YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Anyone who has made a New Year’s resolution is already aware there is nothing magical about January that, in itself, changes the path we are on or alters the future in any way. In fact, my own anecdotal evidence suggests that banking on the start of a new year to make all things better and new again is no more effective than wishing upon a falling star or blowing out all the birthday candles on the first try. January is simply the month that follows December and precedes February.
That said, I won’t make you wait until the final line of type to learn that I am still bullish on 2023. In this first issue of Springfield Business Journal in the new year, we have included the contributions of several area and industry leaders with their take on what the year has to hold relative to their specific expertise. I consider myself less of an expert and more of a generalist by nature of the position I hold in an organization that serves as a point of connection for businesspeople with a variety of backgrounds. Though, here I will offer my 2 cents from the trenches. My 2023 predictions and playbook are based on three overarching tenets:
As our regular readers know, SBJ made a midyear course correction and began working with a different printer, using a different printing process and working with a nonglossy paper stock. The news didn’t change, but the newspaper did, resulting in a near return to pre-COVID pricing. This was undeniably a reactionary change, but one that drastically changed the trajectory of our business in 2022 and continues to make financial sense for the future.
I contend SBJ’s income statement serves as a mirror of area business. When the local landscape is laden with too much uncertainty, marketing and advertising slow dramatically. Likewise, when business confidence is high, businesses tend to position themselves for new growth and increased market share. These efforts are immediately reflected and felt at SBJ. Each month from July 2022 to the present has shown indication that area businesses are once again investing in growth.
And therein lies the magic. Good things are ahead for area businesses and for SBJ as we turn another page of the calendar.
Springfield Business Journal Publisher Jennifer Jackson can be reached at jjackson@sbj.net.
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