Turning 2024’s Lessons Into 2025 Business Strengths

Happy New Year! Does the start of 2025 feel any different to you? Part of me thinks it was just another Thursday, with the calendar simply advancing a digit. But another part wonders what life might look like a year from now when we move from 2025 to 2026? 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that I can’t plan everything. I used to think I could—until 2024 reminded me how unpredictable life truly is. 

What 2024 Taught Me 

Last year brought challenges I could never have anticipated. While in Paris, I learned that my brother had a blood clot. Two weeks after I returned home, we found out he had just weeks to live due to pancreatic cancer. Losing my brother wasn’t part of the plan, but it taught me lessons that will shape how I approach this year—and perhaps they’ll help you, too. 

Lesson 1: Invest in Your Team 

When I stepped away from my business for four months to care for my family, my incredibly capable team stepped up and kept everything running smoothly. Their dedication was inspiring, and it reinforced the importance of investing in my team, not just professionally but personally. 

This year, I’m doubling down on supporting my team, ensuring they have what they need to thrive. When you take care of your team, they take care of your business. 

Lesson 2: Strengthen Processes 

Just as I returned from my hiatus, two key team members faced significant health challenges—one required months off, and the other faced ongoing surgeries. Once again, our team rallied to support one another and our clients. 

However, the experience revealed a gap: we didn’t have comprehensive documentation for some client-specific processes. That’s a priority for 2025. Clear, well-documented systems allow your business to adapt to unexpected changes while maintaining quality and consistency. 

Lesson 3: Invest in Yourself 

In 2024, I took two trips that felt a bit indulgent at the time. In Paris, I worked on earning my life coaching certification to better support our clients. Many financial struggles are deeply rooted in life challenges, and I want to help clients address those underlying issues. In London, I spoke at an ecommerce conference and attended an accounting event. 

Looking back, those experiences were invaluable. My coaching training gave me the emotional resilience to navigate my brother’s illness and passing. Meanwhile, a chance conversation at the accounting conference provided fresh insights into process documentation. That connection led to meaningful support when my team faced health challenges. 

These trips weren’t just professional investments—they were personal growth opportunities. In 2025, I’m committed to continuing to invest in myself, because growth in one area enriches every other part of life. 

Looking Ahead: A Broader Approach to Planning 

This first workday of 2025, I focused on three things: 

1. Investing in myself – to stay inspired and resilient. 

1. Investing in my team – to empower them and strengthen our business. 

1. Connecting with others – to build relationships that advance shared goals. 

Instead of rigid plans, this year I’m embracing a more flexible, intuitive approach. This mindset allows for creativity, adaptability, and responsiveness to life’s surprises—both challenges and opportunities. 

If this resonates with you, I’d love to chat about how we can support your goals. Our Cash Accelerator Program is designed to help you gain clarity and confidence: 

• Phase 1: Get clear on your cash resources. 

• Phase 2: Align your business and personal goals. 

• Phase 3: Create a roadmap to take the next steps with purpose. 

Let’s work together to make 2025 a year of growth, resilience, and success. Click here to set up a call and learn more.  

 

Interested in Profit First? 

If your ecommerce business isn’t where you’d like it to be in terms of profitability, check out my book, Profit First for Ecommerce Sellers. It answers important questions about how to implement Profit First in an ecommerce business. Take control of your money and your business, and put Profit First to work for you!  

You can also sign up for the Profit First for Ecommerce Sellers Online Course. As a Mastery Level, Certified Profit First Professional, I will teach you why Profit First works so well for ecommerce businesses and the particular challenges for businesses that have physical products requiring inventory management. You will learn how your behavior drives your money management habits for your business and how you can set up your business bank accounts to work with your habits. 

Check out all our ecommerce accounting and profit advising services here!