Warning: Just to keep the January blues away for a little longer, this article should be read alongside this specially chosen blog playlist – a blend of resolutions, leadership and marketing views.

New year’s resolutions, new headship, new normal…. you’re probably already fed up hearing the word ‘new’ and we’re just at the beginning of the new calendar year - welcome 2021!

But firstly, here’s a cheers to you….with all the advice out there around resolutions we’ve added our own perspective, set to the happy tune of ‘Always look on the bright side of life (optional extra - de dum, de dum, de dum, de dum, de dum)’!

In marketing terms the calendar year throws us a whole new world of challenges and opportunities! To continue the seasonal theme, we've added a garnish of resolutions for leaders to give our cocktail an extra kick.

Yes, we are excited for you - for those inspirational and visionary headteachers who want to look to the future take a few minutes to focus on some of our suggestions linked to our inspirational 2021 playlist and see if any hit the mark or maybe just start playing a loop in your head.

Never Enough from The Greatest Showman 
This power ballad shows that when you have high standards, you can achieve great things.
Resolution #1: Bask in data. From a marketing perspective, garnering views and understanding perceptions from all stakeholders (internal and external) will support the actions you need to take to drive/escalate change and inform your prospecting strategies (see resolution #8).

They Say Vision by R.E.S.
This hip-hop song talks about how difficult it is to break free of the crowd and do your own thing. But it also makes it clear that having a vision of your own is important in going forward. 
Resolution #2: Mass living and breathing of your vision. Believe in your vision for the school, nurture the culture, values and behaviours and allow your communities to flourish. Is it time to revisit/embed your school’s vision?

Hall of Fame by The Script ft will.i.am
This inspirational song is about reaching the professional and personal pinnacles of our own respective fields and aspirations and that we can be just as great as we envision ourselves to be.
Resolution #3: Celebrate success. Never shy away from highlighting the achievements and successes of your school, staff & community and then, as per the wise men, spread the good news widely.

Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles 
This iconic folk-pop song is great to listen to after going through difficult times. It reminds you that even after the darkest times, the sun is coming to bathe everything in a new light.  
Resolution #4: Staff engagement. Wherever your school is on its growth curve, active listening in the workplace boosts morale which in turn affects work ethic, loyalty, motivation and so much more.

Stronger by Kelly Clarkson 
This positive and soulful song is about the end of a relationship, but it can be applied to life in general. The theme of empowerment inspires us to become stronger moving forward to overcome obstacles.
Resolution #5: Parental engagement. The power of parent voice as advocates for the school must never be under-valued. Listen, engage and empower your parent body to support your goals.

Firework by Katy Perry 
This motivational pop song is about untapped potential and that it’s never too late to shine; there is brilliance inside all of us just waiting to burst forth.
Resolution #6: Empower pupils. From a marketing and recruitment perspective, ensure your pupils’ experiences, successes and journeys are told through powerful storytelling.

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
This 1980s classic encourages teamwork in the achievement of a goal, promising that if you stick together you will be unstoppable.
Resolution #7: Build your partnerships. We encourage all our partner schools to create the most multi-dimensional network that can be forged beyond the school gates; from pre-schools, primary and secondary schools to universities, businesses (local, national and international) and extended communities.

Try by Pink 
This pop song talks about the struggle and give and take inherent in life. Sometimes the things that challenge us most can also become our biggest strengths.  
Resolution #8: Productive prospecting. Proactively co-ordinate, manage and accelerate your retention and recruitment strategies from: staff - succession planning/talent management; to pupils - consolidation/transition.

Our ingredients for a successful marketing cocktail this term: listen, engage, empower, motivate, trust your instinct, believe in yourself (and your vision), lead by example, be courageous, see the positives and forge new networks and partnerships. Our new cocktail is called Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat!

For more ideas to support with your Spring term planning, book a FREE place on our next New Headteachers workshop here.