December is National Write a Business Plan Month.

Funny how that coincides with creating a New Year’s Resolution, right? 

After everything that 2020 has brought, spending time writing down goals (and potential plans to continue strong throughout another shutdown) is in your best interest. Your boutique may be back on track, and you may be feeling pretty good about all you are doing, but it will still strengthen your business to take the time to reevaluate and create a few new goals. A healthy business will continue to grow in 2021, gaining revenue and increasing its bond with clients. 

How to Update Your Business Plan and Create Resolutions for 2021

Reread Your Initial Plan:  Refresh yourself (if it’s been a while) on your most current business plan so you have a starting point.

Emphasize the Client’s Need: While your clients are choosing to have an ultrasound, they are doing so to strengthen their bond with their unborn baby. To do this, your clients need more than an appointment; they need an experience. Consider all the ways in which you can update your environment to help make each experience one that will build your business by word of mouth - the best marketing you will ever get. A fresh coat of paint, new chairs, offering a packaged snack and water, are all simple ways to give your boutique a facelift. 

Offer Training: Every employee should be trained to ensure that each client feels important. From the moment they walk into your door, your employees should know the best ways to make them feel comfortable. 

Find Something New: Reach out to other maternity, prenatal, and baby businesses in your area and create an event (even virtually) together that will increase business all around. 

Don’t Forget to Forecast Sales: Pay attention to any trends in the previous year’s sales. Were some months better than others? Look for potential reasons (holidays, for example) and create a forecast for this year. Keep in mind your struggles that arose throughout the shutdown, and consider these when creating your 2021 plan.

Create Opportunity: You are ultimately trying to make more money every year. After looking at monthly trends from last year, decide how you can increase your business during these peaks and lulls. Offer package deals, rent your space (if possible) to a birth educator or photographer to boost your bottom line (and give clients more options). 

Sell More Than Ultrasounds: Become the one-stop-shop for both seeing a baby in utero and picking out a pregnancy keepsake. Cards, frames, and heartbeat recordings can all increase your revenue and the client’s experience.

Love Your Business:  Remember to love what you do. Seeing families grow is a special privilege, and you are able to do so each and every day.