Set Learning Goals, Script Your Sales, and Delegate What Scares You … Plus More Jan-Feb To-Dos for Wide-Format Print Pros

Jan. 19-25

STAFF Set a 2026 learning goal for staff. It could be sales skills, social media practices, or technical know-how. Just make sure it’s NEW knowledge. Research shows workers thrive when they experience both vitality AND learning — and they’re less susceptible to stress and burnout.

LEADERSHIP Block two hours this week to think about where your business should be in three years. No interruptions. Just thinking.

Jan. 26-Feb. 1

SALES Review your “sales scripts.” Don’t have them? You’re not “going with the flow” — you’re winging it. Get writing.

FINANCES Get an early start on your taxes. On average, small-business owners spend more than 40 hours — a full workweek — filing federal taxes every year. One in four spends at least three full weeks on it.

Feb. 2-8

MANAGEMENT Book time with your top two employees. Ask what’s working and what’s broken. No agenda — just listen.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Show your expertise by adding a monthly tip for better marketing and design to your website. It positions you as a resource, not just a vendor.

SOCIAL MEDIA Choose your social goal this week — awareness, traffic, or authority. Write it down. Before you post anything, ask: “Does this support that goal?”

Feb. 9-15

STAFF Valentine’s week — buy chocolates for your employees. Inscribe the card: “Love your work!”

MANAGEMENT Write one specific praise daily. Not “good job” — say why. Keep a list so you hit everyone monthly.

LEADERSHIP Make one decision you’ve been avoiding. Even if it’s imperfect, movement beats paralysis.

Feb. 16-22

MANAGEMENT Ask staff to write their answer to: “Why do you get up in the morning and why should our customers care?” You may find a new mission statement in those answers.

HIRING Rewrite one job posting this week. Cut the filler — nobody’s excited about a “fast-paced environment” — and say exactly who you want and why they’d want you.

NETWORKING Build your local presence. Join the chamber of commerce, a BNI group, or a commercial real estate association. That’s where your next fleet wrap or lobby sign client is networking too.

Feb. 23-Mar. 1

MANAGEMENT Delegate one task you’ve been hoarding. Pick something that feels too important to hand off — that’s the right one.

STRATEGY Up your market intelligence. Ask every new client: “Why’d you leave your last print provider?” Follow up on defections too — a polite inquiry helps ensure they’re rare.

OPERATIONS Film one simple training process. Greeting customers, handling an install, prepping files — anything. Make knowledge shareable and cut training time.