This time of year always excites me. 

Client projects have finally wrapped up, my annual to-do list is coming to an end and a fresh new year is on the horizon.

I do my best to block off a few days during this week to reflect on the last 12 months and prepare for the year to come, both personally and for my business. 

I love getting things in order, setting goals and having some direction as I approach January 1st. 

I have a feeling many of you do, too. 

So today I’m sharing my favorite planning and goal setting resources. My list isn’t super in-depth or groundbreaking, but I hope you find at least one of these resources helpful as you get your business in order for 2017.  

“Business is about people, and your reputation is built on how you treat people.” – Bruce Rauner

Like most creative entrepreneurs, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when I launched my business 3 years ago. 

I didn’t know how to find clients. I didn’t know what to share about on my blog. I didn’t know any strategies for marketing my business on social media.

Did I need a mailing list? What website platform should I use? How much should I charge for my services? Do I need to set up an LLC? How much should I be setting aside for taxes?

I figured out most of those questions through a process of trial and error. 

But there was one word that always laid at the foundation of every decision I made for Elle & Company, and I attribute it to whatever amount of “success” I’ve had over these past few years in business.  

It’s a word that’s often overlooked by many business owners, maybe because it seems so simple. 

Or those who don’t overlook it often toss it aside and focus on other business strategies and tactics, because it requires patience and endurance. 

There’s no instant gratification when you pursue this word. 

But I can tell you from experience that it’s worth pursuing and building your business around.