Thinking ahead

The summer holidays are over, for most of us at least. We’ve recharged our batteries and are ready to set to work again. The hectic autumn period is looming...we’re working hard in the run-up to the Christmas period, but also making plans for next year.

During the somewhat quieter summer months, I took the opportunity to re-examine my business – a critical evaluation of the current situation can reveal surprising insights and new ideas. Helped by a professional, I put together an overview of all our products (and we’ve actually got quite a lot for such a small company!) including the possibilities and limitations of each one. We also looked at my own personal strengths and weaknesses, and areas that I could improve upon.

What could be done better or smarter, and which areas deserve more (or less) attention? I’ve got quite a few ‘balls up in the air’…does it make sense to phase out any low-margin products? Now that I’ve got a good insight into all of this, I can start defining a clear strategy for the next five years. A key challenge in this context is to find the right balance between print and online. 

Print won’t be disappearing; we will be continuing with our Dutch-language magazine , and also with our network – those two aspects will both remain strong pillars of my company as the basis for further future growth. Needless to say we will retain a strong commitment to online too. We already have countless opportunities, but we’re continuing to develop this area; in next month’s edition, for example, we will be bringing you more details of our new concept called BrainBattle. 

We’re ready for the future. You too?

Saskia Stender