Predict your future

This time last year I wrote about my predictions for the coming year. I said I expected the year ahead to be very unpredictable, and I think many of you will agree - it was! I'm expecting more of the same this year, but with a difference...

If you expect unpredictability, you can plan for it. Really.

After many years working in tourism marketing I've learnt to spot patterns and can pretty much predict which businesses will struggle.

Most of us struggle with uncertainty, so is there a way to make 2025 feel more predictable?

Yes there is. 

At the end of last year I spoke to several business owners who felt they'd had a really good year. They all had certain things in common: 

- they really promote their location, not just by saying it's lovely but by offering potential visitors more information beyond their business and the immediate location

- they were making the most of their good reputation, encouraging visitors to return and benefitting from recommendaitons

- they didn't spend a lot of money on their marketing. They didn't even spend masses of time on their marketing but they were very consistent, repeating smaller actions like posting on social media and writing blogs, again and again. 

- they repeated the things that were successful instead of chasing new things all the time and relying on trial and error

- they aimed to be the best in their category, whether it's the best simple camp site or the best local holiday cottage booking agency

- they were ready to adapt to changing market places - for example by becoming more sustainable or accessible

- they tried to be distinctive and find ways to stand out from their competition

- how distinctive you are and how much you stand out from the competition

- they've been on many of my courses!

None of these is rocket science, costly or difficult. So you can do them all, and make this year more predictable. Look out for more ways I can help you do this!