2024 New Year's Resolutions for Independent Educational Consultants: 5 Tips for Achieving Your Business Goals

As we usher in the new year, it's the perfect time for independent educational consultants to reflect on their professional journey and set meaningful resolutions for the upcoming year. Whether you're looking to expand your client base, enhance your services, or improve your overall business operations, setting clear goals can pave the way for success. In this blog post, we'll explore five essential tips to help independent educational consultants achieve their business resolutions in 2024.

Tip 1: Define Clear and Attainable Objectives

Before diving into the year, take the time to identify specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your consultancy business. Consider both short-term and long-term objectives, such as increasing client referral rates, expanding your network, or introducing new services. Clear objectives provide a roadmap for success and serve as benchmarks to track your progress throughout the year.

Tip 2: Make a Plan

Once you've set your goals, take the time to create a plan for achieving them. This should include specific steps and deadlines for each goal, as well as any resources or support you'll need along the way. For example, if you're planning to implement a new client onboarding process, you might scope out exactly which steps will be involved, and who will be responsible for each part.

How CollegePlannerPro can help: 

• Draft and schedule your client communications for the year using the Broadcast Email tool (allowing scheduled emails up to 2 years in advance).
• Collaborate with your teammates on custom college lists and college notes.
• Create Checklist Templates to standardize internal processes across your team.

Tip 3: Foster Client Relationships, Gather Feedback, and Celebrate Your Successes

Building strong relationships with your clients is essential for the success of your consultancy. Regularly check in with your clients, gather feedback, and use their insights to refine your services. Happy clients not only contribute to your success but also become advocates for your consultancy. Take the time to celebrate student successes and share these wins and client testimonials on your website and other marketing collateral. 

How CollegePlannerPro can help:

• Encourage students to log their admissions decisions in the Application Outline within CustomCollegePlan. They’ll be greeted with a festive confetti-burst any time an acceptance is entered.
• Analyze student admissions outcomes with the Admission Decision Report and Received Scholarships Report. The data contained in these reports will help you quantify all those achievements worthy of celebration.

Tip 4: Prioritize Professional Development

Stay ahead in the dynamic field of education consulting by investing in your own professional development. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices. Networking with peers and industry experts can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration. Continuous learning not only enhances your expertise but also allows you to offer top-notch services to your clients.

How CollegePlannerPro can help: 

• Network and share best practices in our members-only Facebook Community.
• Join one of our partnering member organizations (IECA, HECA or NCAG) and receive 25% off your CollegePlannerPro subscription.
• Follow along with our CPP University Live webinar series to get the most out of your CollegePlannerPro account.

Tip 5: Seek Ongoing Support

And finally, don't hesitate to seek support when needed. Whether it's guidance from experienced consultants or support from the CollegePlannerPro team through training calls, accessing external resources can keep you motivated and focused on your resolutions.

How CollegePlannerPro can help:

• Seek out a business coach. Professionals like Cyndy McDonald are industry veterans who counsel IECs on the ins and outs of running a successful practice.
• Not sure how CollegePlannerPro can help maximize your efficiency? Schedule a training call with our team by contacting support@collegeplannerpro.com.