One of The most important aspects of a year-end review is evaluating what went well and what went wrong for your business. Setting expectations for the coming year based on these statistics helps ensure that your company continues to improve.
Here, a panel of Rolling Stone Culture Council members share the most valuable lessons they’ve learned over the past 12 months and the takeaways they’ll apply to their businesses in 2023.
Listening is more valuable than being heard
I learned that listening is much more important than being heard. Our team has great ideas and our customers have amazing feedback. It is a modest position, but always valuable. Through listening, we were able to fine-tune our communications, our offerings, and even our investor benefits. I would love to do this so much more! – Michael Kennedy, Component Wine Company
Being adaptable is important for business
We learned that we must embrace chaos and plan to be resilient and resourceful. This year was quite different from 2021 and we needed some adjustments from the last year to finish the year and set up for 2023. Our industry is still working under the dynamics of the pandemic and it is not predictable, so spending very great attention we have been able to plan through it to have a really promising 2023. – Kevin McGee, Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Having personal contact issues
I learned how important face-to-face contact is for us. Virtual meetings are great, but having shows in person, selling out theaters for two premieres, and reflecting on the projects we’ve done and will do is very important. I am grateful to be able to plan more events for next year and beyond. – Karina Michel Feld, Tallulah Films
Caring for your health Caring for your business
I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in the summer of 2022. I skipped my health screenings during the pandemic. I learned that in order to take care of your business, you have to take care of yourself first. If you’re not around and too sick to run your company, then what’s the point of all the years of sacrifice you’ve made to get here? – Michelle De Long, Mimi Productions
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for influencers, innovators and creators. Do I qualify?
Adversity often brings renewed determination
This year was a turbulent mess between the rough edges of economic disaster. As a leader, I have grown from challenges and honed my skills in the face of adversity. Taking those lessons forward, I have renewed my determination to succeed for my team as much as for myself. Disaster is the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, and for that I will enter 2023 shining. – Sheila Dedenbach, Heavenly Sweet
Driving can lead to more value
The direction is good. People don’t need all the bells and whistles; they need functional, fun, value-added, purposeful things. Whether the things are experience, technology, finance or something else, they should help people move forward in their lives and careers. – Susan Johnston, New Media Film Festival®
Always use your time wisely
This year has been a year of ups and downs – although there have been a lot more ups. The continued volatility of markets and events only tested our ability to adapt in times of difficulty and pivot to prepare when things turn around. Enduring the significant bear market this year has taught me to use these times very wisely, not by obscuring or waiting, but by being proactive. – Tim Haldorsson, Lunar Strategy
Focusing on key financial KPIs makes businesses stronger
The pandemic taught us how volatile the economy can be. In order to move forward, it is even more important to be organized, efficient and cost-effective. Businesses that are laser-focused on their key financial KPIs will come out of this stronger than ever. – Adam Ayers, Number 5
Smaller meetings are more effective
Reflecting on 2022, I learned that the more people in a room, the less likely good ideas will be shared and the longer the meeting will be. To have a productive meeting, I need to plan ahead considering who will be attending and what their role is. That way I can encourage them to share their thoughts and help spur action. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
It pays to ask for help when you need it
I learned to ask for help. Most people are generally willing to offer help if you ask them. In business scenarios, this translates into stronger collaborative work and being realistic about professional pitfalls. – Jacob Mathison, Mathison Projects Inc.
