Updating My Vision Board & My Goals for 2024

The transition from 2023 to 2024 isn't just a flip of the calendar page – it's a moment of renewal and an opportunity to press the 'reset' button and ‘restart.’ This is the time when I allow myself the liberty to start anew, now richer in knowledge from the experiences of the past year. I have recently completed crafting my 2024 vision board, an evolved version of last year's. But this year, my goals are sharper, more focused, and accompanied by specific actions I plan to undertake to achieve them. In this article, I’m eager to share the strategies behind my 2024 vision board and the actionable steps I intend to take to actualize these goals. This isn’t merely a guide; it’s a personal declaration to stay focused and driven. So let's dive in.

One of my key goals is to solidify Zora Nova Design Agency's presence in my hometown of Lincoln, CA, both within the local business community and online. A crucial first step is ensuring our digital visibility is spot-on. Before potential clients meet us in person, it's essential they find accurate and engaging information about us online. When they search on their mobile phones, I want our business to be prominently visible. To achieve this, let’s begin by optimizing our listings on key digital platforms:

✓ Google My Business: Streamlines showcasing business details on Google Search and Maps, enhancing visibility.

✓ Bing Places: Expands reach on Bing, similar to Google My Business, for an improved online footprint.

✓ Facebook Business Page: Engages with Facebook's extensive user base through posts and interactions.

✓ Apple Business Connect: Boosts presence on Apple Maps, connecting with local iPhone and iPad users, especially important for physical locations.

Next on my agenda is ensuring that the Zora Nova Design Agency website is optimized for 2024. In today's digital era, a business's website functions as its digital storefront, central business hub, and a critical tool for communication. Without a robust online presence, a business risks becoming virtually invisible. To fortify our local presence, it's imperative to keep our website current, user-friendly, and easily discoverable in search results. To achieve this, I'm focusing on implementing the following key strategies:

✓ Smarter Content: Focusing on content that resonates with business owners is key. This involves understanding their needs and creating engaging, relevant blog posts, compelling social proof, and authentic stories. Such targeted content is not just crucial for audience engagement but also vital for AI-driven search engine rankings. New Google algorithm is centered around website authority.  Search engines evaluate a website's authority based on its expertise in a specific field, making high-quality content a primary factor in ranking higher. By producing content that directly addresses business owners' concerns and goals, my website is poised to achieve greater online visibility and success.

✓ Aesthetics vs Accessibility: A clear layout with appealing visuals is key to enhancing user experience, creating an engaging yet simple interface. A good website captivates without overwhelming, offering an intuitive experience that aligns with the brand's voice. Clients often express a preference for 'simple' websites, not realizing that achieving simplicity is often more complex than including all the features. This balance between minimalism and functionality is what makes great designs, much like Apple’s iPhone.

Building a strong local presence involves more than just online activities; it also means actively engaging with the locals and stepping out of the office. I plan to collaborate with non-profit organizations, offering my professional services on a pro-bono basis. Participating in local events and volunteering are essential for making personal connections. These activities not only strengthen ties within the community but also keep my business relevant and actively engaged in the local area. In line with these objectives, I am exploring three specific opportunities:

1. The Rock N Riding Ranch Foundation: Located in Newcastle, CA, this equine and livestock rescue organization offers horseback riding lessons and equine therapy, providing valuable services to the community.

2. The Downtown Lincoln Association: This group is dedicated to revitalizing the historic Downtown Lincoln district, supporting the economic growth of local businesses.

3. California Department of Rehabilitation: An important organization that assists individuals with disabilities, offering a range of services to empower and support them in their daily lives and professional endeavors.

And finally, I knew I needed to find a networking group. Initially, I considered joining the local Chamber of Commerce or BNI (Business Network International). However, my primary interest lay in learning and sharing knowledge, guiding me towards a different path. I connected with several business owners and together, we established the Business Advantage and Resources (B.A.R.) of Placer County. 'Serving first' became our guiding principle, emphasizing teaching and sharing over traditional networking. This initiative has not only allowed me to engage with other businesses but also fostered an environment of mutual learning and broadened our collective perspectives. It has been an enriching experience that nurtures both a sense of community and collective growth.

There you have it — my vision board for 2024. It's a blend of professional objectives and personal goals, like taking the family to Disneyland, enjoying more camping trips this summer, and focusing on healthier habits. These personal aims are key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, though there's no need to go into detail about them here. The process of creating this vision board has been incredibly motivating. It resembles assembling a puzzle, fitting each piece into place while identifying the missing ones. Now, as we approach the end of the first month of the year, I find reassurance in the fact that my vision is steadily guiding me towards a successful 2024. I hope you'll be part of this journey. And as a parting thought:

“I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”

If you're still pondering your plans for 2024 and how to best achieve them, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you explore a range of options tailored to your business needs. Together, we can carve out a path that leads to success. Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!