I love the start of a new year. It's the perfect time to look back on the last one and reflect on what worked and what didn't… and a great time to plan for what's ahead.

Yesterday, on our new forum, a retailer posed a question inquiring what tools other retailers use (wall calendar, day planner, etc.) to plan for the year. Personally, I love posting a large wall calendar so I get a big picture view of upcoming trade shows, deadlines, etc.

Last year I attended a seminar given by a very successful CEO. He recommends that CEOs spend at least 80% of their time thinking strategically about their company. While it may be difficult to spend that much time all year long, I encourage you to take the time in January to think about new strategies for the year ahead, such as store promotions, website plans, new marketing ideas and creative new visual merchandising ideas.

Maybe you can even map some of them out on a big wall calendar.