December 30, 2020
How to set your intentions for 2021
Photo / Ben Williamson
Nancy Marshall of Marshall Communications
By Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications
New Year’s is upon us. But New Year’s Resolutions are so last century.
Intentions are the key to a brighter post COVID-19 world. Intentions are all about being mindful about the journey toward reaching your goals. Since 2021 will be a year like no other in our lifetimes, and since we will still be in pandemic mode for much of the year, here’s how to set an intention to be as positive as possible as a leader in your business:
- People will continue to Zoom and connect through social media. Your business needs to stay connected where your targeted audience is connecting. Make sure you know how your people are connecting with each other and make sure your business brand is part of the conversation. Are your people connecting via Facebook or Instagram? Make sure you’re there. Are they on LinkedIn? Make sure you are there.
- Google SEO is more important than ever. People are using Google search to find everything from a restaurant that delivers sushi to a hairdresser that can color their gray roots. Make sure your website is up to date with modern images, modern technology, and relevant information on your hours of operation and your COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Be aware that consumers are attuned to people wearing masks so be sure to show people wearing masks on your website and social media. I don’t know about you, but when I see people without masks on TV these days, it’s jarring. I am so accustomed to wearing a mask that, when I see maskless people, I am taken aback.
- People are feeling lonely, so make sure you and your staff are empathetic toward their needs. While you need to enforce protocols about mask wearing and hand washing, you also need to show that you care about people as human beings. Show some empathy and show your gratitude.
- Gratitude is a way to feel like things are OK in the world. Create a culture of gratitude in your company so everyone feels good about their teammates, their customers, and the leadership of your company. People need to feel hopeful for a brighter future. Set an example by sharing what you’re feeling grateful for.
- New Year’s resolutions are perhaps more important than ever. People have been feeling sorry for themselves, so they’ve been indulging in alcohol and rich foods, especially over the holidays. Why not help everyone in your company set up a self-care plan for better health in the new year with less alcohol, more plant-based foods, and more sleep?
- Getting outdoors is safe even during COVID-19. Some people may not like being outside in the Maine winter, but we’re hearty souls in Vacationland. Encourage your employees and customers to bundle up and get outside. As the saying goes, there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing! Some of the most beautiful landscapes, seascapes, and mountain views are those that are snow and ice covered. Breathe the air and think of a brighter future.
- Stay connected with those who are important to you! Isolation and loneliness are sure-fire ingredients for depression and anxiety. Make a list of the people most important to you and figure out how you are going to talk with them via the internet or telephone. Fabriq is an app that helps you map out your social connections and reminds you to follow up with those who are most important to you.
- Breathing is a good solution when you are feeling anxiety. Perhaps you encourage your people to all take a deep breath before pushing "send" on their emails. That would help to not only breathe more air and calm your mind, but also be sure your email is addressed to the proper recipient and everything is spelled correctly.
- Start a list of the things you hope to do when COVID-19 is behind us. We all need something to look forward to, now more than ever.
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