The holiday season is finally here, and while it’s easy to press pause, kick back, and fully dive into the festivities, I’ve found it’s also the perfect time to invest in my business and set myself up for the best possible start in the new year. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all about cozying up with loved ones and soaking in those holiday vibes. But I also see this as a golden opportunity to gift my business something truly meaningful: a little extra TLC and a jumpstart on growth.
As creatives, we often spend our days deep in client projects, deadlines, and the endless to-dos of running a business. But when the calendar slows down, many of us finally get a breather to work on the business itself. If you’re thinking about using this season for some intentional business planning, here’s how I maximize this precious time to elevate my brand and grow in ways that fuel me for months to come.
Carving Out Time to Work on My Business
With fewer client demands, I use this downtime to tackle the projects that often fall to the wayside during busier seasons. This is when I focus on things like refreshing my website’s SEO and fine-tuning my brand messaging. While these aren’t always urgent, they’re essential for building a strong foundation. Dedicating a few hours here and there to these tasks helps me start the new year from a place of clarity and strength.
Finally Finishing That Course I Started
Raise your hand if you’ve ever started a course with high hopes, only to watch it collect digital dust. (Yep, I’m guilty too!) The holiday season, though, is my chance to dive back into those programs. One of my top recommendations? The Profitable Brand Designer. This course I created is for designers and business owners ready to polish their branding process, enhance the client experience, and step up as a premium creative. It’s the ideal way to spend a few cozy winter hours, laying the groundwork for a year of big wins.
Planning for the Year Ahead
Reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the next is one of my favorite holiday traditions. I look at what went well, what challenges I faced, and how I want to grow. I set clear, intentional goals around revenue, client work, and creative projects, creating a roadmap that fuels me as I step into January with motivation and focus.
Investing in Personal Growth
To build a strong, resilient business, we have to invest in ourselves, too. Whether it’s reading a mindset book, learning new business strategies, or finding a spark of fresh inspiration, personal growth is one of the most rewarding areas to focus on. This time of year, I make space for that—developing my skills and confidence in ways that directly impact the quality of my work and the clients I attract.
Giving Myself the Gift of Growth
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that investing in myself is one of the best ways to invest in my business. For some, that might mean buying new software, upgrading equipment, or joining a coaching program. For me, it’s about creating something like The Profitable Brand Designer to empower other creatives to elevate their brands, build strong client relationships, and confidently charge what they’re worth. When I focus on growth, I’m not only building my business; I’m creating something that can help others do the same.
As a business owner, using this season to fuel both personal and business growth feels like the best way to step into the new year with intention and excitement. So while I’ll be kicking back with my family, playing games, and soaking up the season, I’ll also be carving out time to set my business up for success.
Here’s to a holiday season that’s equal parts celebration and growth. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!
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Until next time, keep designing and dreaming big!
~ Kim (and Jeremy)
