A new year. A new you.

You’ve all seen that quote by Brad Paisley: “Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” And don’t we all want to do that?

​Digital Organization

As our lives become more and more digital, and we rely more heavily on tablets and phones to access our “stuff”, some helpful planning and the use of a few good apps to get us organized can set us on the right track. This article on the best apps to kick off 2016 is worth a read, and an app that is not mentioned in this list, but is highly useful and will keep you organized is Evernote.

Growing Your Product Portfolio

If you’re planning on growing your business, consider expanding your product portfolio to include other lines of insurance to offer your clients. If you’re not currently offering Medigap policies to your clients, 2016 is the time to do so with close to 11,000 people a day turning 65. Currently only 25% of these individuals will purchase a Medicare Supplement plan. Reaching out to these retirees and informing them about the need for a good Medigap policy benefits them and you.

Growing Your Client Base

If you are still planning on using the old ‘cold calling’ method for growing your client base, consider growing it through social networking. LinkedIn is one of the largest communities for networking and connecting with other industry professionals; however, you can also develop a client base by engaging and interacting on LinkedIn through groups and communities you can join. Of course engaging on other social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can certainly get your name out there as well. If you haven’t created a Facebook page for your business this is something you should absolutely do in 2016. Promote your website and gain followers. You can advertise on Facebook for as little as $5.00 a post. Twitter for business allows you to set a budget, create campaigns and facilitates in growing your followers.

​Updated Website

If you’re considering re-doing your website, some good sites that are user-friendly, cost conscious and don’t require you to write code are Weebly, SquareSpace and Wix. This website builder comparison chart rates the aforementioned sites and a few others. Website design and building doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. If you’re not comfortable building your new site, hiring a local college student is a great way to get your site built, and put a little money into the hands of a poor college student.

New Office

If you’re not feeling as productive working from your home office, maybe it’s time to consider working in a community space. This trend is growing and more and more entrepreneurs and small businesses are joining community workspaces. WeWork is a national company that provides office space in cities around the globe. And if they’re not in your city, you can check your local Chamber of Commerce to see if there’s a community space you can join to start working outside the home.

2016 is full of promise, and making changes is a great way to get out of the old 2015 rut. New opportunities lurk around every corner. And when you look at things with a fresh, new prospective, it can do wonders for your outlook on this brand, new year.
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Here’s to a new year and a new you!
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By Carolyn Portanova