECOME
A GREAT COMMUNICATOR ✅
The best communicator wins - While it's true that Millennials and
Generation Z may be more adept at technology, they are not necessarily the best
at real communication. Effective communication is all about connection,
not just clicks and likes. It's about understanding needs, personalities, and
touching the heart. As a leader it is critical to understand how
people think and how you make them feel. As that kind of
real communication continues to fade away with the rise of e-mail, texting,
tweeting, and the younger generations entering the workplace, those with
superior communication skills will be in demand and have the advantage. Become
a great communicator on a human level and people will respond and appreciate
you more.
2020 will challenge you to do things you've
never done before in a whole new way. Organizations can no longer afford to
be top-heavy. Management bureaucracies destroy productivity and milk the
creative juices out of even the most ambitious people. Your people are your
most important asset. People's trust, cooperation, and absolute devotion to the
cause comes from the environment created by the leader. Are you creating the
right environment as a leader? Are you building up the confidence in people?
What are you going to do differently in 2020 to serve and support your team
members better?
Farshad Asl Top Leaders News Top Leaders Academy
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