Vision Boards & Business Goals

The start of a new year is the perfect time to dream big, set intentions, and map out your path forward. While there are countless ways to plan for success, creating a vision board is one of our absolute favorites! It combines creativity with clarity, helping you focus on your mission, vision, and purpose—which is always the foundation we start out with when working with a business.

But why does clarity matter so much? And how can something as simple as a vision board impact your goals for 2025?

Karyn's 2023 Vision Board

A vision board is more than just a collage of pretty pictures. It’s a tangible representation of your goals, dreams, and aspirations. For business owners, it serves as a visual reminder of what you’re working toward, keeping you motivated and on track.

Your vision board can help clarify your focus. As you choose images and words for your board, you naturally identify what’s most important to you and your business.

Your vision board can inspire daily action. Keeping your vision board in sight helps you stay motivated, even on tough days.

Your vision board can help you manifest big dreams. There’s power in visualization. When you can see your goals, it becomes easier to believe in and work toward achieving them.

And finally, clarity makes your decisions become intentional. 

How to Create a Vision Board for Your Business

Ready to get started? Here’s a simple process for creating a vision board that will guide your business in 2025:

Step 1: Reflect on Your Mission, Vision, and Purpose. Before you start cutting out images, take a moment to reflect on your core business values. What’s your mission? What vision do you have for the future? Why do you do what you do? Write down your thoughts to keep them top of mind as you create your board.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies. Grab a poster board, scissors, glue, and a stack of magazines. You can also print out quotes, photos, and words that resonate with your goals.

Step 3: Choose Images and Words that Represent Your Goals. Look for visuals that align with your business aspirations. Want to increase revenue? Find an image that represents financial growth. Hoping to launch a new product or service? Include visuals that reflect that idea.

Step 4: Organize and Assemble. Lay out your images and words before gluing them down. Arrange them in a way that feels inspiring and cohesive. Once you’re happy with the layout, start assembling! OR, just go for it! If it feels better to just start gluing and see what you get, do it! This is your vision board, and it should feel good as you create it.

Step 5: Place Your Vision Board Where You Can See It. The key to a successful vision board is visibility. Keep it somewhere you’ll see it daily—whether that’s your office, your workspace, or even as your desktop background.

Join Our Vision Board Event!

If this sounds like exactly what you need to kick off 2025, we’d love for you to join us at our upcoming Link & Clink Vision Board Event! It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, get creative, and start the year with clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll create our boards, share our goals, and set ourselves up for a successful year.

Link & Clink 2024 Vision Board Event

Whether you’re creating your first vision board or you’re a seasoned pro, this event is all about dreaming big, planning smart, and supporting each other along the way.

Automate Your Way to a Stress-Free Holiday

Holidays are all about family, friends, and maybe a little bit of R&R. But if you're a small business owner, stepping away can feel impossible without things piling up. The good news? Automation can help keep your business moving while you enjoy the festivities. Here are nine easy ways to make it happen with a few simple tweaks!

Set Up an Away Message That Feels Human

First things first: let people know you’re stepping away. A quick auto-reply on your email can work wonders. Keep it professional but personal, like: "Hey there! Thanks for reaching out. I’m out of the office from [dates] for a little holiday R&R. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can after my return. Need something sooner? Check out [link to FAQ or resource page]. Happy holidays!" This way, you're setting up expectations and letting everyone know you're still on top of things!

Personalize Your Social DMs

Social platforms like Instagram and Facebook let you set up auto-responses for direct messages. Make it fun and helpful! For example: "Hi! Thanks for dropping by. I’m away for the holidays but will get back to you after [date]. If you’re looking for info about pricing, head over here: [link]. Happy Holidays!"It’s a little touch that shows you’re on top of things, even when you’re not glued to your phone.

Update Your Email Signature

This one’s super easy. Add a quick note to your email signature letting people know you’re on holiday hours. Something like: "Heads up! I’m taking a holiday break from [dates]. Replies might be slower during this time."It’s subtle but gets the job done.

Make Your Website Work Overtime

Your website can be your best assistant while you’re away. Add a banner or pop-up with your holiday hours, update your contact page to say when you’ll be back, or link to a handy FAQ page for common questions.

Block Off Your Calendar

Using a scheduling tool like Calendly or Acuity? Make sure your holiday break is blocked off so no one can book appointments while you’re gone. Add a friendly note to the next available dates, like: "Can’t wait to chat! My next availability starts on [date]. See you soon!"

Pre-Schedule Social Media Posts

Keep your social media active without lifting a finger. Use tools like Meta Business Suite, Planoly, or Later to schedule posts ahead of time. Now, you can sip hot cocoa without stressing about your Instagram feed.

Automate Your Shop Updates

If you sell products, make sure your shop is ready to handle things without you. Auto-confirmation emails and shipping notifications are a lifesaver here. Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce make it easy to set these up. In some stores, you can also automate your products to disable on certain dates or when they sell out, ensuring the products are no longer available. 

Write & Schedule Emails Ahead of Time

Whether it’s a holiday thank-you note or reminders for upcoming deadlines, scheduling emails in advance keeps things moving while you’re offline. Gmail, Mailchimp, ConvertKit—whatever you use, get those emails queued up before you log off.

Make a Game Plan for Your Return

Before you sign off, jot down a quick list of things you’ll tackle when you’re back. This way, you can enjoy your break without a million loose ends swirling in your head. If helpful, schedule a "return to work day" without meetings, so you can catch up on emails and get organized on your first day back. 

Taking time off doesn’t mean hitting pause on your business. With a few easy automations, you can enjoy the holidays and keep things running smoothly. So go ahead, set yourself up for success, and enjoy the season—you’ve earned it! If you need a hand setting up any of these automations, schedule a consultation now because we'll be out of the office enjoying our family over the holidays :)

The Power of Print Design

We know print design can sometimes feel a bit archaic in today's digital world. But print materials bring the personal touch and lasting impression that online ads or social posts just can't touch. Holding a high-quality brochure or an embossed business card feels intentional—it shows care, effort, and professionalism. Print not only builds credibility but also offers a way to step outside the screen and connect with your audience on a more human level. Here's why we love it:

It boosts brand recognition. Cohesive print materials—like postcards, banners, or business cards—help reinforce your brand’s identity, making you more memorable.

It creates a multi-sensory experience. Touch and texture add a new layer of engagement. The feel of premium paper or the shimmer of a foil-stamped logo leaves an impression that lasts.

It supports community marketing. Posters in neighborhood spots, direct mail, or branded flyers can engage your community in ways digital ads often can’t.

It provides Longevity. Unlike a digital ad that’s gone in a scroll, print materials stick around. A well-designed flyer or catalog can sit on a desk for weeks, keeping your brand visible.

Not sure where to start? Business cards are a timeless way to make an impression. Brochures showcase your services in a professional, portable format for people to grasp at a glance. Postcards are perfect for promotions and reminders. Or you can use signage to draw attention to your business with banners, posters, or table displays.

Not to mention, the holiday season is the perfect time to incorporate print design into your marketing strategy. A physical holiday greeting feels more thoughtful and stands out from the endless flood of e-cards. Hosting a holiday event? Printed invites add a sense of formality and excitement, encouraging RSVPs and attendance. Branded gift tags or wrapping paper for products show attention to detail and elevate your customer’s unboxing experience. Or use a personalized note or branded calendar to thank clients for their support. It’s a simple yet powerful way to strengthen relationships.

Keep in mind your marketing strategy should not consist of print OR digital. By integrating print with your digital efforts, you create a seamless and engaging brand experience that resonates with your audience both online and offline. When used together thoughtfully, they can really amplify your message. Here's how:

Drive online traffic. Use print materials like postcards, flyers, or brochures to include QR codes or website links that direct customers to your online store, social media, or a landing page for exclusive offers.

Reinforce brand recognition. Consistency between your print and digital designs strengthens your brand. Your logo, colors, and messaging should align across all platforms, making it easy for your audience to recognize you wherever they see you.

Create a multi-touchpoint strategy. Combining digital campaigns with print materials ensures your message reaches customers in different ways. For example, follow up an email campaign with a physical thank-you card or a direct mail flyer for a sale.

Expand your reach. While digital marketing is great for connecting online, print helps you reach people offline. By blending the two, you ensure no customer is left out, whether they prefer scrolling Instagram or browsing a local coffee shop.

Whether you’re gearing up for the holiday season or want to elevate your brand, investing in thoughtfully designed print materials can make all the difference. Take some time to think about how print could fit into your business strategy. Print design offers small businesses a unique way to connect with their audience, create lasting impressions, and stand out in a crowded market.